If you’ve been anywhere near social media lately, chances are you’ve seen her: Jackie, the Big Bear Valley bald eagle whose 24/7 nest webcam has turned her into an internet celebrity. Jackie and her mate, Shadow, have been livestreamed by Friends of Big Bear Valley since 2016, and every egg, hatch, and snowstorm survival story sends fans into a frenzy. She’s currently trending on Google — and it’s easy to see why. There’s something captivating about watching a wild bald eagle family, twig by twig, in real time.

It’s the perfect excuse to bring America’s national bird into the craft room. Bald eagles have bold, graphic coloring — that stark white head against a deep brown body — which happens to translate beautifully into felt. Today we’re sharing a **no-sew felt bald eagle craft**, complete with a free printable cutting template, so you can make your own Jackie-inspired eagle at home.

Why Felt Is Perfect for This Project

A bald eagle’s coloring is bold and high-contrast — white, dark brown, and a flash of yellow at the beak and feet — which makes it an ideal subject for felt. Felt holds crisp, clean edges without fraying, so those sharp color blocks stay sharp. And because felt comes in so many weights and finishes, you can match the material to the project:

– Heavyweight wool felt gives the body and wings structure and a rich, saturated brown.
– Durafelt(washable synthetic felt) is a great, budget-friendly choice for the yellow beak and feet — it holds color well and is easy for beginners to cut.
– White felt for the head and tail gives you that classic bald eagle look without needing to paint or dye anything.

Free Printable Template

To make this project as simple as possible, we put together a printable pattern with every piece you need — body, wings, head, beak, eye, tail, and feet — sized and labeled by felt color.

Click Here:  baldeagletemplate

Print it at 100% scale (not “fit to page”), use the 1-inch reference square on the pattern page to confirm your printer didn’t resize anything, then cut out the paper pieces to trace onto your felt.

What You’ll Need

– Dark brown wool or Durafelt felt (body, wings, tail base) — about 8″ x 10″
– White felt (head, tail tips) — about 4″ x 4″
– Yellow or gold Durafelt (beak, feet) — about 3″ x 3″
– A small scrap of black felt, or a black button/bead (eye)
– Fabric glue or a hot glue gun
– Fabric scissors
– Fiberfill or felt scraps (optional, for a slightly puffed body)
– Twine or ribbon (optional, if you want to hang your eagle as a decoration)

Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Print and cut your template.**
Print the PDF at actual size, cut out each paper pattern piece, and set them aside by color group.

**2. Trace and cut your felt pieces.**
Using the template, trace and cut:
– 2 body pieces (front and back) in dark brown
– 2 head pieces (front and back) in white
– 2 wing pieces in dark brown
– 2 tail pieces in white
– 1 beak in yellow
– 2 feet in yellow
– 1–2 small circles in black for the eye (or use buttons/beads instead)

**3. Assemble the head.**
Glue the beak between the two head layers so the tip peeks out, then glue the eye on top, near the beak.

**4. Assemble the body.**
Glue the two body pieces together around the edges, leaving a small gap open at the top.

**5. Add the wings and tail.**
Glue one wing onto each side of the body, and glue the white tail pieces to the bottom back of the body, fanning out slightly like tail feathers.

**6. Stuff it (optional).**
For a slightly 3D look, tuck a small amount of fiberfill into the body through the open gap before sealing it shut. If you’re making an ornament, sandwich a folded loop of twine into the top of the body before gluing it closed.

**7. Attach the head and feet.**
Glue the finished head to the top of the body, and glue the feet to the bottom front.

**8. Let it dry, then display.**
Prop your felt eagle on a shelf, clip it to a wreath, or hang it as an ornament — however you’d like to bring a little Jackie-inspired charm into your space.

Tips for the Best Results

– **Use crisp white felt** for the head — a bright white against dark brown is what gives the eagle its signature bald eagle look.
– **Don’t skip the eye detail.** Even a tiny black dot adds a surprising amount of personality and makes the eagle feel alive.
– **Layer before you commit to glue.** Lay all your pieces out on top of the body before gluing anything down, so you can adjust wing and head placement first.

