This is a DIGITAL needle felting tutorial on how to felt an alpaca, Suri alpaca to be more exact. This is a great beginner project since there are only 3 main parts- the head, neck and body to create the sitting (cushed) alpaca. This is a fun felting project that will take about 1.5-3 hours. Please watch the free video tutorial (link below) to make sure you feel comfortable with this project if you are unsure :)
The tutorial includes 75 detailed images with step by step instructions and a handy size guide. I have the same tutorial for online viewing (larger) and print version (smaller, less pages) for your convenience.
The materials you will need for this project include core white wool (about half an ounce), 0.18 ounces or more of washed Suri alpaca fleece/locks (you can use lamb locks as well), and a little fluff of wool in your choice color for the ears and face covering (I use fawn for face, rose gray/brown for ears), a pinch of pink for inside the ears, and black for eyes and nose.
Quick note- there are two breeds of alpacas, Suri (with the locks/drapey look) and Huacaya (fluffy). We raise Suri alpacas, so I use Suri locks for this felted project. The body shape is the same but the way the fleece looks on the two different breeds is different. Since I am completely biased, I haven't made a Huacaya alpaca yet :) so this tutorial covers only how to make a Suri alpaca :)
You will receive the following 4 digital files in PDF format which you will be able to download instantly (after payment clears by Etsy :) and view on your computer screen or print with your printer.
*Alpaca-Size-Guide-page1.PDF (1 page)
*Alpaca-Size-Guide-page2.PDF (1 page)
*Needle_Felting_Tutorial_Suri_Alpaca.PDF (10 pages with 75 step-by-step images)
*Alpaca-Print-Instructions.PDF (5 pages)
Plus 1 bonus alpaca image for personal use ;) You can create an alpaca tshirt, mug, or print for framing to enjoy.
No products will be shipped by mail. The tutorial images are shown in the listing pictures so you can see what you will be receiving. All instructions are in English and written by me.
I'm a former teacher and love to make things as easy, fun, and efficient as possible. Each step is accompanied by a picture to make the process clear. I also want you to be able to print them out without using up all your ink and paper, so I design these tutorials with that in mind.
Felting needles are barbed and a specialty item, so you will need a few felting needles ;) Get 38 gauge felting needles for using with core wool, and a finer 40 gauge needle to work with the Suri alpaca fleeces. Suri fiber is finer overall, so you will generally need a finer gauge needle to be able to poke the fiber in.
I have a free video you can watch anytime at my website. If you are unsure about the tutorial, please watch the video to see if this is something you want to make. If it is, I would be so grateful if you purchase the digital tutorial to support my farm <3 The sizing pattern is very helpful and I use it myself :)
FREE VIDEO TUTORIAL (copy and paste link)
https://wisteriasuriranch.com/fiber-tutorials/needle-felted-alpaca-tutorial/
Please contact me with any questions anytime! I love hearing from you ;) All purchases directly support my alpaca farm where I treat my animals with lots of love and respect. Thank you!
The tutorials are copyrighted :) I created the tutorials with my own pictures and instructions so please do not reproduce the tutorial itself and sell them. Your felted alpacas are YOUR creations, so you can do whatever you want with your lovely artwork <3 Thank you for caring!
ABOUT MY FARM
I have been raising Suri alpacas with lots of love and respect since 2008. I currently share our farm with 14 alpacas, 5 dogs, 1 bunny, 1 cat, and many chickens and a few guineas plus my human family! We take great care in raising our animals. I hand shear and train them all very gently. You can watch my videos at my website www.WisteriaSuriRanch.com as well as our YT channel. Thank you so much for supporing our farm! Sending you much love <3