Step 3 of the process
Surface finish
A fuzzy surface is finished with a fine needle, size 40 or 42, and shallow stabs that tuck stray fibers in without denting the piece. A reverse needle does the opposite and pulls fibers out for fur.
- Needle
- size 40 or 42, triangle or spiral
- Stab
- shallow, at the surface
Most finished pieces have a halo of loose fibers. The fix is a fine needle, size 40 or 42, and shallow stabs all over the surface: the small barbs tuck stray fibers in and close the holes left by coarser needles. Spiral needles in size 38 or 40 are also sold for this job, because the twisted blade leaves fewer surface holes.
What is left can be trimmed with small sharp scissors held flat to the surface. If the piece is still fuzzy after that, the cause usually lies earlier: a core that was never firm, color laid on too thick, or a wool that does not lie smooth. Why needle felting is fuzzy goes through the causes in order and the fix for each.
Not every piece should be smooth. A reverse needle has barbs that face the other way and pulls fibers out of the surface instead of pushing them in, which makes fur, fluff and blended color. It works best on well-felted areas. Suppliers sell reverse needles in sizes 36, 38 and 40, from pronounced fur to subtle texture.
Ready to move on when: The surface is even, with no needle holes and no halo of loose fibers when held against the light.
Common mistakes at this stage
- Trying to smooth with a coarse needle, which makes new holes.
- Stabbing deep when only the surface needs work.
- Using a reverse needle on a piece that is not yet firm.