You’ve probably heard about needle felting, maybe even tried it. However, have you ever considered teaching the art to your students?  When I learned this was being taught to high school students, I had to learn more. So, let me introduce you to Shaelin Nilsen of Utah! She created these “Hands-On Textiles: Needle Felting resources” so you, too, can help your students learn about non-woven textiles and wool fiber while creating a simple little project!

Teacher Notes

• This activity takes approximately one 80 minute period to complete. It has been enough time for each student to felt at least one patch, however, some can do two in that time.
• Warn students that the needles are SHARP! Shaelin is very clear on the safety expectations with her students and so far has had zero problems.
• Needles can and do break frequently, so it’s important to have plenty of spares.
• Remind students to flip their wool patch over frequently or it will be difficult for them to remove it from the sponge later on.

Materials & Shaelin Notes

• 132 Piece Needle Felting Kit (affiliate link) 
  • I like that this kit comes with needles in three sizes, handles, and plenty of spare needles!
  • I planned that each kit can accommodate 3 – 4 students. There are three handles included, but they can also use a single needle without a wooden handle. 
• 20 Piece Cut Resistant Finger Cots (affiliate link)
  • I encourage each student to wear these on the two fingers that will be holding the cookie cutter.
  • I think the fabric cots are more comfortable to wear than the leather ones that come in the kit. 
  • I’m sure you could also wash these in a garment bag!
• 101 Piece Wilton Cookie Cutters (affiliate link)  
  • I chose plastic cookie cutters because I thought they would be less likely to bend/break the needles if students hit the cookie cutter while felting. 
  • This set has lots of fun shapes!
• 6 pack of 7.5” x 5.5” x 1.875” Inch Sponges (affiliate link) 
  • These were plenty thick to protect the work surface and felting needles while being large enough to fit the cookie cutters. 
  • The sponges are much more cost-effective than felting mats!
• Wool Roving (100 Colors) (affiliate link)  
  • This is a cost-effective option with great reviews!

Activities

• Begin with the Needle Felting Presentation
• Show students the Video Tutorial and then go over the written instructions and rubric
• Provide students with their supplies and then walk them through the process reminding them to flip their patch along the way.
• When finished, the students grade themselves, using the provided rubric, before turning it in for a teacher grade.

Resources

• Written Instructions for Needle Felting
• Canvas Commons Assignment Link
• YouTube Tutorial Video by Bethany Thiele
• Grading Rubric
• Conference PowerPoint Presentation