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Needle felting is a relaxing and creative craft that lets you transform wool into adorable 3D sculptures. In this hippo coaster tutorial, you’ll learn how to create a charming and functional wool felt hippo that doubles as a drink coaster! Perfect for beginners, this project takes about 1-2 hours and requires only basic felting tools.
Why Make a Hippo Coaster?
✔ Unique & Functional – A cute addition to your coffee table
✔ Great for Beginners – Simple shapes, easy techniques
✔ Perfect Gift Idea – Handmade with love
Materials You’ll Need
Before starting, gather these supplies:
1、a piece of non-woven fabric (for the base)
2、Colored Felting Wool (dark gray, smoky gray, white, black, camel)
3、Felting Needles (standard + fine gauge)
4、Felting Mat (protects your work surface)
5、hippo shape Template
If your materials are incomplete,you can click to purchase the hippo coaster kit online.
Step-by-Step Hippo Coaster Tutorial
Step 1: Prepare the Hippo Shape
Cut the Template – Trace the hippo outline onto non-woven fabric and cut it out.
Lay the Base – Place the template on your felting mat to prevent slipping.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a template, sketch a hippo shape (about 4 inches wide) on paper and pin it to the wool.
Step 2: Felt the Hippo’s Body
Start with Smoky Gray Wool – Pull a thick layer and spread it evenly over the template.
Poke Firmly – Use a 36-gauge needle to secure the wool, covering both sides and edges.
Flip & Repeat – Turn the piece over and repeat to ensure full coverage.
Why This Works: A dense wool base prevents the coaster from bending when holding drinks.
Step 3: Shape the Head & Cheeks
Roll a Wool Ball – Take Smoky Gray wool, roll it into a small ball, and place it on the head.
Poke Deeply – Shape the cheeks higher and the forehead slightly lower for a cute, chubby look.
Common Mistake: Avoid over-felting—keep the wool slightly fluffy for a natural texture.
Step 4: Add the Ears
Make Two Small Balls – Use smoky gray wool for the ears.
Attach to the Head – Felt them securely, leaving a slight curve for dimension.
Step 5: Create the Eyes & Teeth
White Wool for Eye Whites – Felt small oval shapes.
Black Wool for Pupils – Roll thin strands for eyeliner and tiny dots for pupils.
Teeth – Shape two tiny white square under the nose.
For Realism: Slightly angle the eyes to give the hippo cute and clumsy expression.
Step 6: Define the Nostrils
Roll Black Wool – Make two small nostrils.
Add Smoky Gray Details – Lightly felt around the nostrils for depth.
Step 7: Add Fur Texture
Dark Gray Highlights – Lightly spread wool over the back for a gradient effect.
Camel-Colored Belly – Tear small pieces and felt along the edges for a soft transition.
Why This Matters: Layering colors creates a lifelike, textured look.
Step 8: Final Touches
Trim Excess Wool – Use scissors to neaten edges.
Check for Weak Spots – Gently press the coaster—if any area feels loose, reinforce it with more poking.
Troubleshooting Tips
❌ Problem: Wool won’t hold shape?
✅ Solution: Use smaller amounts and felt gradually.
❌ Problem: Colors look uneven?
✅ Solution: Blend wool more before applying.
❌ Problem: Needle keeps breaking?
✅ Solution: Use a thicker needle for the base and a fine needle for details.
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