Materials needed:
Black fabric (I used broadcloth)
White dressmaking pencil
Black thread/sewing needle
Sewing machine, scissors
Stuffing
Felting needle
white sheepswool
Optional - crochet thread for hanger



1. Open and print the attachment which is the template I made for the sheep's body. YOu can enlarge or reduce to whatever size you'd like; the way I do it is copy and paste into a Word document and drag the corners until it's the size I want. Print to cardstock and cut on the line - now you have a template.

2. Trace your template onto double black fabric (I used broadcloth); you can use anything you want BUT for needle felting to work, I suggest a tighter weave fabric 100% cotton. Trace completely around the sheep, as many as you want to make.



3. Sew on the traced line; cut approximately 1/4 inch from sewn line; clip tiny cuts inside the neck area to prevent puckering when you turn. Cut a small slit through ONE layer of fabric; turn RSO and stuff firmly. I prefer to use 'needle nosed' hemostats for stuffing. Whipstitch the opening closed with black thread.



4. Now it's time to start needle felting! This is what a felting needle looks like up close; it has tiny notches in it. I bought mine on eBay, you can search and find lots of great needles and options.



5. Needle felt the entire sheep with sheep's wool; be VERY careful, it was easy to jab myself with this size ornie, make sure you keep your fingers out of the way cause it sure hurts



6. Work the needle in and out of the fabric, catching the sheep's wool and the sheep body; it sounds like it's tearing - that means it's 'working'. You are actually 'jabbing' the needle through the wool and fabric; keep doing it to make sure the wool 'stays' in there. Continue around the sheep, turning him sideways to get the bottom and top.


I used 2 different types of wool for my project; for the first few sheep I used some grungy ole wool because I wanted to put them in the jar. For the ornie, I used a much curlier and cleaner wool because I was hanging him on a tree. I also find my sheep's wool on eBay!


Here's some ways to use your finished sheep:
Tie a small hanger on the back and make him an Ornie:


Put a couple of them together in an old mason jar:


Or add them to a bowl of fixin's or with a dolly.



Tutorial submitted by Cindy of www.homespunfromtheheart.com

I love Needle Felting, and your sheep are just adoreable.
I Think I will have to try this one for sure!!!

very neat thanks! i have a bunny kit i have yet to try but you make it seem easy enough i might nust have to do it!

Love your sheep! I'm a beginner to needle felting, but this looks easy so I'll give it a try. Thanks!