I’m going to keep an inventory of my favorite tools and materials here, in case you feel the need to get crafty too! For most of them, I’m adding affiliate links directly to the product on Amazon, but keep in mind, it’s always good to comparison shop at your local fabric/crafts store (especially when you score 40-50% off coupons!). For things that I KNOW for sure are not the cheapest on Amazon, you’ll see me note that.

Basic Necessities

First-things-first: You’ll want to acquire some embroidery needles and DMC floss in basic colors to start (then later obsessively get every color that matches your favorite bits of felt). You’ll want to visit your local fabric store for this. Amazon does not carry these at appropriate prices. Also, don’t be tempted by large packs of generic floss. Get the DMC. It’s worth it.

Next up, you’ll probably recognize this Tomato Pin Cushion. It’s a classic! And I only just recently realized that the tiny strawberry attached to it actually has a purpose. it’s a needle sharpener (WHAT?!). I mean, I’ve never actually sharpened a needle. Maybe I need to. I’m not really sure, but knowing I have the option is comforting.

The Dritz Dual-Purpose Marking Pen is a must-have for your magical-disappearing ink needs. This is my go-to for tracing my patterns and marking up felt. The purple ink fades away just by the power of being exposed to the air and is usually gone within 24 hours (sometimes less if you’ve only lightly marked something). The blue side disappears after applying water to it. I’m sure there’s some excessive scientific explanation for this, but I’d prefer to think it’s just MAGIC. I used to get just the plain version of this pen in purple, but for some reason I feel like I need the dual-ink…like for those rare moments when I’m trying to mark purple felt. I also feel like these pens might last twice as long. Again, I’m probably imagining things.

Next up: Super-sharp Singer Scissors! (Try saying that three times fast.) These are my all-time favorite scissors for cutting felt, especially for small bits. You can actually score these on Amazon for half of what they go for regularly. I’ve already bought three pairs. I can’t help it–I use them for everything!

Don’t Forget the Felt!

Felt is one of those things that’s better to buy in-person. You gotta see it and touch it, really. If you do end up buying it online, triple-check the dimensions and read the reviews! Better yet, check for photos of things people have already made with the felt so you can be sure it’s what you want. I talk a lot about my favorite kinds in my post here. Spoiler: I’m a big fan of Kunin Eco-Fi!

Training Manuals

Sew Mini Treats (a Klutz Book) was my very first training manual. And I still have most everything pictured on the cover of this box. The instructions and materials are kid-friendly, supposedly ages 8 and up, although it was more like age 30-something and up for me. (Cough, cough.) Anyway, it was a great introduction to the basic skills needed for sewing and creating cute felties. Although it does come with some felt and floss, you’ll definitely want to have the basic necessities listed above too.

Sew Mini Animals (another Klutz Book) is the logical sequel to the book above. The patterns are a wee more advanced, but still pretty easy and still supposedly for ages 8 and up. If you are looking to get this for a kid, I’d recommend starting with one of the slightly easier kits. You can find ones out there with pre-cut felt and holes showing you exactly where to stitch. These Klutz kits usually go on sale around the holidays, so keep an eye out!

Jeanette Lim is a master of felt toys. I’ve drooled over all her projects in her Big Little Felt Fun Book. (Seriously, use the “Look Inside” option on the Amazon page to check it out.) This is actually a follow-up to her first book, Big Little Felt Universe, which is sadly out of stock on Amazon. But I’ve seen these at my local library, so check that out as another (free) option! There are tons of great patterns in there that you can trace and/or copy. She uses cardboard in many of the projects (which I’ve now come to embrace as well).

If you want to get really advanced, you need to check out Abigail Patner Glassenberg’s book. Her book goes beyond just felt but deep into construction, shape, and joints. It’s done in a lesson format and I really feel like she’s walking me through the secrets of the universe. This is one of those books I wish I had more time for! Amazon regularly has this for 50% off or more of the list price, so it’s definitely worth it.

Other Stuff I Use & Love

Oh, cheap glue gun, with your 30-pack of glue sticks. We’ve been through a lot. And I gotta say, you’ve really held strong and been there for me. …even that time I brought home some rival, Elmer’s glue gun refills. You still stick by me.

Okay, okay… So admittedly, I held off on getting a glue gun until I realized how much of a necessity it actually is. I’m usually on a time crunch, and this little guy gets the job done.

Watch out, dual-purpose item alert: Rainbow-stripe paper straws! These were used during my Dr. Seuss and Alice and Wonderland themes. They’re easy to cut and glue while also remaining sturdy. (I’ve used them as tiny tree trunks and table legs!) I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m sure these could probably be painted as well (if you needed them to be LESS whimsical for some odd reason). And hey, you could also enjoy a tasty beverage too, I reckon (just not after gluing and painting, mmkay).

Because I know that you probably have a 6-inch square somewhere in your life that could also use improving, I’m also sharing with you my favorite 12-Pack of Canvas Panels. They come in handy for painting portraits of 6-inch holes or tiny replicas of your favorite hot-dog-ized paintings.