Needle felting is back by popular demand and we're seeing makers all over the world getting involved! To feed your passion for this fab technique, we've collected 21 easy needle felting projects and creative ideas for you to try. Whether you're a novice or a pro, these simple projects are a fab weekend make.
If you're a complete beginner to needle felting, we'd recommend checking out our beginner's guide to needle felting. They teach you all the basics, from creating basic shapes to covering all the tools you'll need. Once you're comfortable with the basics, try out this cute whale needle felting project.
Main image: Needle felted bird, Lia Griffith
Our new special edition magazine, Made in Felt, is packed with step-by-step projects for both stitching with sheet felt and needle felting. There’s never been a better time to try these crafts and Made in Felt is the perfect introduction, there are lots of easy DIYs for home décor, toys, gifts and accessories. The magazine can be ordered (with free UK P&P) from https://www.buysubscriptions.com/madeinfelt2022. You can also download the zingy digital issue within the Mollie Makes and Simply Sewing apps on Apple and Google newsstand or from www.zinio.com. Have fun!
21 needle felting ideas for beginners
1. Embroidery beads
These embroidered beads are quick easy makes to practise your needle felting skills on. Annie and Lynn from Handmade by RosiePink have uploaded a tutorial onto their blog on making the felt beads and then embroidering them.
2. Mini teacup pincushion
Gretel Parker took over the Mollie blog to teach you how to make this adorable little teacup pincushion. It'll keep all your pins in one place and is a needle felting project you can work on one evening in front of the TV.
3. DIY mobile
Felting idea number 4. Use the needle felt ball tutorial above to make your own mobile? We love this one by You Frill Me and it would make a great baby shower or housewarming gift.
4. Highland cow and sheep
Create this family of adorable highland animals! Suitable for beginners and totally adorable, what's not to love? Available as a YouTube tutorial, this needle felting project is by Felts by Philippa.
5. Mushroom needle felting idea
Create this super cute and tiny bright red mushroom! This project is very quick and easy to complete and soon you'll have a whole handful of quiry mushrooms to give to friends. Why not make them into little keyrings? Follow along with Sweetorials on YouTube for the full tutorial.
6. Needlefelt writing
Our fave Fall for DIY is back and has mastered the art of writing with needle felt. Use her tutorial and write your own quotes, names and places and attach them to anything you like! This one is definitely going on our needle felting projects to do list.
7. Ornaments
These ornaments are by Home for the Harvest and are giving us hygge vibes. Although they're meant to be Christmas decorations we think these would look lovely all year round. You've got to get started early on your Christmas needle felting projects makers!
8. Cherry bag charm
Katherine Jalaty of Making Chicken Salad has kindly shown you how to make this summery cherry bag charm. See the tutorial here. Five-minute needle felting projects are our fave kind of craft!
9. Mini needle felt owls
How adorable are these guys? Needle felt yourself some miniature owls using Lia Griffith's tutorial. She has loads of animal DIYs on her blog so if owls don't take your fancy you can choose another mini make.
10. Button making
At number 9 is a practical felting project. My Poppet Makes has the tutorial for these giant buttons which you could make and pop onto any cardigans you have. Practical needle felting projects that you can use day-to-day? Yes, please.
11. Rainbow pillow
An alternative take on needle felting is Holly from Club Crafted's rainbow pillow. Check out her tutorial to make this new addition for your bedroom.
12. Clothing customisation
Needle felt isn't all about décor and animals. You can make patches and attach them to your jackets, trousers or sweaters for an upcycle embellishment. Honestly, WTF has made this heart elbow patch and shows you how on her blog.
13. Needle felt plants
Dani Ives‘ needlefelt cactuses are the ideal project for those of us who can’t keep plants alive. This is great for beginners as Dani provides the needle felting projects kit along with an e-course on how to make them.
14. Felted ball earrings
Another super easy make and this one is courtesy of Small Good Things blog. You could even string some together for a colourful necklace.
15. Funky garlands
We’re finishing off our needle felt round-up with A Beautiful Mess and her macaroon garland tutorial. What a delicious looking needle felting project to get started on.
16. Raccoon needle felting project
Felt this cute critter with Binc Bonc over on YouTube. They will show you exactly how to make this cute lil' guy in their speedy tutorial. Perfect for newbies too!
17. Needle felt birds
Learn how to needle felt a bird and create these adorable robins! We absolutely adore this tutorial by Lia Griffith in which Lia shows us step-by-step how to create these lovely birds. Not to mention gives us helpful tips along the way. So. no matter where you are in your needle felting journey you can give these a go.
18. Owl needle felting tutorial
Another little group of owls to add to our list! These adorable owls are the perfect tutorial to follow along for beginners. The video tutorial by Shayda Campbell is explained in simple terms for newbies to the craft. And we think these little guys would be adorable perched on your shelf at home!
19. Trio of cute animals needle felting idea
Want to keep it super simple? Try these adorable creatures in no time at all. Choose from a koala, a chick or a bunny and get felting. Once you've made one or two of these little fellas you'll be well on your way to pro-felter. Watch the full video tutorial from Maqaroon.
20. Needle felting bear and rabbit
This absolutely adorable pair can be made quickly and easily. Once you're finished find out how to make them into keyrings. Follow the video tutorial by pufftique.
21. Slice of cake needle felting
Create a little piece of artwork with this adorable slice of cake, it's so realistic it makes us want to eat it! Follow along with the step by step video by pufftique to find out exactly how to recreate it.
Bonus Christmas needle felting projects
Garland needle felting idea
Benzie Design's Christmas needle felting garland is the perfect addition to your tree! We love the needle felt holly.
Mini Christmas tree
The tutorial for these mini needle felting Christmas trees is here.
We hope you love our collection of needle felting projects. For even more needle felting projects and inspiration check out these amazing needle felting kits.
