How to Wet Felt a Poinsettia Flower for Xmas

Updated on December 10, 2017
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Sally Gulbrandsen
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Sally Gulbrandsen Feltmaker: Her tutorials & techniques are as individual as she is — unique, experimental and always interesting.

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Xmas With a Poinsettia

Christmas would not be Christmas without a Poinsettia.
Christmas would not be Christmas without a Poinsettia. | Source

Some Fun Facts about The Christmas Flower

No flowers say Christmas quite like the Poinsettia but did you know that the Poinsettia's main attraction is not the flower but its leaves. The yellow parts of the Poinsettia are really the flower buds. The red Poinsettia is the most popular colour followed by the pink and white

More Poinsettia pot plants are sold than any other pot plant at Christmas. Around 34 million are sold every year. In warm climates such as South Africa and Mexico, they grow into small trees. The Poinsettia exudes a milky substance which many believe to be poisonous but they are not. If eaten they are likely to cause stomach discomfort and irritation.

Close up Detail on the Poinsettia

Close up detail on the felt poinsettia
Close up detail on the felt poinsettia | Source

Things You Will Need for This Tutorial

  • A Poinsettia Template as is shown below
  • Green Merino Wool Roving
  • Yellow Merino Wool Roving for the centre of the Poinsettia
  • Red Merino Wool Roving for the Petals. Merino Wool Roving is the perfect choice for this Poinsettia. It felts easily and holds its shape very well. It comes in a variety of colours and can be purchased in small or large quantities.
  • Contrasting Red Mohair Wool for the veins on the Petals
  • Red Silk Fibres which can be used for Embellishment
  • Bubble Wrap
  • A Bamboo Blind
  • Thin Wire which can be used for the Petal Frame and to attach the yellow 'flowers' with
  • Hot Soapy Water

Close up Image of the Wet Felted Poinsettia

Close up of a wet felted poinsettia.
Close up of a wet felted poinsettia. | Source

Step 1—Make the 2 Green Leaves

  • Cut a length of thin wire and fold it in half and twist the wire together as shown below.
  • The size you cut the wire should be determined by the size you would like the leaves to end up.

Making the 2 Green Leaves

Making the 2 green leaves
Making the 2 green leaves | Source

Cover the Wire with the Green Roving

  • Cover the Wire with thin strips of roving as shown.

Covering the Wire Frames with Green Wool Roving

Cover the metal leaf frames with thin strips of wool roving
Cover the metal leaf frames with thin strips of wool roving | Source

Maintain a Slight Ragged Look

  • Maintain a slight ragged edge to make the leaves look a little more natural when they are completed.

Wire Leaves Covered in Wool Roving

Wires covered in wool roving
Wires covered in wool roving | Source

Fill the Frame

  • Add a thin layer of Wool Roving to the Frame.
  • A thick layer will make the leaves look clumsy.

Fill in the Center of the Wire Frame with Wool Roving

Filling the center of the leaves with green wool roving.
Filling the center of the leaves with green wool roving. | Source

Both Leaves Covered in Green Roving

Both leaves filled with wool roving.
Both leaves filled with wool roving. | Source

Wet the Leaves with Hot Soapy Water

Wet the leaves with hot soapy water
Wet the leaves with hot soapy water | Source

Cover the Leaves with Bubble Wrap, Wet and Rub

Wet the surface of the bubble wrap for easier rubbing.
Wet the surface of the bubble wrap for easier rubbing. | Source

Neaten the Edges of the Leaves

Neaten the edges by folding them over the wire and then put back under the bubblewrap
Neaten the edges by folding them over the wire and then put back under the bubblewrap | Source

Neatened Edges

The edges have now been neatened.
The edges have now been neatened. | Source

Cover with Bubble Wrap and Wet the Surface

Cover with bubble wrap and wet to make the surface slippery and easy to rub on.
Cover with bubble wrap and wet to make the surface slippery and easy to rub on. | Source

Leaves Fully Felted

Fiber has been fully felted
Fiber has been fully felted | Source

Completely Felted Leaves

Leaves completed and awaiting a rinse in hot and then cold water.
Leaves completed and awaiting a rinse in hot and then cold water. | Source

Step 2—Draw the Flower Template

  • Draw the Template using three different sheets of paper.
  • Start with the largest Template and grade them downwards in size so that the finished article will have a 3D look.

Draw the 3D Petal Templates

Draw 3 Templates in graded sizes.
Draw 3 Templates in graded sizes. | Source

3 Templates Sketched in 3 Sizes

Draw 3 matching templates in 3 different sizes.
Draw 3 matching templates in 3 different sizes. | Source

Step 3—Make the Flower

  • Begin tracing the Flower using the wet Mohair Wool and the image below the Bubblewrap as your guide.

The Template Sketched in Mohair Knitting Wool

The largest template with some contrasting mohair knitting yarn used for making the veins of the leaves.
The largest template with some contrasting mohair knitting yarn used for making the veins of the leaves. | Source

Put the Templates Under a Piece of Bubble Wrap

  • If you put the paper template under the bubble wrap you will see through it sufficiently to follow the lines below. This will keep the template dry.

