NEEDLE FELTED ALPACA

What could be more fun than a needle felted alpaca from it's own fleece?!

These needle felting instructions include a pattern so that you can successfully create an alpaca.The technique used for making 3D sculptures are described on this page.

You must get the PDF file that has the pattern and details on how the alpaca is constructed by filling out the form on this page.

We will never sell or give out your information. The form lets us know how popular a project is and whether it's worth keeping on the site...and it's fun to see what parts of the world are visiting us. Don't be shy. This needle felted project is free!

Tubes. That's what this alpaca is mostly constructed with.

Making a tube:

• Roll fleece (carded or "fluffed") around a toothpick or bamboo skewer. You can use your felting needle, too.
• Carefully remove the tube and roll it between the palms of your hands (or the fingers if you prefer). It helps if your hands are minimally sweaty. This compresses the alpaca fleece tube making it more solid. It, also, cuts down on the needling.
• Needle it with a 36 or 38 triangle needle. We prefer the 38T for alpaca. Use what works for you.
• Add more fleece to build it in layers to the size and shape you want. Needle each layer of fleece firmly before adding a new layer.

Making a folded flat piece:

• Use carded or "fluffed" fleece and a 38T needle.
• Fold the fleece over a toothpick or skewer.
• Remove the toothpick or skewer.
• If you want to make a thicker piece, fold fleece over the toothpick or skewer a second time.
• Needle the folded edge only. Leave the other edge unfelted.

Attaching a limb:

• Take loose fleece and place it on the body.
• Lay the limb on top of the loose fleece.
• Lay more loose fleece on top of the limb
• Needle through the loose fleece with a 36T or 38T needle and felt the limb into the body and shape until solidly attached.

Applying facial details:

• Use a 38 star needle if you have one. You can use a 36 or 38 triangle but a star will work better.
• Roll the fleece between your fingers to create a thin line.
• Apply the line of fleece to the face to define mouth, nose, and other areas by firmly needling it to the surface.
• Apply loose fleece to the eye areas and shape it with the star needle.

Use a scissors to surface trim hairyness and clip details.

A needle felted art doll is just that. You let your creative juices take over. You can create whimsical creatures or lifelike characters. If you can't quite get the hang of making it look like something that everyone can identify, then make something that comes from your imagination.

Give this alpaca a try and relax.