Flower Fascinator (Using Wet Felting and Needle Felting)

This is a fun little headpiece that is simple enough to wear on a formal or daily occasion. It doesn't require any great skill but like most felt projects it will take time and elbow grease.

It uses simple flat felting technique that doesn't require any elaborate tools. The needle felting finishing can easily be replaced by a needle and thread.

Wool roving and/or batting

Soapy water

Plastic ( I used two cut open bags)

Scissors

Sink (or water source )

Felting needle ( or needle and thread )

Lay out a waterproof surface that you can roll up like a piece of plastic sheeting. I just cut open a store bag. You will need several pieces that don't have to be as big as the one that covers you work surface but a bit bigger than your flower petals. One sheet for each layer of petals so they don't stick together unless you want to felt them in succession.

Lay out your wool in the shape of petals. Using several colors will give your petals more visual appeal. Make sure you use at least 3 thin layers of wool. Overlap each piece of wool so that they will have adhere when you felt. Be mindful, your final layer of wool will be what people mainly see and as wool felt the layers below will have so fibers work through just as the top layer will have some fibers work through bottom layers.

Lay out a second petal layer the same way as the first. For contrast, you should consider using a different color layout. Always being mindful layers of wool should overlap and connect.

I did one last smaller layer of petals, but you can do as many as you require to make the flower have the look and and volume you prefer.

Wet down each layer with soapy water placing the thin plastic between each.

Roll up wool carefully. Roll the layers gently. First one direction.... The turn the work 45 degrees and roll again. You will need to do this numerous times. Then, gently rub the surface.... Carefully keeping the layout of fiber in place as it will take time for them to begin to adhere to each other.

Once your project is holding together you rub more vigorously between your hands. Then, rinse in warm water. Resoap. Squeeze or gently toss the project...then stretch back out and rinse in warm water. Then cold rinse and hot rinse. Do this until it has shrunk at least 25% or the surface becomes wavy.

I decided to felt a piece of yarn as a versatile way to attach to my head.

Your fascinator will have to be attached to your head . You can simply use a hat pin. Or you can attach a comb, hair clip, or headband. I chose to simply felt a piece of thick yarn to tie for versatility.

I slit the petals to pass the yarn through, then needle felted it in place... But you can also sew or hot glue whatever attachment you prefer.

I then, folded the flower petals and tied them together to dry so they would dry with a look of more depth.

Untie your petals, tie your fascinator on and arrange your petals in to position you prefer.