Use a Continuous Length of Wet Soapy Mohair Yarn

Wet a continuous length of mohair yarn.
Wet a continuous length of mohair yarn. | Source

Draw the Outline of the Flower Using the Mohair Yarn

Cover the outline of the flower with the mohair yarn.
Cover the outline of the flower with the mohair yarn. | Source

One of the Outlines Sketched in Wet Mohair Yarn

A completed template traced in Mohair Yarn
A completed template traced in Mohair Yarn | Source

Fill the Petal Using the Red Merino Roving

Lightly fill the petals with a fine even layer of Merino wool roving.
Lightly fill the petals with a fine even layer of Merino wool roving. | Source

Petals Filled with Merino Wool Roving

Fill the Petals with Merino wool roving.
Fill the Petals with Merino wool roving. | Source

Add Veins Using the Mohair Yarn

Creating veins on the petals with Mohair Yarn
Creating veins on the petals with Mohair Yarn | Source

Wet the Fibres with Hot Soapy Water

Wet the petals with hot soapy water.
Wet the petals with hot soapy water. | Source

Cover the Wet Petals with Bubble Wrap

Cover the Petals with Bubble Wrap
Cover the Petals with Bubble Wrap | Source

Rub the Wet Surface with Your Fingers

Wet the surface of the bubble wrap and rub gently.
Wet the surface of the bubble wrap and rub gently. | Source

Remove the Bubble Wrap

Remove the bubble wrap and neaten the edges.
Remove the bubble wrap and neaten the edges. | Source

Neaten the Edges

Neaten the edges with your fingers.
Neaten the edges with your fingers. | Source

Cover the Flower with Bubble Wrap and Rub

Cover with Bubble Wrap, Wet with soapy water and rub well.
Cover with Bubble Wrap, Wet with soapy water and rub well. | Source

Roll Petals Inside the Bamboo Blind

Roll petals inside a bamboo mat, with or without the bubble wrap.
Roll petals inside a bamboo mat, with or without the bubble wrap. | Source

1 Completed Layer

A completed layer.
A completed layer. | Source

Hint

  • Keep on rotating the flower as you roll so that the petal shrinks the same amount in all directions.

3 Petals Completed

3 Layers of Petals which were graded in size.
3 Layers of Petals which were graded in size. | Source

Step 4—Make the Flower Centre

  • Begin by making the felt balls.
  • They should be fairly small to reflect the actual size of those on a real Poinsettia.

Knot a Thin Piece of Yellow Roving

Knot a small piece of yellow roving.
Knot a small piece of yellow roving. | Source

Wet the Knot

Wet the knot and wrap the rest of the roving around the knot to form a tiny ball.
Wet the knot and wrap the rest of the roving around the knot to form a tiny ball. | Source

Roll the Balls

Roll the Balls until they are firmly felted.
Roll the Balls until they are firmly felted. | Source

Rinse the Balls in Hot and Then Cold Water

Rinse all the items in Hot and Cold Water and then 'Full' by throwing the against the kitchen sink. Iron the Red Petals Flat.
Rinse all the items in Hot and Cold Water and then 'Full' by throwing the against the kitchen sink. Iron the Red Petals Flat. | Source

Step 5—Assemble the Flower

  • Rinse the items in hot and cold water.
  • Press the Petals
  • Begin assembling the pieces as shown below.

Threading the Wire

  • Use a sharp needle with a large hole to thread the wire through
  • Push the needle into the ball and then fold the wire in half as shown below.

Threading the Wire

Thread a needle with the wire and sew through a length of wire, fold in half.
Thread a needle with the wire and sew through a length of wire, fold in half. | Source

The Assembled Components

The Petals, leaves and Center Pieces of the Poinsettia.
The Petals, leaves and Center Pieces of the Poinsettia. | Source

Push the Wires Through the Top Layer

Push the wires through the Top Layer as shown
Push the wires through the Top Layer as shown | Source

2nd Layer of Petals Added

Second Layer of Petals
Second Layer of Petals | Source

3rd Layer of Petals & Leaves Being Assembled

All the layers plus the 2 leaves being assembled.
All the layers plus the 2 leaves being assembled. | Source

Twist the Green Wire Around the Center Wires

The rear of the Poinsettia.
The rear of the Poinsettia. | Source

Cover the Wire in Green Roving

  • Complete the stem by wrapping a thin strip around all of the wires.
  • Rub them with hot soapy water to complete the felting process.

Cup the Petals & Shape The Flowerr

Cup the petals in your palm and then gently shape them into a pleasing shape.
Cup the petals in your palm and then gently shape them into a pleasing shape. | Source

Xmas Flower / The Completed Poinsettia

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Questions & Answers

    © 2016 Sally Gulbrandsen

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      • sallybea profile image
        Author

        Sally Gulbrandsen 14 months ago from Norfolk

        BODYLEVIVE

        Good to hear that you found this Tutorial useful and helpful. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

      • bodylevive profile image

        BODYLEVIVE 14 months ago from Alabama, USA

        Great job, easy to follow directions. I love Poinsettia, just can't keep them long after Christmas!

