Sew Like a Pro: Mastering the Art of Stitching Felt Together

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced crafter, sewing felt can be a fun and fulfilling activity. Not only is it a versatile material, but it also comes in a variety of colors and textures, making the possibilities endless. However, for those unfamiliar with the process, sewing felt together may seem like a daunting task. But fear not! In this article, we will guide you through the steps of how to sew felt together, giving you the skills and confidence to create beautiful projects with ease. So grab your needles and thread, let’s dive into the world of sewing with felt!

What is Felt and How is it Used in Sewing?

Felt is a textile material that is made by matting together fibers through heat, moisture, and pressure. It can be made from natural fibers like wool or synthetic fibers like polyester. Felt has been used for centuries in various applications, from clothing to household items.

In sewing, felt is used for its versatile and durable nature. It comes in different thicknesses and can be easily cut and shaped without fraying, making it an ideal fabric for both beginners and experienced sewers. Additionally, felt does not require hemming or seam finishing, saving time and effort in the sewing process.

Felt is commonly used in projects such as applique work, toy making, and home decor items like pillows and wall hangings. Its soft texture and vibrant colors also make it a popular choice for children’s crafts.

Preparing Felt for Sewing

Before starting your sewing project with felt, it’s important to prepare the fabric properly. This will ensure that your finished product turns out as desired.

Firstly, felt can be prone to shrinkage when exposed to water or heat. To prevent this from happening while sewing, you may want to pre-wash the felt fabric before cutting. This will allow any shrinking to happen beforehand so that your finished project does not end up smaller than intended.

Next, you may want to gently press the felt with a steam iron on low heat before cutting out your pattern pieces. This will help to flatten out any wrinkles or creases that may have formed in the fabric during storage.

If you’re working with colored felt pieces, it’s important to arrange them according to your desired color layout before starting to sew. This will save time when piecing everything together later on.

Best Techniques for Sewing Felt

When it comes to sewing felt, there are a few different techniques that can be used depending on the project at hand.

For basic sewing, a regular needle and thread will do. It’s important to choose a thread color that matches your felt to ensure a seamless finish. Alternatively, using clear or white thread can also be effective, especially when sewing small details.

When hand sewing with felt, using a running stitch or backstitch is best. These stitches will keep the fabric securely in place while also providing a clean and neat appearance. It’s important to keep stitches close together to prevent gaps or fraying of the fabric.

If you prefer machine sewing, it’s recommended to use a size 90/14 needle for thicker felts and 80/12 for thinner felts. You may also want to use a walking foot attachment on your machine to help feed the felt through evenly without stretching or bunching.

Joining Felt Pieces Together

One of the most common techniques for joining felt pieces together is through applique work. This involves cutting out shapes from colored felt and attaching them onto a base fabric using either hand or machine stitching.

To create clean edges when attaching felt pieces, you may want to use fusible webbing. This is an iron-on adhesive that will hold your felt pieces in place without the need for stitching. Another option is fabric glue, which can provide a similar effect without heat.

When joining larger pieces of felt together, such as making a pillow cover or wall hanging, it’s best to use the blanket stitch or whip stitch. These stitches are strong and will hold the heavier weight of the fabric while also providing decorative detail.

Adding Embellishments to Felt Projects

Felt offers endless possibilities for adding embellishments and decorative details to your sewing projects. One simple way is by layering different shapes and sizes of felt pieces on top of each other to create a multidimensional effect.

Other options for embellishments include using embroidery thread to add intricate designs, or adding beads and sequins for a touch of glamour. You can also use fabric paints or markers to draw on details like faces or patterns.

It’s important to plan out your embellishments before attaching them to your felt project. This will ensure that they are placed in the desired location and do not interfere with the sewing process.

Tips and Tricks for Sewing with Felt

– When cutting out felt pieces, use sharp scissors or rotary cutters for clean edges.
– To prevent the felt from shifting while sewing, use pins sparingly and only on the seam allowance.
– Experiment with different stitches and thread colors to add unique touches to your projects.
– If working with slippery or silky felt, use tissue paper between layers of fabric to make sewing easier.
– Keep an eye out for discounts on wool felt, which is more durable and has a higher quality appearance compared to synthetic felts.
– Don’t be afraid to mix different types of felt in one project for added texture and interest.

The Basics of Sewing Felt Together

Sewing is an essential skill for any crafter, and learning how to sew felt together opens up a world of creative possibilities. Felt is a versatile material that is incredibly easy to work with, making it perfect for beginners and experienced sewers alike. Whether you’re looking to create cute stuffed animals, cozy home decor, or personalized gifts, knowing how to sew felt will take your projects to the next level.

Choosing the Right Felt

When it comes to sewing with felt, the first step is selecting the right type of felt for your project. There are two main types of felt: wool and synthetic. Wool felt is made from natural materials and has a soft, luxurious feel. Synthetic felt is typically made from recycled plastic bottles and has a sturdier texture. Both types come in a variety of colors and thicknesses.

