FULLING (OR FELTING) is the technique of turning natural fibres into a thick fabric, by exposing them to heat, moisture and agitation. This causes the fibres to mat together and shrink, creating a dense, wind- and water-resistant fabric, making it perfect for winter woollens or bags.
The difference between felting and fulling is that felting is worked with unspun roving or fleece, which will usually be carded and combed first, while fulling is worked with a piece of knitted or woven fabric. Both produce similar results and tend to be widely known as felting, which is the term used by most designers and publications, ourselves included. Throughout this masterclass we use both terms; however,
