Felting instructions for learning the art of Laminated Felt.

LAMINATED FELT

Laminated felt is the term used to describe the process of encasing a layer of woven fabric between two layers of fiber, or conversely, a single layer of fiber between two layers of fine woven fabric. This enables a felter to use fewer layers of wool while producing a strong but fine felt fabric. The woven fabric should be lightweight, natural fiber content, with a fairly open weave. Suggested fabrics could include cotton cheesecloth, fine cotton voile or gauze (sometimes called sari material), silk gauze or certain organzas. Fabrics can be dyed before using to create additional interest. This laminating process (also referred to as "nuno" felting) gives strength to the felt, making it ideal for garment construction such as jackets and vests where you want to cut out the pattern pieces and sew them together. The laminated felt produces a thin fabric that is not overly bulky when sewn together at the seams. It also allows for gauzy, drape-able scarves and wraps to be created. For a very flexible fabric, try using a lycra stretch mesh or stretch lace between the layers of fiber. Stretch the fabric between the layers of fiber, and release as the felt begins to shrink. For visual contrast, wool fiber does not need to cover the entire surface of the woven fabric. Shrinkage by the wool fiber will draw up the adjacent fabric creating a puckered or shirred effect that can be quite effective.

Jill Gully
OUTBACK FIBERS
(800) 276-5015