A Craft Worth Celebrating

Whether you’re a longtime Jackie-and-Shadow fan who’s been refreshing the webcam for updates, or you just love a good excuse to work with felt, this project is a fun way to bring a bit of that eagle-watching magic off the screen and into something you can hold onto.

Ready to get started? [Shop our wool and Durafelt felt in white, brown, and yellow](#) to gather everything you need for your own felt eagle.

The post Inspired by Jackie the Bald Eagle: Make Your Own No-Sew Felt Eagle appeared first on The Felt People.

There’s something a little magical about Christmas in July — the days are long and hot, but for craft lovers, it’s the perfect excuse to slow down and start on handmade holiday projects before the December rush hits. And no material says “Christmas” quite like felt.

Felt has been a holiday craft staple for generations, and for good reason. It doesn’t fray, it holds its shape, it comes in every color you could want, and it’s forgiving enough for beginners while still looking polished in the hands of experienced crafters. Whether you’re making gifts, decorating your own tree, or getting a head start on a holiday market booth, felt is where to begin.

To kick off our Christmas in July series, we’re sharing one of the simplest, most satisfying projects out there: a no-sew felt ornament. No sewing machine, no fancy stitching — just a few basic supplies and about 20 minutes.

Why Felt Ornaments?

Felt ornaments are:

• Beginner-friendly — no sewing experience required
• Kid-friendly — a great activity for family craft nights
• Customizable — endless shapes, colors, and embellishment options
• Durable — unlike glass ornaments, they won’t shatter in storage or shipping
• Affordable — a little felt goes a long way

What You’ll Need

• Felt sheets (wool or wool-blend felt holds up best and gives the richest color)
• Fabric scissors or a craft die-cutter
• Fabric glue or a hot glue gun
• A simple ornament template (tree, star, stocking, or round bauble — anything with a basic outline works)
• Fiberfill or scrap felt for light stuffing (optional, for a plumper ornament)
• Twine, ribbon, or embroidery thread for hanging
• Optional: buttons, mini pom-poms, sequins, or contrasting felt scraps for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut your shapes. Trace your template onto felt twice, so you have two matching pieces (front and back). Cut carefully along the lines — felt’s clean edges mean you don’t have to worry about fraying, so don’t stress about perfection here.

2. Decorate the front piece (optional but fun). Before assembling, this is the time to glue on any decorative details — a button “ornament ball,” a tiny felt bow, a name, or a contrasting felt cutout layered on top.

3. Add your hanging loop. Cut a 4–5 inch piece of twine or ribbon and fold it in half to form a loop. Set the raw ends between your two felt pieces at the top, where they’ll get glued in place in the next step.

4. Glue the edges. Apply a thin line of fabric glue (or hot glue, working in small sections) around the outer edge of the back piece, leaving a small gap open. Press the front piece on top, sandwiching the hanging loop ends into the glue at the top.

5. Stuff it (optional). For a slightly puffed, 3D look, tuck a small amount of fiberfill or felt scraps through the open gap before sealing it shut.

6. Seal and finish. Glue the remaining gap closed and let it dry fully before hanging.

That’s it — a handmade felt ornament, start to finish, with no sewing machine in sight.

Tips for Best Results

• Use quality felt. Thinner, lower-quality felt can look flimsy and glue unevenly. A sturdier wool-blend felt holds its shape and looks more finished.
• Work in batches. Cut a dozen shapes at once — it’s much more efficient than doing one ornament start to finish before moving to the next.
• Let dry completely before handling or hanging, especially with fabric glue, which can take longer to set than hot glue.

Get a Head Start on the Holidays

The beauty of Christmas in July is that there’s no pressure — no deadline breathing down your neck, no last-minute scramble. Whether you’re crafting for your own tree, building up holiday market inventory, or making handmade gifts, a few quiet hours now can save you a lot of stress in December.

Ready to start your own batch of felt ornaments? Browse our felt sheets and wool-blend felt to find the perfect colors and weights for your project.

The post Christmas in July: A Simple No-Sew Felt Ornament DIY appeared first on The Felt People.

