What It Is
#WetFelting showcases the ancient fiber art of matting wool fibers together using water, soap, and friction to create fabric, accessories, and sculptural art. The hashtag grew as makers sought sustainable, tactile alternatives to synthetic materials.
History & Cultural Impact
Early Growth (2013-2017):
- September 2013: Instagram felters share process photos
- 2014: Nuno felting (wool + silk fabric) gains Western popularity
- 2015: YouTube tutorials (Sarafina Fiber Art 70K+ subscribers)
- 2016: Etsy felted accessories market (hats, scarves, slippers)
- 2017: Felted soap (novelty, exfoliating)
Sustainability Movement (2018-2021):
- 2018: “Slow fashion” crossover (handmade wool garments)
- 2019: Zero-waste felting (using wool scraps)
- 2020 Pandemic: Meditative wet felting workshops via Zoom
- 2021: Felted mushrooms (cottagecore crossover)
Niche Persistence (2022-2023):
- 2022: Felted vessels (bowls, baskets)
- 2023: Wearable art shows (felted clothing as sculpture)
Popular Projects:
- Scarves & shawls (nuno felting on silk)
- Slippers & shoes (3D felting)
- Hats (seamless construction)
- Bags & purses
- Bowls & vessels
- Wall art (2D pictorial felting)
- Felted soap (novelty)
- Jewelry (beads, pendants)
- Sculptural art (animals, abstract forms)
Techniques:
- Flat felting (scarves, wall hangings)
- 3D felting (slippers, hats, vessels)
- Nuno felting (wool on silk/fabric)
- Cobweb felting (sheer, lacy)
- Resist felting (shapes, patterns)
Supplies:
- Wool roving (Merino, Corriedale)
- Olive oil soap (bar or liquid)
- Bubble wrap or felting mat
- Hot water
- Towels
- Pool noodle or dowel (rolling)
Related Hashtags
#FeltMaking, #NunoFelting, #WoolArt, #FiberArt, #WetFelted, #FeltedAccessories, #SlowFashion, #SustainableCraft, #HandmadeTextile, #WoolRoving