Making 3D Vessels in Wet Felting

Creating 3D vessels in wet felting is all about using a resist to shape wool into a seamless, hollow form. This method works beautifully for bowls, pods, vases, lanterns, and sculptural pieces. The process is simple once you understand the sequence: layout, felt, full, cut, shape, and finish.

Materials

• Wool tops or batts (merino, Corriedale, or mixed fibres)
• Flat resist (plastic sheet)
• Warm soapy water
• Bubble wrap or bamboo mat
• Towel
• Sharp scissors
• Optional decorative fibres (silk, nepps, prefelt, Angelina)

1. Preparing the Resist

The resist determines the final size and shape of your vessel.

• Choose a simple shape such as a circle, oval, or square for beginners.
• Increase the resist size by 30–40% to account for shrinkage.
• Use flexible material so you can peel it out easily later.

2. Laying Out the Wool

This is where the structure and strength of the vessel are built.

• Lay wool evenly over one side of the resist, extending fibres beyond the edges.
• Fold the overhanging fibres around the edges to the other side.
• Repeat on the second side, alternating fibre direction for strength.
• Aim for 3–5 layers depending on the thickness you want.

Each layer should be thin, even, and smooth to avoid weak spots.

3. Wetting and Felting

• Wet the wool thoroughly with warm soapy water.
• Press gently to remove air pockets and help fibres settle.
• Begin light rubbing in small circles, gradually increasing pressure.
• Flip regularly to keep both sides felting evenly.

At this stage, the wool should begin to tighten around the resist.

4. Fulling the Vessel

Once the fibres are holding together:

• Roll the piece in a mat or bubble wrap from different angles.
• Apply more pressure as the wool strengthens.
• Check edges to ensure they are firm and even.
• Continue until the wool shrinks tightly around the resist.

This is where the vessel gains strength and structure.

5. Cutting the Opening

• Decide where the opening will be — central, off‑centre, or slit‑style.
• Cut carefully through one layer at a time to avoid uneven edges.
• Remove the resist once the opening is large enough.
• Shape the rim by rubbing the cut edge until smooth and firm.

The opening design dramatically affects the final look.

6. Shaping and Hardening

With the resist removed:

• Continue fulling by rubbing, throwing, or rolling.
• Shape the vessel using your hands, a balloon, a bowl, or a form.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove soap.
• Stuff with towels to dry in shape.

The more you full, the stronger and more sculptural the vessel becomes.

7. Decoration Options

• Prefelt motifs applied during layout
• Silk hankies or fabric for texture
• Cracked or cut‑back designs
• Layered colours for depth
• Angelina fibres for subtle shimmer
• Resist‑based protrusions for sculptural forms

Common Troubleshooting

• Soft or floppy walls: Add more layers or full longer.
• Uneven edges: Check fibre coverage around the resist.
• Wrinkles or thin spots: Smooth layers more carefully during layout.
• Opening stretches too wide: Full the rim more firmly.

Next steps

Article on How to make a hand felted 3D pot by TheFeltStudio

and two video tutorials Wet Felting a Bowl Fibre Artsy and Craftsy

Nicola Brown Wet felting vessel tutorial

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