Pretty Elbow Patches

Here's a little tutorial for all those lovely people who bought one of my Needle Felting Kits over the weekend in the Style Pavillion as part of Bath In Fashion.  

Bath In Fashion Style Pavillion
Bath In Fashion Style Pavillion
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I shall be at the Octagon Milsom Place again this Saturday 10th May  with more kits so it's not too late!   You can find me under one of the wire sprites covered in roses ....you can't miss us!

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This is very VERY simple and all you need is a woollen jumper/cardigan, a felting needle, foam pad, felting wool and a pastry / cookie cutter (have they always been known in the uk as cookie cutters or are we slowly merging with our American cousins?!)

Step 1: Most important this......put your cardigan on and using a pin mark the position of the elbow patch!

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Step 2:  Place the foam pad INSIDE the sleeve  (not under it otherwise you will felt the sleeve together and won't be able to get your arm in....trust me it's happened!!!!) 

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Step 3:  Position the pastry cutter and stuff it with your felting wool.

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Step 4: Now for the fun bit....needle felt the wool until it is nice and compact.  Work the needle at 90 degrees to the foam pad and be careful not to break the needle on the side of the cutter. Take your time!

Needle felt elbow patch
Needle felt elbow patch

Once it's nice and compact you can remove the shape cutter and work the edges to define the detail. 

Needle felt elbow patch
Needle felt elbow patch

If you turn the sleeve inside out you can see all the fibres that have been pushed through by the barbs on the felting needle.  

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Once you wash your garment these fibres will mesh together making your creation a permanent feature.

Needle felt elbow patch
Needle felt elbow patch

What's not to love?!