      • sallybea profile image
        Author

        Sally Gulbrandsen 17 months ago from Norfolk

        Suzi HQ

        It is great to see you back gracing on one of my pages. I hope you are well! I am delighted that you like this Tutorial and that you feel that you have missed something. Thank you for stopping by to comment. It is appreciated.

      • Suzie HQ profile image

        Suzanne Ridgeway 17 months ago from Dublin, Ireland

        Hi Sally wow, how fascinating! What I have missed from you, apologies my friend. I had no idea this is how the felting is achieved, how clear and easy you make it with instructions and photos. I love poinsettia thanks so much and congrats on a fab hub!

      • sallybea profile image
        Author

        Sally Gulbrandsen 17 months ago from Norfolk

        I appreciate your stopping by to Comment Devika and I am glad you liked this one. Hope you are having a terrific day.

      • DDE profile image

        Devika Primić 17 months ago from Dubrovnik, Croatia

        You thought of everything in detail and an interesting way to have this creative idea for Christmas. I like it!

      • sallybea profile image
        Author

        Sally Gulbrandsen 17 months ago from Norfolk

        AliciaC

        I think it is a project which most people could complete:) So glad you found the Tutorial simple to understand. Your feedback is valued and appreciated, thank you.

      • AliciaC profile image

        Linda Crampton 17 months ago from British Columbia, Canada

        The poinsettia is beautiful, Sally. What a lovely flower to make for Christmas. Thanks for sharing the instructions and your technique. I think this is a project that I could complete.

      • sallybea profile image
        Author

        Sally Gulbrandsen 17 months ago from Norfolk

        FlourishAnyway,

        That was good of you. I like your suggestions, thank you so much.

      • FlourishAnyway profile image

        FlourishAnyway 17 months ago from USA

        I'm back to vote. I can imagine flowers that adorn holiday candelabra or are used for holiday place settings (napkin holders).

      • sallybea profile image
        Author

        Sally Gulbrandsen 17 months ago from Norfolk

        MsDora

        Nice, that gives me something to go on for a future tutorial. Glad that you liked the Poinsettia. Have a terrific week MsDora.

      • MsDora profile image

        Dora Weithers 17 months ago from The Caribbean

        Sally, I voted for scarves but so far I've loved everything I've seen. I love the poinsettia and I love your version of it. Great unique decoration for the Christmas tree.

      • sallybea profile image
        Author

        Sally Gulbrandsen 17 months ago from Norfolk

        Blond Logic

        I loved making this flower. There is something so satisfying about making something so pretty with just a few fibres and a little hot soapy water. I appreciate your stopping by to comment. Thank you so much.

      • Blond Logic profile image

        Mary Wickison 17 months ago from Brazil

        Excellent tutorial and the perfect one for the upcoming holiday season.

      • Blond Logic profile image

        Mary Wickison 17 months ago from Brazil

        Excellent tutorial and the perfect one for the upcoming holiday season.

      • sallybea profile image
        Author

        Sally Gulbrandsen 17 months ago from Norfolk

        SakinaNasir53

        It is a pleasure to have you come and visit one of my pages. So glad you enjoyed the Tutorial. Thank you so much.

      • SakinaNasir53 profile image

        Sakina Nasir 17 months ago from Kuwait

        Beautiful hub! Loved your tutorial. Very well explained. Great job Sally. I would love to try this out. Looks so creative! ☺

      • sallybea profile image
        Author

        Sally Gulbrandsen 17 months ago from Norfolk

        purl3agony

        Great to see you back Donna. Glad that you liked this one and just in time for the Xmas Hols as you say. Have a great week.

      • purl3agony profile image

        Donna Herron 17 months ago from USA

        Hi Sally - Love this new project and it's perfect for the upcoming holidays! So beautiful and your photos make this tutorial so easy to follow. Thanks for sharing another great project!

      • sallybea profile image
        Author

        Sally Gulbrandsen 17 months ago from Norfolk

        Thank you very much Billy, a happy Tuesday to you too today.

      • billybuc profile image

        Bill Holland 17 months ago from Olympia, WA

        Passing this along to the crafty ones in my family, Sally, and saying, as I always do, a job well done, my friend.

        Happy Tuesday to you!

      • sallybea profile image
        Author

        Sally Gulbrandsen 17 months ago from Norfolk

        FlourishAnyway

        Thanks for the thumbs up and the great comment. I have altered the paragraph. Not sure why this sometimes happens and as for the poll, I did not tick the box to close it so it should now be open again:)

      • FlourishAnyway profile image

        FlourishAnyway 17 months ago from USA

        How beautiful and festive! I would've voted in the poll but it's closed for voting. Also, one paragraph (starts with "In warm climates" was duplicated). I could imagine this on stockings, hairpieces, and all kinds of things. Well done.

      working