Want to try your hand at one of the world’s oldest crafts? This beginner-friendly guide walks you through making a simple DIY felt rug at home. Start small with a trivet or mat, and discover how easy and satisfying felting can be.

Quick Answer: Making a DIY felt rug is simple and beginner-friendly. All you need is wool, warm soapy water, and a rolling mat or towel. The basic process involves layering wool, wetting it, rolling for compression, then rinsing and drying. Beginners can start small with a trivet or mat before trying larger rugs.

Steps:

1. Prepare wool into even layers.

2. Sprinkle with warm soapy water.

3. Roll tightly and press for compression.

4. Rub or full until fibers lock together.

5. Rinse, shape, and let dry flat.

Introduction: Why Try DIY Felt Rugs

There’s something deeply satisfying about creating your own felt rug. Unlike woven carpets that require looms and advanced skills, felt rugs come together with just wool, warm water, soap, and a little patience. The process is simple yet rewarding, turning loose fibers into a sturdy, beautiful piece you can use every day.

Best of all, you don’t need expensive tools or professional training to get started. With a few basic materials and some creativity, anyone can try their hand at felting. Whether you start with a small trivet or aim for a larger rug, DIY felt-making is a craft that’s as accessible as it is enjoyable.

Materials You’ll Need

One of the best things about felt rug making is its simplicity. Unlike weaving, which demands looms and complex equipment, felting can be done with just a few basic items. Still, the type of wool you choose and the tools you use can make a big difference in the final result.

Wool Types: Mountain Wool vs. Merino

• Mountain Wool (Traditional Choice): In Central Asia, coarse mountain sheep wool has been used for centuries to make durable rugs like the shyrdak or ala-kiyiz. It’s strong, textured, and ideal if you want a rug that will stand up to heavy use.

• Merino Wool (Beginner-Friendly): Merino is softer, finer, and easier to handle. While it’s not as rugged as mountain wool, it’s great for small projects or smoother, modern-style felt rugs.

Tip for beginners: Start with merino for practice projects. Once you’re comfortable, try mountain wool for a sturdier rug.

Soap & Warm Water

These are the real “secret ingredients” in felting. Soap makes the wool fibers open up, and warm water helps them lock together. A gentle dish soap or olive-oil soap works perfectly, no need for anything fancy.

Rolling Mat or Towel

Traditionally, artisans use reed or bamboo mats, but at home, a bath towel or yoga mat works just as well. This is what you’ll use to roll, press, and compress the layers of wool into a dense rug.

Optional Tools

• Netting or Tulle: Helps keep fibers in place when you first wet them.

• Needle-Felting Tools: Barbed needles let you add details or patch thin spots, but they aren’t essential for a first project.

With just these few materials, you’re ready to turn raw wool into a strong, beautiful piece of felt. Next, let’s walk through the step-by-step felting process.

Step-by-Step DIY Felting Process

Felting wool into a rug is easier than it looks. Here’s the process in simple steps:

1. Prepare the Wool. Card or fluff your wool, then spread it evenly to avoid thin spots.

2. Layer and Wet. Lay the wool in several layers, alternating directions. Sprinkle warm soapy water over the fibers.

3. Roll and Compress. Roll the wool tightly in a towel or mat and apply steady pressure.

4. Full and Shrink. Rub, press, or even throw the bundle gently against a surface. This locks the fibers and naturally shrinks the rug by 20–30%.

5. Rinse and Dry. Wash out the soap, shape the rug flat, and let it dry completely.

That’s it, you’ve turned loose fibers into solid felt. Now, let’s practice this on a smaller scale.

DIY Mini Project: Felt Trivet or Small Mat

Before attempting a full-sized rug, start with a trivet or mat. This project is compact, manageable, and teaches you the essentials of felting — layering, wetting, compressing, and shaping.

What You’ll Need

• 100–150 g of wool (merino is soft and beginner-friendly)

• Warm soapy water (mild dish soap or olive soap)

• A small towel or rolling mat

• Netting or tulle (optional) to hold fibers in place

• Needle-felting tool (optional) for finishing touches

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Set Up Your Workspace
   Place a towel on your table to catch water and soap. Keep your bowl of soapy water within reach.

2. Layer the Wool
   Pull tufts of wool and spread them into a circle or square. Add 2–3 layers, alternating directions to give the mat strength.

3. Wet the Wool
   Lay netting over the wool to keep it in place. Sprinkle with warm soapy water until the fibers are evenly damp.

4. Press and Roll
   Gently press down with your hands, then roll the wool tightly inside the towel or mat. Roll back and forth for several minutes.

5. Unroll, Rotate, Repeat
   Open the bundle, rotate it 90 degrees, and roll again. Repeat this process to strengthen the felt from all angles.

6. Fulling: Strengthen the Felt
   Once the fibers hold together, remove the netting and rub the mat firmly with your palms. You can also throw it gently on the table — this shocks the fibers and makes them denser.

7. Rinse and Shape
   Rinse out the soap, shape the mat evenly, and press it flat on a towel. Leave it to dry completely.

Time & Result

This project takes about 60–90 minutes. You’ll end up with a sturdy, heat-resistant mat, perfect as a trivet, coaster, or decorative piece. More importantly, you’ll gain the confidence and hands-on experience needed for larger felt rugs.

Tips for Beginners

• Plan for shrinkage: Your finished piece will be 20–30% smaller than your starting layout.

• Start small: Begin with trivets or mats, then try bigger rugs once you’re comfortable.

• Embrace imperfection: Uneven edges or textures add character — that’s the charm of handmade felt.

Conclusion: From Small Projects to Rugs

Felting is one of the oldest textile traditions, but it’s also one of the most beginner-friendly crafts you can try at home. With nothing more than wool, soap, and water, you can turn raw fibers into a beautiful, functional piece.

Start small with a trivet or mat, then scale up to larger rugs when you’re ready. And if you’d like to explore traditional motifs, cultural styles, and advanced techniques, don’t miss our comprehensive guide to felt rugs.

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