The Complete Handbook of Felting Molds
A practical reference for professionals, businesses, and serious hobbyists on selecting, using, and maintaining felting molds
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
Your complete reference for choosing, using, and profiting from felting molds—covering everything from specs to troubleshooting.
About this book
From simple ball molds to complex multi-part forms for hats and bags, felting molds are essential tools for shaping wool and other fibers. But the market is full of molds with varying materials, tolerances, and durability, making it hard to know which one is right for your work. This handbook cuts through the noise to provide a professional, practical reference for anyone who relies on felting molds for their craft or business.
Written for professionals, businesses, and serious hobbyists, the book starts with a clear explanation of what felting molds are and how they function in both wet and needle felting processes. It then provides a detailed breakdown of mold types, materials (from wood to silicone to plastic), and the critical specifications to consider. You'll learn a systematic approach to choosing the right mold for your specific project, how to install and use it for best results, and how to maintain and troubleshoot common issues like sticking and warping.
Beyond the craft itself, this handbook explores the commercial opportunities surrounding felting molds. It offers a realistic look at brands and suppliers, and details practical business avenues from reselling and servicing to custom mold design and renting. With a look toward future trends in materials and technology, and answers to the most common questions, this is the definitive resource for anyone serious about felting.
Reader Reviews
Steven Nguyen
★★★★★I'm a production felter and was hoping for more specific data on things like shrinkage rates for different fiber blends and comparative durability tests of the mold materials. It's a solid overview and the troubleshooting section saved me a headache last week, but it feels more like an excellent textbook than an exhaustive field manual. Still, it's now the most referenced craft book on my shelf.
Donna Ramirez
★★★★★The chapter on selecting the right mold was really well done. I've been making wet-felted vessels for years and still picked up a few points on how to evaluate wall thickness and finish. My only real gripe is that I wish the brand overview in chapter six was a bit more expansive, but I understand that prices and availability change. This is a great desk reference for anyone who does this professionally.
Kimberly Davis
★★★★★Finally, a book that treats felting like a serious craft and not just a cute hobby. The detailed explanation of how different mold plastics interact with soap and water was worth the price alone. I just ordered a set of new molds after reading the specifications chapter. It's clear, methodical, and incredibly useful. I see myself wearing this book out in a few years.
Ashley Clark
★★★★★I bought this for my studio as we're scaling up from hobbyist to small-batch production. The chapter on troubleshooting was the first thing I needed, and it didn't disappoint. I really appreciated that they used plain language and didn't try to sell me on any particular brand. It's given me the confidence to just get on with it. Probably a must-have for independent crafters.
Melissa Perez
★★★★★As an enthusiast who's been felting for about five years, this handbook has filled in so many gaps in my understanding. The glossary alone is fantastic. I finally understand the difference between a resist and a mold, and why I've been struggling with certain shapes. The business chapter is also a great thought-provoker, even if I'm not planning to quit my day job. It's a comprehensive and well-organized resource.