Decorative felt may look simple, but the fiber behind it plays a big role in how it performs. Colored felt products can be made from natural fibers, synthetics, plant-based materials, or blends. Each type brings different strengths depending on how you plan on using the felt.

For crafters, and designers, choosing the right felt often comes down to balancing durability, appearance, and cost. The following is a closer look at the most common fibers used in decorative felt helps explain why certain materials perform better in specific applications.

Wool Felt: The Original

Wool felt is the material that built the felt category. Wool fibers naturally interlock because of microscopic scales along the fiber surface. When heat, moisture, and pressure are applied, the fibers lock together to form a dense nonwoven fabric.

The result is a felt that holds its shape well, cuts cleanly, and maintains consistent body. Wool also accepts dye exceptionally well, producing rich colors that remain stable over time.

Another advantage is resilience. Wool fibers recover naturally after compression, helping wool felt maintain structure even after repeated handling.

For decorative applications where appearance and durability matter, wool felt remains the premium option.

Polyester Felt: Consistency and Durability

Polyester felt has become increasingly common in decorative applications, particularly where cost and consistency are important.

Because polyester fibers are engineered during manufacturing, they can be produced with very consistent diameter and strength. This results in felt that can resist stretching and shrinking.

Polyester also performs well in environments where moisture, sunlight, or repeated handling might affect wool or other natural fibers.

For larger decorative productions or applications requiring consistency, polyester felt provides a dependable alternative.

Acrylic Felt: Economical and Colorful

Acrylic felt is widely used in entry-level craft felt products. The fiber can be produced very economically and dyed in a wide range of bright colors that last.

This is the material that is most often found in craft packs used in schools or hobby projects.

While typically not as durable as wool or polyester, it offers a wool like feel for a fraction of the cost.  For seasonal decorations, classroom crafts, or short-term projects, acrylic felt remains a great option.

Plant-Based Felts: Renewable Fiber Alternatives

Plant-based felts have gained attention as manufacturers explore renewable and animal-free materials. These felts are typically produced from cellulose fibers derived from plants rather than petroleum-based synthetics.

The most common plant derived fiber used in decorative felt is viscose rayon, which is made from wood pulp. Trees such as beech, eucalyptus, and pine are processed into a pulp, which is then converted into fiber and formed into nonwoven felt through needling or mechanical bonding.

Other plant sources used in specialty felt materials include:

• bamboo pulp fibers
• cotton
• lyocell fibers
• other cellulose-based agricultural by-products

Plant based felts tend to have a smooth surface and soft, flexible feel. Because the fibers are very uniform, manufacturers can produce sheets with consistent thickness and appearance.

These materials are sometimes marketed as “vegan” felt, making them appealing in certain consumers. They are also frequently blended with wool or polyester to improve softness and finish.

Recycled PET Felt: A Growing Segment

Another category gaining momentum is recycled PET felt, produced from post-consumer plastic bottles.

The plastic is cleaned, melted, and extruded into polyester fibers, which are then needle-punched into dense felt sheets.

Recycled PET felt is increasingly used in applications such as:

• acoustic wall panels
• architectural interiors
• office dividers
• decorative displays

In addition to being “animal free”, recycled PET felt appeals to designers and manufacturers looking to incorporate recycled material content into their projects.

Blended Felts: Combining the Best Qualities of Different Fibers

Many decorative felts are produced using fiber blends, particularly combinations of wool with plant-derived or synthetic fibers. Ratios such as 20/80, 30/70, or 35/65 are very common throughout the industry.

Blending fibers allows manufacturers to balance performance and cost. Wool contributes resilience and body, while plant-derived or synthetic fibers improve smoothness, consistency, and reduced costs.

Blended felts often provide the most practical solution for decorative applications where manufacturers need dependable performance without the higher cost of 100 percent wool.

Fiber Comparison Chart

Quick Felt Selection Guide

If you’re choosing decorative felt for a project, these are very general guidelines that can help narrow the options.

