What you Need From your Felting Mat

Size is important, you want to have a large enough working area to have your needle felting and rest at least one hand. If you are making felted pictures, ideally you want the entire picture on the mat.

However, if you are only wanting the mat for one project or class or one that does not to take up too much space, smaller felting mats work well too.

Thickness is critical. If the mat is too thin, the felting needle may hit the surface underneath and break or damage the surface such as a table or even hit through to your legs (ouch!).

The felting mat needs to be dense and firm enough to create a flat surface, but loose enough for the felting needle to penetrate.

There are 4 main types of Mat used for felting.

1. Homemade Mats that contain buckwheat or other hard items covered with fabric, these increase the risk of needles snapping and make for an uncomfortable surface to lean on.

2. Foam mats are lightweight and long-lasting, covering a foam mat with a sheet of felt will extend the life of the mat and reduce pulling the wool into the foam. The foam needs to be dense foam. Sponges make for an unstable squidgy surface, as does cheap, low-quality foam.

3. Brush mats are very long-lasting; they tend to be smaller sized than foam. They will get wool caught into the mat which will then need brushing out, you will also have no space to lean your hands.

4. Wool Mats either solid wool or wool filled mats are long-lasting, semi-firm and comfortable to use and come in a variety of sizes making an easy surfaces to felt on.