DIY Network

Needle-Felted Purse/Art Bag Create a work of art you can carry with you everywhere. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-110

Marie Spaulding shows how to make a lovely purse that's a true work of art.

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Needle-Felted Purse/Art Bag

Materials:
100% wool
10"x7" foam pad, very firm
felting needles: 38 star and 40-gauge triangle, multi-needle tool with 38 star needles
two 18-gauge floral stems or coat-hanger wire wrapped in floral tape
needle-nose pliers
warm soapy water solution
plastic wrap
bubble wrap
towels
iron
old sheet or soft ironing cloth
optional adornments, notions, etc.

1. Pull off small tufts of wool and lay in overlapping layers around the outer perimeter of three sides of the foam (figure A), forming two sides and the bottom of the purse. Press down with your hands to hold in place (figure B).

2. Needle with the multi-needle tool to lightly tack down the wool while leaving the edges loose (figure C). Set the foam with one 10"x7" side on the table, and layer wool horizontally across the surface, allowing the edges to blend over the sides. Place an opposing layer going vertically, and begin to needle with the multi-needle tool from one of the bottom corners. Lightly needle the surface to press out air and attach the surface fibers, using a bouncing motion. Flip the foam over and repeat for the opposite side.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

3. Repeat the steps above to cover the entire bag with two more opposing layers and add color to create a design as desired. Focus on covering all corners, and take time to blend sides and edges in the layering process (figure D). It is okay to leave the top edges somewhat loose and unfelted.

4. Gently slide your hand between the foam and the purse to remove the wool from the foam pad. Set this aside for the moment. Using the foam pad, layer wool to create four even strips to hold the handles. Needle the center of the strip, but leave the ends unfelted for attaching (figure E).

5. Remove from the foam and set these aside.

6. Bend the ends of the wire into small loops. Wrap the wire for the handles with wool roving (figure F). If using coat-hanger wire, wrap with floral tape first to help the wool hold.

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

7. Turn the purse inside out, hold it up to the light and note any bare spots; place it back on the foam. Add small patches of wool in the bare spots and needle into place.

8. Attach the four strips for the handles to the top of the purse, and fold down the loose fibers on the top to form an even edge. Layer wool across all edges and both surfaces vertically (opposite direction of exposed layer).

9. Add extra wool on the bottom for strength. Needle into place. Feel for bare spots and patch.

10. Remove from foam and look for bare spots, adding wool as needed.

11. Turn purse right side out and check again for any bare spots, especially along corners. Add two more opposing layers and any surface designs.

12. Wet felt handles, shape and dry overnight.

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