Needle Felted Fibre Art Toadstools - Threads 2026

You’ll use British wool and naturally dyed wool to felt your toadstool onto fabric. You’ll learn the basics of needle felting, from the best tools and what wool to use. Plus shading and highlighting techniques, and how to add a 3D element to your creation to really bring it to life. You’ll be provided with an embroidery hoop to display your artwork in, or you can take it home to frame it if you prefer.

This is a perfect project for beginners to needle felting and for those who'd like to learn how to needle felt onto fabric with a 3d element. The red wool for the toadstools is naturally dyed with madder root, and you can add grass, leaves and even flowers to make your artwork unique.

Please note that felting needles are very sharp. Finger protectors will be provided and you will be shown how to use the needles safely. Small pricks to the finger are not uncommon, plasters will be available!

This workshop is suitable for those age 18+.

Artist bio:

Sophie Hetherington Heywood is a fibre artist and maker based in Hebden Bridge. Through her business The Peg Loomer, she teaches the accessible wool crafts of peg loom weaving and needle felting, and is passionate about utilising British wool. Sophie creates needle felted jewellery, decorations and fibre art pieces alongside her handwoven rugs, mats and accessories. She also works with farms in Yorkshire, Halifax Spinning Mill and knitwear designer Jacinta Bowie, to offer fully traceable yarn and knitwear from the North of England.

About our Threads Textile Festival

This workshop is taking place as part of Sunny Bank Mills' annual celebration of the art of textiles; featuring a series of workshops, new exhibitions, talks and Textile fair. This year’s Threads Festival will take place across the site of Sunny Bank Mills on Saturday 16th – Sunday 17th May.

Find out more about our Threads Textile Festival weekend on our website.

See the full Threads Textile Festival workshop collection.

About the venue

Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley, Leeds. Founded in 1829, these glorious Mills are being regenerated by the sixth generation of the family owners, creating a wonderful blend of work, leisure and culture.

Course terms and booking conditions

Workshop and course bookings can be cancelled and refunded up until 7 days before the scheduled start date. As materials and equipment are ordered in advance, we regret that refunds cannot be offered less than 7 days before the workshop date. Please note that Eventbrite’s booking fee is non-refundable. If we need to cancel the course for any reason your ticket will be fully refunded.

Accessibility

The venue of this workshop is on the 3rd floor of the 1912 Mill, which is accessed via three flights of stairs or a wheelchair accessible lift.

There are accessible toilets on the ground and 2nd floor of the venue. We will have attendants on hand to offer assistance throughout the day. If you have any queries prior to your booking, please email [email protected].

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Host or Publisher Sunny Bank Mills Gallery