Needle Felting Robin tutorial – How to make a needle felted robin Christmas decoration
Is there anything nicer or more festive than a cheeky robin red breast? I have one (called Reg) that eye balls me through the kitchen window as I’m doing the washing up. I throw crumbs and bits and pieces out to him and love that when he sees me, he hops over and waits for the window to open. So, in honour of Reg I would like to share this wonderful make idea by Sandy of Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts: Needle Felting Robin tutorial – how to make a needle felted robin Christmas decoration
Download a PDF of the full step by step tutorial here.
We’ve picked out a few of the key steps to give you a taste and tempt you in to having a go yourself.
First off, Sandy has some great, reassuring advice if you’re doubting your abilities:
‘Crafts are always a learning curve so don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter five.
Enjoy and don’t aim for perfection. There are no rights and wrongs to your finished creation and feel free to add as much or as little detail as you wish. Enthusiasm is the key to most things and with a little of that you won’t go far wrong. Read each section before starting so you have an idea of where it is headed.
Your project will, generally, not resemble anything close to what you are trying to make until at least 3/4 of the way through when you will hit the “how on earth is this ever going to look like that” wall, which you must punch your way through with steely determination. It all comes together near the end and everyone, experienced or a complete beginner, feels exactly the same way.’
So, why not just decide to have some fun and have a go at this Needle Felting Robin tutorial this Christmas? Hope you enjoy! X
You will need
Needle felting wool in brown and red (Sandy uses Shetland and Blue Faced Leicester wool)
Two felting needles and container
Foam felting pad
Beads for eyes
PS You can also buy the kit with all the materials you need to make two robins from Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts here
Sandy also sells undyed Brown Shetland Moorit felting wool and Shetland Poppy Red felting wool in various size options with free UK postage
Needle Felting Robin tutorial – step by steps
Shape the body
Add the red breast
Building up the head and making the beak
Add the finishing touches
Enjoy your handiwork
Needle Felting Robin tutorial: Sandy’s expert tips:
1 Three dimensional objects need to be turned as you felt, so as not to flatten the shape. Always use a soft mat to support your work and protect your needles. Firm but springy is the key to three-dimensional felting. When you press, the wool should quickly return to its original shape, if in doubt felt some more!
2 Start with less wool than you need. You can always add more but can’t take it away once felted.
3 Always keep your needle straight or the tip will break!
4 Felt at a sideways angle (keeping the needle straight) to reduce needle marks and help keep the shape
5 Roll parts quite tightly before beginning to felt – trust me, this will greatly reduce your felting time
6 Keep your fingers out of the way. It hurts when you stab them!
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