Felt is the ‘feel good fabric’ you need to know how to sew. It has many unique qualities that make it versatile and decorative. Felt comes in many amazing colors and patterns making it perfect for a wide variety of felt crafts. Learn how to sew felt and enjoy its soft texture and vibrant colors.
Felt is a great fabric for beginners to use. Their bright colors and easy to sew textures are perfect for all sorts of little gifts. Every seamstress needs a felt pincushion and a needle-case! This free pincushion pattern with a sewing machine applique makes a perfect gift for any sewer. Whenever you need a little handmade gift get out the scrap box and rummage through all your bits and pieces to cut, make and trim little, felt novelties.
Learning how to sew felt is not difficult.
How to Sew Felt – TIPS
Buying: Choose the best quality felt made from wool, it is generally easier to work with than acrylic felt. Take note of the washing instructions that come with you felt. Most should be hand washed in cold water to prevent shrinking and pillage.
Cutting: Cutting felt is easy too! Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut straight lines and small scissors for the curves. Felt is very forgiving as it does not fray. The edges of your felt will not unravel or look ragged as you cut and trim. In fact, if you make a little mistake or have some extra offcuts just store them in a box for the most magical scraps. There will be an endless supply of shapes and sizes to add decorative trims to the items you make.
Stitching: Felt can be machine stitched together or hand embroidered.
HAND STITCHING – The most basic of embroidery stitches look great on felt. A simple running stitch, blanket stitch and chain stitch with some buttons and sequins add to the most basic design. Learn how to sew basic hand embroidery stitches such as blanket stitch, whip stitch, running stitch, backstitch and ladder stitch.
MACHINE STITCHING – A medium, sharp sewing machine needle is best as a big needle will make holes in the fabric. (Read my guide to sewing needle sizes). If you are sewing felt on a sewing machine, a short stitch around size 2.0 works well.
How to Sew Felt: In Conclusion
The patterns and ideas for felt crafts are endless. You are sure to become a felt fanatic when you realize the wealth of sewing opportunities felt can bring to your sewing table.
Now you know how to sew felt why not try these fun patterns!
Tanja says
Hi. What thread can I use on my SM when seeing to die cut felt shapes together?
Treasurie says
Hi Tanya, use a polyester thread from a quality brand. I like Rasant as it is reinforced and doesn’t snap easily.
Jackie says
Do you have any tips for back stitched seams? I’m making a felt coat, but my seams pull open when turned right side out. 🙁 Tighter stitches, or a different stitch maybe? I’m using regular cotton thread, so am afraid of it tearing the felt if I stitch too tightly…
Treasurie says
Hi Jackie, Use a bit thicker thread. Or a strengthened thread (polyester with a strengthened core.) Use the smallest length stitches you can. And at the start and finish, stitch in the same spot a couple of times to stop it coming undone. Good luck with it. It sounds a very ambitious project.