For premium crafts or long-lasting products
Wool or wool-blend felt

For consistent production runs
Polyester felt

For lower cost craft sheets
Acrylic felt

For renewable or vegan material
Plant-based cellulose felts

For architectural or modern design uses
Recycled PET felt

The post Understanding Decorative Felt: Fiber Choices and What They Mean for Performance appeared first on The Felt People.

Felt initially became integral to costume construction, particularly in millinery. Hats made from wool felt defined the characters and their eras-from newsboys and laborers to soldiers, aristocrats, and leading men. Felt’s durability, its ability to be molded and reshaped, and its consistency under stage lighting made it ideal for productions that ran night after night. New York’s millinery and costume workshops grew alongside Broadway, supplying felt components crafted specifically for the stage.

During the Golden Age of Broadway, felt helped shape the visual identity of American musical theater. Its clean edges and saturated colors translated clearly from stage to balcony, while its weight and structure supported dramatic silhouettes. Beyond aesthetics, felt also served a practical purpose. It absorbed sound, reduced costume noise, and contributed to the overall clarity of live performance, an important consideration in an era before advanced amplification.

Felt’s contribution to Broadway extended well beyond costumes. Industrial felt has long been used backstage and beneath the stage itself, protecting surfaces, reducing vibration, and supporting scenery and rigging. In orchestra pits, felt has played a quiet but essential role in sound control and instrument protection. These unseen applications are part of Broadway’s technical foundation.

Today, felt remains a trusted material in Broadway costume and production shops. Contemporary designers work with traditional wool felts as well as modern blends and needle-punched constructions, using the material for everything from historically accurate reproductions to bold, graphic design elements. While techniques have evolved, the reasons for choosing felt remain largely unchanged.

Across generations, felt has supported Broadway’s ability to perform consistently, endure demanding schedules, and maintain visual clarity onstage. Its presence is often subtle, but its role is enduring, woven into the history of American theater as a material built to perform.

The post Felt and Broadway: A Shared History appeared first on The Felt People.

In a world of fast-changing materials and trendy synthetics, some classics never go out of style. Wool felt is one of them—and for good reason. At The Felt People, we’ve been crafting and supplying premium wool felt for over nine decades, and we still see makers, hobbyists, and industrial pros choosing it time and time again. Here’s why wool felt continues to stand out, especially as we head deeper into 2026.

1. Natural Durability and Resilience

Wool felt isn’t just fabric—it’s a non-woven marvel created through the natural felting process of heat, moisture, and pressure that mats fibers into a dense, sturdy sheet. Unlike many synthetics that can pill, fade, or tear easily, wool felt holds up beautifully over time. Crafters love it for long-lasting projects like needle-felted sculptures, sewn ornaments, or custom appliqués. Industrial users rely on it for padding, gaskets, and displays that need to withstand wear without fraying or losing shape.

Our 100% wool and wool-blend options deliver that signature resilience while offering a soft, premium hand-feel that’s hard to replicate.

2. Vibrant, Long-Lasting Color

Wool takes dye exceptionally well, resulting in rich, saturated hues that stay true wash after wash (for our washable blends) or year after year in display settings. Whether you’re creating colorful craft kits, theatrical costumes, or elegant exhibit backdrops, the color payoff is unbeatable. We offer hundreds of shades—from classic neutrals to bold brights—so you can find exactly what your vision calls for.

Pro tip: Pair our heavyweight wool felt with adhesive-backed versions for easy application on signs, models, or DIY home decor.

3. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Appeal

As more makers prioritize sustainable materials, wool felt shines as a renewable, biodegradable choice. Sheep produce wool annually without harm, and the felting process uses minimal chemicals compared to many synthetic fabrics. In 2026, when consumers and businesses alike are seeking greener options, wool felt lets you create with a lighter footprint—perfect for eco-conscious crafters, event designers, and product manufacturers.

4. Versatility Across Projects

From the hobbyist’s felt food play sets and holiday decorations to the professional’s poker table cloths, acoustic panels, or precision die-cut parts, wool felt adapts to almost anything. Our custom cutting services make it simple to get exact shapes and sizes, saving time and reducing waste. Need adhesive-backed felt for quick peel-and-stick applications? We’ve got that covered too.

