07 December 2016

The Technique



This is a Janome Needle Felting Machine. I bought this when they first came out and were much cheaper than they are now. Sometimes they are referred to as Embellishers.


It came with a brace of 5 needles. These are not replaceable if broken. I broke one of the five a while ago and just decided to use the four. While making this piece I broke a second needle so I'm down to three. You CAN buy another brace which has replaceable needle but it costs $50.00. I don't use this enough to warrant buying a new brace of needles. As you can see each needle has it's own hole. It looks like a sewing machine but there is no thread and no bobbin. Where a bobbin would normally be is a small catchment for fibers that are broken loose during the felting process.






The "finger guard" is in place. I can't imagine running 5 barbed needles through my finger. OUCH!


I placed a bit of roving on the wool batting and started to felt. You start the machine then move the wool backing (batting). You never stop the machine either with the needles in the down position or on the backing (batting). I run the backing (batting)  right out from under MOVING needles.






Here is the piece after needle felting. I also used ribbon. Friday I will show the piece finished.

3 comments:

  1. I do not have a such machine, I think it does not found in Romania. I wonder if a such operation can be done with a regular sewing machine, with one needle, but without thread and bobbin removed from its place? What do you think?

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    Replies
    1. Maybe if you used a barbed needle felting needle. I might be reluctant to try it. You can use the long needle felting needles in your hand.

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  2. I bought the PFAFF one when it came out several years ago. It also has five needles but you can replace them individually. The only problem is they stopped making the machine and the needles are getting harder and harder to find. They are fun to play with. Love what you've done so far.

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