Article and photos by Raewyn Penrose, Coromandel, New Zealand ©
As published in Creative Fibre magazine, September 2018
Sushi felting is an embellishment technique which can bring colour and dimension to a flat piece. This can be used in the decoration of felted garments, hats, bags or any art piece.
Existing Skills Required
Basic felting techniques:
1. Laying out sliver to create a fine, two-layer base for felting.
2. How to complete the felting process to make firm, fully felted fabric.
You will need:
To make the sushi:
1. Merino wool sliver in up to five different colours.
2. Silk handkerchiefs in up to five different colours.
To complete the felting process:
Bubblewrap, net, hard soap, water bottle with holes in the lid, roller, scissors.
Instructions
1. Lay out a single layer (horizontally) of Merino sliver the same colour as the base you will be putting the sushi on. This is the outer layer of the rolled sushi.
2. Place a silk handkerchief over two-thirds of this.
3. Lay a single wool layer (vertically) in a different colour, over the handkerchief only, leaving the remaining third with just the first colour showing.
4. Repeat steps two and three, alternating the direction of the sliver horizontally and vertically until you have the desired number of layers each covering two-thirds of the base layer.
5. Roll up the layers tightly, towards the section of the base colour which has no silk on it. You now have a nice secure sushi roll.
6. Dry felt this roll by rolling it firmly between your hands.
7. With sharp scissors cut off the fluffy end piece so you can now see the sushi defined clearly.
8. Cut each sushi approximately 1cm thick, and lay these out, either onto two layers of pre-prepared merino sliver (horizontally and vertically) as a test piece, or directly on to a part of a previously laid out garment, hat etc.
9. Cover with net and wet down, carefully remove the net and then replace it to ensure it doesn’t pull on the sushi prior to working firmly (the net sometimes pulls the sushi). Remove net and roll up in bubble wrap. Roll 200 times, unroll and roll from opposite end and roll another 200 times. Once there is no movement of fibres when you run your fingers over the surface, remove from the bubble wrap and knead until firm. Rinse in cold water, either squeeze dry in a towel or spin in the washing machine. Iron flat with the iron on wool setting.
