Standard felting needles have tiny barbs along the length of the shaft, capturing fibres and pulling them in to carry out the felting process. The reverse needles work in just the same way, except the barbs are facing the opposite direction, so the fibres are pulled outwards. The results are the same, but leaves a slightly fuzzy layer on the outside of the piece. This is a great effect on its own, but it can also be useful if you intend to finish the piece by wet felting the outside.
These needles allow the pre-felting process to take place without the need for soap and water, as well as being used to create 3D forms. To do this they have a series of barbs along the working edge that grab the fibres and move them around. They are produced in different thickness gauges; the larger the needle gauge the finer the needle.
Whilst all of the needles will tolerate a small amount of bending, too much and they will break. As such a straight in and-and-out action will ensure a long life for the needle. A well used needle will wear out the barbs before it breaks.
All our needles are high quality European manufacture, not low quality far eastern made.
These needles will fit into all of the needle felting tools we stock.
Safety
These needles, like all sharp tools, need treating with care. They are not suitable for use by children without close supervision. All our needles are packed in robust slide lock boxes. Please keep them in these boxes when not in use.