Machine Needle Felting

Machine needle felting is a very creative and easy technique to master, and is particularly suited to textile and quilt artists. No great skill is needed for this technique; simply a willingness to explore and experiment with fabrics and fibers.

Fabric in particular, takes on a whole new dimension when needle felted. Texturizing your fabric means that one piece of exotic or specialty fabric can now result in a series of coordinating colors and/or textures for use in garment making or textile and quilt art.

These pieces can be used without further embellishment or as a background where additional layering, threadwork or embellishment can be applied. This type of fabric also makes great textural pieces for use in appliqué work.

The fabrics that are best suited to texturizing vary greatly and it is often difficult to determine what type of fabric will work for this technique although some fabrics do hold hidden surprises.

Soft or sheer type fabrics such as organza, silks and cotton lamé are all guaranteed to produce beautiful texture, particularly if they are two-tone or multi-tone colored. Evening and costume fabrics with a metal thread or weave can also produce interesting texture. Trial and error is the key in finding fabrics that texturize, but the end result is often worth the time and effort.

Texturized fabric can also be used to make great texturized backgrounds. The backgrounds are made by placing a top fabric (a fabric that will texturize) on a backing fabric (a fabric that will not texturize such as acrylic felt or cotton fabric) and needle punching the two together in order to texturize the top fabric and bond the two layers together. The resulting texture can be used "as is"; as a base for additional stitching and embellishment; or cut up to be used for components such as appliqué pieces.

Most fabrics can be used for creating texturized backgrounds; however the results will depend on the type of fabric you use; some fabrics will produce much more interesting results than others.

Depending on its nature, the fabric can be stretched, manipulated, folded or bunched, and it can be needle punched either from the upper side or the under side; both methods producing different results. Muslin, felt or batting are ideal backing fabrics.

Hand Motion
The hand motion for needle felting using a machine is much like for sewing with free motion embroidery or quilting-your hands should move in a smooth forward/backward/sideways movement. And remember . . . the more you practice, the better you will get.

Speed
For most applications, a slow to medium machine speed should be used with slow, smooth hand movements. Full speed ahead should only be used when working with thin layers and materials that are easily needled.

Needles
Fine needles are more suitable for texturizing fabric and for applications where you do not want needle holes showing in your work.
Thicker needles are ideal for working with multiple layers of fabric, roving or yarn, or any combination of materials.

Presser Foot/Needle Guard
Ensure that your presser foot is in the down position before starting the machine, and also ensure that the needle guard height is adjusted so that your work moves easily without being able to jump up and down.

Needle Breakage
Needle breakage can be avoided by:
- moving your work in a smooth manner as you are stitching-jerky motion makes it is easy for loose threads, yarn and roving to get caught on the needles causing the needles to snap.
- ensuring that you use the correct needle plate-the needle plate with individual holes is for general use; the needle plate with one large hole is used for working with thicker materials
- making sure that the machine is stopped and the needles are in the raised position before removing your work
- adjusting the needle guard to the appropriate height-giving just enough clearance to move your work freely without allowing it to jump up and down.