Hello, all felters!

How exactly do you achieve this smooth finish that makes your project look extra professional? Here are some tips and tricks to achieve a smoother surface.

1. Use finer needles (40/42 Gauge) for the finish

One of the keys to achieving a smooth surface is to use finer needles , like 40 or 42 gauge at the end. These needles have thinner tips and smaller barbs, which means they make less marks in the wool. The finer the needle, the smoother the surface, as they do not push the fibers as far in and thus reduce the risk of visible holes or unevenness. Feel free to only use the bottom barbs on the needle. When you think you're done, you should probably stick more, much more than you might think!

2. Work area by area - Don't jump around

It can be tempting to poke here and there to get a quick impression of how the whole project is taking shape, but for a truly smooth surface you need to be patient and systematic. Work on a small area at a time and make sure this area is smooth before moving on to the next. This way you get a smoother surface.

3. Clean hands, smooth project

Your hands can actually have a lot to say about the end result. Make sure they are clean and dry before you start smoothing the surface. When you're done felting, you can gently rub the project with clean hands/fingers to smooth out small bumps and lay the fibers flat. This can make a big difference to the final finish.

4. Cut the fibers

Even with lots of felting, there may be small fibers sticking out here and there. If you want a perfectly smooth surface, you can use small scissors to cut these fibers. We haven't cut anything in particular, but try it if you think it helps.

5. Explore tools such as irons, straighteners, and razors

This is also something we ourselves have no experience with, but you can experiment a bit yourself. Try an iron or straightener on low heat to flatten the fibers, but be careful not to damage the wool. A razor can also be used to remove any remaining wool hairs. We don't have experience with these techniques, but it's probably a good idea to test them on a small piece before you use them on the whole project. 

6. Hold the needle at about a 45 degree angle – Avoid "through holes"

Another technique to get an even surface is to hold the needle at an angle to your work, rather than straight on (90 degrees). This also helps you avoid the needle going straight through and sticking the wool out and down into the felt mat if the work is thin. Try to only use the first barbs (those closest to the tip) of the needle. Also try to avoid sticking the needle through the work and into the mat, as this can pull out fibers from the underside and create an uneven surface.

7.  Use a needle holder that has two or three fine needles close together

If you want to save time and achieve a smooth surface, you can consider using a needle holder that holds several needles at the same time. By using several fine needles at once, you can cover a larger area faster, and it will be easier to smooth the surface. It is important that the needles fit tightly. Needle holders where there is some distance between the needles are suitable for coarser work. Stay tuned to our site, there will soon be some news that will help you with felting.

8. Felting with thin layers to hide joints

If the surface is uneven or has joints, put a thin layer of wool on top, felt it in place with a fine needle. Often just a tiny bit of wool that needs to be layered over.

Achieving a smooth surface in needle felting takes time, patience and the right techniques, but you will learn this quickly. With these tips in hand, you can ensure that your project looks professional. Don't be afraid to try your hand and experiment with different methods - that's how you'll find what works best for you.

Do you have any tips of your own to get a smooth surface? Feel free to share them in the comments - we'd love to hear how you do it!

Happy felting, and remember: A smooth surface is worth working for !!