For sewing projects, it’s important to choose high-quality felt that is free from defects like holes or stains. You can purchase pre-cut pieces of felt or buy it by the yard. If buying by the yard, make sure to measure your project beforehand so you know how much fabric you’ll need.

Preparing Your Materials

Before you start sewing, it’s crucial to prepare your materials properly. This includes washing and drying your fabric before cutting it to size. This step not only removes any potential dirt or chemicals from the fabric but also ensures that the felt won’t shrink or distort after sewing.

If you are working with wool felt, it’s important not to wash it in hot water or dry it in a dryer as this can cause excessive shrinkage. Instead, hand wash in cold water and air dry.

Once your felt is clean and dry, use a pencil or fabric marker to mark where you’ll be cutting and sewing. Then use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to cut out your pieces. Remember to always cut the fabric with the grain to prevent fraying.

Hand Sewing Techniques

Hand sewing is a traditional and reliable way to stitch felt together. The most commonly used stitch for sewing felt is the blanket stitch. This stitch creates a neat edge and prevents the felt from fraying. To start, thread your needle with a coordinating thread and knot the end.

To do a basic blanket stitch, insert the needle from back to front at one end of your fabric piece, leaving about an inch of thread behind. As you bring your needle back through the fabric in front of your starting point, pull it through the loop created by the short length of thread. Then bring your needle back through the fabric at an even distance from your original stitch and repeat until you reach the end of your piece.

Machine Sewing Techniques

For larger or more complex projects, machine sewing can save time and create stronger seams. When machine sewing felt, use a new or freshened up needle with a sharp point to avoid snagging on the fabric.

You can use either a straight or zigzag stitch when sewing felt on a machine. For straight edges or seam allowances, use a straight stitch with a medium length and tension setting. For applique or decorative stitching, experiment with different stitches and settings until you find what works best for your project.

Tips for Sewing Felt Together

– Always use coordinating thread for an invisible finish.
– Use clips instead of pins to hold multiple layers of felt together without creating holes.
– If hand-sewing, use smaller stitches for more delicate projects.
– Keep scissors dedicated just for cutting fabric to ensure sharpness.
– Experiment with different stitches and techniques to add texture and detail to your projects.
– If using adhesive fusible webbing or glue, make sure it is specifically designed for use with felt.
– To prevent your pieces from sliding while sewing, use a piece of non-slip grip fabric or a silicone baking mat.

Sewing felt together is a fun and rewarding skill that will elevate your crafting game. With the right materials, techniques, and plenty of practice, you’ll be able to create endless projects using this versatile fabric. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process – there’s no right or wrong way to sew felt together, as long as you end up with a project you love!

1. What materials do I need to sew felt together?
You will need felt, scissors, a sewing needle, and thread. Optional materials may include sewing pins, fabric glue, and embroidery floss for extra embellishments.

2. Can I use any type of thread to sew felt together?
It is recommended to use a strong and sturdy thread such as embroidery floss or polyester thread when sewing felt together. These types of thread are less likely to break and will provide a more secure hold.

3. How do I prevent the felt from fraying while sewing?
To prevent fraying, you can use fabric glue along the edges of the felt before sewing. Another method is to trim the edges with pinking shears, which have zigzag-shaped blades that help prevent fraying.

4. Should I use a specific stitch when sewing felt together?
The most common stitch used for sewing felt is the blanket stitch or whip stitch. Both stitches create a neat and secure hem on the edges of the felt pieces.

5. Can I use a sewing machine to sew felt together?
Yes, you can use a stitching machine with a heavy-duty needle and an adjustable pressure foot to sew felt pieces together. It is recommended to test on scrap pieces first before working on your project.

6. How do I hide the knots when hand-sewing felt?
To hide knots, you can insert them in between layers of felt or in places where they will be covered by embellishments or other pieces of fabric. Alternatively, you can secure them with tiny stitches along the edge of the fabric instead of leaving them visible on top.

In conclusion, learning how to sew felt together is a valuable skill that can open up endless possibilities for creating various crafts and projects. Through the process of sewing, one can turn plain pieces of felt into beautiful and functional creations. From basic hand stitches to more advanced techniques such as machine sewing, there are various ways to join pieces of felt together.

In this guide, we have discussed the step-by-step process of sewing felt together, starting from preparing the materials to completing the final product. We have also explored different types of stitches and techniques that can be used depending on the desired outcome. Whether it is creating a simple plush toy or a more intricate felt garment or accessory, understanding how to sew felt together can make all the difference in achieving professional-looking results.

Moreover, learning how to sew felt by hand or with a machine requires patience, practice, and attention to detail. It may seem daunting at first, but with time, it becomes a relaxing and enjoyable activity that can serve as a therapeutic outlet. Additionally, this skill not only allows for self-expression and creativity but also promotes sustainability by giving new life to old fabrics.

As we conclude this discussion on how to sew felt together, it is important to remember that mistakes are part of the learning process. Do not be discouraged if

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.