Fibers Materials List

In lieu of a textbook for this course, we have provided a list of materials for you to obtain in order to complete your hands-on assignments. Some of these materials you may already own or may be able to obtain from your school. Others you may need to purchase or order. Below you will see three lists: Required Materials, Found Objects, and Optional. Some harder-to-find materials are linked to supply stores in this handout to help you as you acquire supplies. Please note: Links are included for your convenience only. Feel free to order or purchase supplies anywhere you wish. 

We strongly recommend that you read the entire syllabus and look through the materials lists early on in the class to ensure you have everything you need for each of the weekly assignments! 

Required Materials

The following materials are required for this course. Many of these items will be used multiple times throughout the course as well.

  • Paper (a variety of colors)
  • Yarn (a variety of colors)
  • Cotton Warp
  • Plastic Needle (for weaving with yarn)
  • Sewing Needle, preferable a “chenille needle” (see Guide)
  • Sewing Pins
  • Fabric Remnants (cotton muslin if you will be dyeing; other various fabrics for textile collage and soft sculpture)
  • Felting Tools OR Embroidery Tools – Inside this class, you will have the opportunity to explore either felting or embroidery. Only the tools for the technique you choose are required. Of course, you are welcome to try both!

Felting Tools

  • Wool Roving (3 or more colors) – Carded wool works best for wet felting and is less expensive. Carded and combed wool is preferred for needle felting.
  • Needle Felting Tool – The pen tool is recommended.
  • Needle Felting Mat – Purchase a professional mat like this one or use craft foam, which is more budget friendly, especially for a classroom set.
  • Fabric – To needle felt onto.

Embroidery Tools

  • Embroidery Hoop – A 6-10 inch wooden hoop is suggested.
  • Crochet Thread – Can be found at your local craft stores.
  • Fabric – To embroider onto.

Found Objects

This list includes materials that you may need to use throughout the duration of the course. These materials might be found in your home, school, or at a local hardware or craft store.

  • Iron
  • Cardboard (for a loom)
  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • Glue (liquid and/or glue stick)
  • Ruler
  • Pencil

Optional Materials

This list includes materials that you may want to consider depending upon the assignment path and unique projects you choose to complete.

  • Burlap
  • Gingham
  • Muslin (for dyeing with Fiber Reactive Dye or embroidery)
  • Wallpaper, textured paper, painted/patterned papers
  • Cardboard or wooden loom
  • Wacky/textures scissors
  • Wooden skewers
  • Clay (for a small frame loom)
  • Plastic or paper cups and bowls
  • Comb (for tapestry weaving)
  • Sewing Machine (all project options can be created using hand-sewing techniques)

Optional Materials for Wet Felting:

  • Dishwashing Soap
  • Ziplock Baggies, sandwich size (for small scale wet felting)
  • Bubble wrap, pool noodle, plastic sheeting, tulle or netting (for larger scale wet felting)

Options for Surface Design:

Shibori (Tie-Dye)

Printing and Stamping

Printing Images and Image Transfers on Fabric

  • Inkjet or Laser jet printer
  • Citrasolv
  • Acrylic Gel Medium

Traditional Wax Batik

Faux Batik

  • Cotton Fabric Remnants
  • Fabric Paint Marker
  • Washable Glue or Flour
  • Acrylic Paint or Fabric Paint