History of Felting

This non-woven cloth, made of animal fibers, is said to predate woven fabric.

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Felt is a non-woven cloth made from animal fibers that have been pressed and matted together without stitching or weaving. Felt making involves a relatively simple process and techniques have evolved throughout the centuries from functional day-to-day purposes to a modern and beautiful art form.

Today&#;s basic techniques have been used since before the 6th century B.C. Some of the oldest pieces of felt have been found in tombs and burial grounds in Siberia, Scandinavia, and Germany. Theory holds that cold climatic conditions of these areas helped preserve the fibers through time.

Each mammal hair consists of a shaft covered by a series of protein scales. When fiber is wet, it softens and droops, essentially opening the scales. In the process of agitation such as rolling, rubbing, or tossing, scales of one fiber become entangled with the scales of another. Eventually the fibers are so entangled that the fibers form a dense fabric mat. There is a magic that happens as loose fibers transform into a firm and solid piece.

Legends and myths abound about the discovery of felt. Most historians believe that nomadic peoples originated the techniques in Asia. Wherever its origin, it is clear that felt was, and is, an integral part of the lives of nomadic tribes in Asia and the Middle East. Felt was an essential element for shelter, clothing, hats, saddles, rugs, and other daily necessities. Beyond utilitarian purposes, decorative felt was used for religious and ceremonial purposes.

The practices of the historic nomads are continued in the traditions of Mongolian yurts to the beautiful felted rugs found in Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets. The Scandinavian countries and throughout Eastern Europe everyday functional clothing and footwear has evolved from historical necessity to exquisite high fashion and extraordinary art pieces. The possibilities for this versatile medium are only restricted by the imagination.

Modern feltmaking utilizes almost the same techniques that have been used for the last 8,000 years. It is a simple process that uses very little equipment and simple techniques.

For thousands of years humans have turned fleece into warm clothing and other utilitarian objects. Looms and spinning wheels symbolize these fiber-related skills but the art of felt making dates back even farther.

Wet-felting is a textile technique and has been practiced for thousands of years. There&#;s evidence of it across some of the earliest human civilisations. And it makes sense, it&#;s an accessible art from, allowing us to transform raw wool into something durable, practical and extremely beautiful.

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From Rough Beginnings

Some of the earliest evidence of wet felting can be found in Asia. In Mongolia and Tibet nomadic herders discovered the insulating properties of felted wool for their clothing and tents. The technique&#;s resilience and waterproof qualities made it invaluable for surviving harsh climates. If wet-felting fabrics can deal with a Tibetan winter, you can rest assured your wet-felted slippers will keep you cosy in Oxfordshire!

Egyptian and Sumerian Felting

In ancient Egypt, wet felting was employed in the creation of clothing and furnishings. The famous &#;Fayum mummy portraits&#; dating back to the Roman period often feature people wearing felted wool. Similarly, the Sumerians, who inhabited southern Mesopotamia around BC, are believed to have been skilled felt-makers, and used the fabric for a variety of applications.

Wet-Felting in Europe

Wet felting made its way to Europe, where a combination of ready access to wool and something of a drizzly climate made it an essential part of various cultures. The Celts, for instance, are known to have crafted clothing and accessories using wet felting techniques. Over time, European artisans perfected their methods and created exquisite pieces, often richly coloured as the art of dying came into prevalence.

Medieval and Renaissance Craftsmanship

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, wet felting reached new heights of creativity and craftsmanship. Wool was the booming industry of the time, and felted garments became something of a status symbol, with intricate patterns, dyes, and embellishments. Hats, capes, and boots made from felted wool were extremely popular in this period.

Wet-Felting in Contemporary Times

The Industrial Revolution and the introduction of mechanised textiles led to a decline in handcrafted felting. Despite this, wet felting never disappeared entirely. The 19th Century bought with it the Arts and Crafts movement, with it&#;s appreciation for all things artisan. A sentiment we very much hold at Stitching Kitchen. Today, you&#;re more likely to encounter wet-felting for its artistic and creative merits rather than it&#;s practical ones.

We&#;re really loving the wet-felting renaissance we&#;ve noticed in recent years. Modern artisans and textile enthusiasts are embracing this ancient technique, combining traditional methods with contemporary design. There&#;s been a bit of a shift away from producing practical or wearable items. In-fact, our upcoming workshop will focus on creating a fantastically decadent and entirely ornamental wet-felt bird.

From its humble beginnings as a survival tool in harsh climates to its use in luxurious garments and modern artistic expression, wet felting has been a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of humanity throughout the ages. We&#;d love to introduce you to this timeless craft. Head here for details of our upcoming workshops, have a look at some online resources here, and get yourself set up with all the tools you need to get started here.

For more Wool Feltinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.