The Complete Handbook of Felting Pads & Mats

Finally, a reference that treats felting like a serious craft. I've been needle felting for six years and have ruined more wool pads than I can count. The chapter on maintenance alone is worth the price of the book - I had no idea you could revive a compacted wool pad with steam. The section on how needle depth interacts with pad density was immediately useful. I've already changed how I work, and my needles are lasting longer.

Overall, an excellent and much-needed resource. The breakdown of foam vs. wool vs. bristle was exactly what I needed to stop buying pads blindly. I deducted one star because I feel the troubleshooting section could have been more exhaustive, especially regarding silicone pads. It's a little light on specific fixes for issues like surface pitting. But the business opportunities chapter was a nice surprise, and the glossary is great for training new staff.

As someone who runs a small alpaca fiber farm and teaches classes, this book has become my go-to recommendation for students. The explanation of 'needle deflection' finally made the concept of pad firmness click for me. It's practical, it's honest, and it doesn't talk down to you. The comparison of different pad materials is the most objective I've found anywhere. This is the real deal for anyone who wants to do this well.

It's a good book with a lot of solid information, and I'll keep it on my shelf. I found the opening chapter a bit slow, going deep into the physics of how needles interact with a pad rather than just getting to the point. Once it got into the specifics of choosing a pad, it was much more informative. I was hoping for more on integrating pads into complex sculptural work, which wasn't really covered. Still, it's a solid reference for the basics.

I bought this expecting a simple buying guide and got a proper handbook that I'll reference for years. I especially appreciated the detailed, non-scientific breakdown of how brush pads are constructed and why the spacing of the bristles matters so much for needle longevity. The chapter on setting up a business around these supplies was far more realistic and grounded than the usual 'start a side hustle' content you see online. Very well done.

The content is solid and well-organized, which is why I'm not giving it two stars. However, I felt it was too heavily weighted toward needle felting. I primarily wet felt, and while the book covers pads for that, it felt like an afterthought. There was also less practical advice on very large-scale production than I would have liked. It's a good reference, but not the 'complete' handbook it claims to be for wet felters.

This is the book I wish I had when I started my business. The chapter on choosing the right mat saved me from buying a cheap foam pad that would have degraded in a month. The specifics on static buildup and how to manage it in a dry climate were incredibly helpful. It's rare to find a book that understands the difference between a hobbyist and a production studio. The Chapter 1 breakdown of the mechanical forces at play is fantastic.

I'm the kind of person who researches everything to death before buying, and this book satisfied my need for specificity. The specs chapter gave me the exact numbers I needed to compare a local manufacturer's product against imported ones. And the glossary at the end is a lifesaver for a relative newcomer. The writing is clear, technical without being inaccessible. It's become my standard gift for fellow crafters. Highly recommended.