We’ve seen everything from school art programs to major exhibit builders return to wool felt because it simply performs better for detailed, high-quality work.

Ready to Feel the Difference?

If you’re working on a project that deserves the best in texture, color, and longevity, give wool felt a try. Browse our shop to explore colors, thicknesses, and types—or request a free sample to experience it firsthand. Our team is here to help match the perfect felt to your needs, just like we have for generations of makers.

What are you creating next? Share in the comments below—we’d love to hear how felt plays a role in your world!

The post Why Wool Felt Remains the Gold Standard for Crafters and Makers in 2026 appeared first on The Felt People.

After 70 years in Bloomingdale New Jersey, we have joined forces with

American Bacon Boston Felt Company

361 Walsh Avenue
New Windsor, New York 12553

800-631-8968 or contact us electronically

The post Central Shippee has moved! appeared first on The Felt People.

Cornie decided on a career change and proceeded to buy out other relatives who were stockholders in the Central FELT Company.  Bringing both sons, Bud and Don, into the company after their service in the Pacific Theatre and college, the company took off.  First with poodle skirts.  A designer had bought FELT and made multicolor skirt samples and displayed them in the store windows of Bloomingdales or Macy’s in the city. The next day, folks were sketching those designs, stealing them for mass production.  Then came Disney with Mickey Mouse FELT caps.

In the 60’s FELT kits with puppets, bean bags and Christmas tree skirts, socking and ornaments. FELT was sold to local Fabric shops across the county and by the 70’s Central Shippee was a big provider for FELT for store windows.  Downtown Main street stores would decorate them seasonally with FELT being the big background color. At one point, 80 colors of FELT, more than some paint stores.

With the advent of malls and big box stores, Central Shippee moved inside these retail spaces with tables and tablecloths.   Local fabrics stores gave way to the big box stores and more of our FELT was sold for interior designers, taxidermists, and manufacturers.   Dealing with the interiors market, Central FELT company decided it should become the Shippee (family name) FELT company, but in the transition it would be called Central / Shippee. With such a unique name, the transition continued….

In the late 1970’s, The FELT mill supplying the company was put up for sale by GAF company. After 2 years, there were no takers. Since Central Shippee was the mill’s largest customer, Bud Hubner lead a group of investors to buy the American FELT and Filter Company.  Bud took the helm at American for some 20 years. Bud’s son, Eric took his place and worked alongside his uncle Don for the next 45 years

Today, after some 95 years, Central Shippee is proud to announce it is rejoining the American FELT group headed by the Pryne family.

The post Central Shippee Story appeared first on The Felt People.

Felt is a dense, non-woven fabric and without any warp or weft. Instead, felted fabric is made from matted and compressed fibers or fur with no apparent system of threads.

Traditionally, Felt is produced as these fibers and/or fur are pressed together using heat, moisture, and pressure; known as wet pressed.  Our felt is generally composed of wool that is mixed with a synthetic in order to create sturdy, resilient felt for craft or industrial use.

Today, some felts are made wholly from synthetic fibers, in a dry needle-punch process.  Pre-dyed synthetic fibers are used, and tiny , harpoon shaped needles are used to press the fibers into a tight construction. If you look closely, you may see some of the miniature holes, which are mostly invisible to the casual viewer.  Using synthetic fibers in a dry process, lets us make washable and colorfast felt in our Durafelt lines.

Felt may vary in width, length, color, or thickness depending on its intended application. This matted material is particularly useful for padding and lining as it is dense and can be very thick. Furthermore, since the fabric is not woven the edges may be cut without fear of threads becoming loose and the fiber unraveling. Pressed wool Felted fibers generally take dye well and craft felt is available in a multitude of colors while industrial-grade felt is generally left in its natural state. In fact, felt is used in a wide variety of applications both within the residential and industrial contexts. Felt is used in air fresheners, children’s bulletin boards, craft kits, holiday costumes and decorations, stamp pads, within appliances, gaskets, as a clothing stiffener or liner, and it can be used as a cushion, to provide pads for polishing apparatus, or as a sealant in industrial machinery.

The post How Is Felt Made? appeared first on The Felt People.