Resources to help you perfect your layout

After you’ve learnt the basics of wet felting – how to make flat felt and how to make a simple shape with a resist – it’s tempting to think that all you need to learn next is which shape a resist must have or which technique to use for a particular project. I’d argue that, before you think (or even while you're thinking) about those aspects, the next thing to do is master the layout.

In fact, I can say with total certainty that the moment I understood this and started working on my layout, was the moment my felt massively improved. I know I run the risk of being annoying for insisting on this. But I would love to support you in becoming a better felt maker, so I accept that risk.

There are two ways you can work on your layout. You can either spend some time making samples or just go ahead and work on your technique while making a piece. I know most felt makers avoid sampling, but I still think it’s the best way to perfect your work, and save time and materials. But that’s up to you to decide.

Here are some clues that you should be working on perfecting your layout:

• You’re having issues getting an even layout. You get thinner and thicker areas on your felt.
• You’re having issues getting a thin layout.
• You’re having issues getting straight edges. The edges on your felt are irregular or wavy.
• You’re having issues making your bowls round.
• You get thick ‘seams’ when you felt with resists, and you can’t even them out. You get ridges on the ‘seam area’.

If you resonate with any of these problems, it might be time to practice this aspect of felt making.

Whether you choose sampling or directly working on a piece, I have some tips to help you perfect your layout:

1. Start by understanding how to pull off/draft the wool for a thin layout. (Click here or on the image below to access.)

2. See how you can layout evenly, as well as get straight and neat edges without cutting the felt. (Click here or on the image below to access.)

3. You can use this same system to felt a piece with a resist. You don’t need to cut your felt. Here’s what to do instead. (Click here or on the image below to access.)

4. Until now we’ve been talking about felting with wool tops. But what if you’d like to work with wool batts instead? How do you lay out wool batts? (Click here and here or on the images below to access the two resources.)

5. And what if you want to lay out your wool tops for a round shape like a vessels/bowl or a beret? Is there any difference? (Click here or on the image below to access.)

So, you now have all the resources you need to lay out thinly and evenly, as well as get good results with the classic and the circular layout for a flat felt or a 3D object.

I really hope this helps!