Mastering Edges in Wet Felting: Straight or Organic
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Tutorial: Creating Straight or Uneven Edges in Wet Felting
Image Stephany Jansen
Wet felting naturally encourages fibres to shrink and pull in different directions, which can make edges irregular. With a few techniques, you can decide whether to keep them crisp or let them flow organically.
Straight Edges
Goal: Clean, defined borders for items like scarves, table runners, or panels.
Techniques:
- Layer control: Lay fibres carefully so they extend slightly beyond your desired edge, then fold them back in to create a reinforced border.
- Template use: Place your wool around a resist or cut template (plastic sheet, bubble wrap) to guide edges.
- Rolling direction: Roll evenly and change direction frequently to prevent distortion.
- Trimming option: After partial felting, trim edges with sharp scissors, then continue felting to seal the cut edge.
- Final fulling: Press and rub edges firmly to compact fibres and lock them straight.
Uneven / Organic Edges
Goal: Flowing, natural borders for artistic pieces, wall hangings, or sculptural felts.
Techniques:
- Loose fibre placement: Allow fibres to extend beyond the main body without folding back.
- Variable thickness: Lay thicker sections in some areas and thinner in others to encourage uneven shrinkage.
- Minimal trimming: Avoid cutting; let the fibres migrate naturally.
- Directional rolling: Roll more in one direction than another to exaggerate unevenness.
- Edge manipulation: Stretch or pinch edges during fulling to create waves, frills, or irregular outlines.
Practical Tips
- Test samples: Try both methods on small swatches to see how your fibre behaves.
- Micron count matters: Fine fibres (like Merino) will shrink more evenly, while coarser fibres (like Shetland) often produce more rustic edges.
- Blending approaches: You can combine straight edges on one side with organic edges on another for contrast.
- Finishing: Rinse thoroughly and block straight‑edged pieces by pinning them to shape while drying.
Next Steps see these too very helpful video on even felt and neat edges, both by Vanda F. Sousa.
