Foam for Felt and Needle Crafts

The arts and crafts market is growing rapidly, and in 2019 its total global value was estimated at over $51 billion. A movement that emerged in the 1860s – partly to show that modern machinery was causing a decline in the quality of decorative products – arts and crafts have since become a hugely popular hobby for adults and children, and felt-based craft in particular has seen significant advances.

Open-cell foam for needle felting

With so many design possibilities in modern felt craft, foam is a fantastic companion material, most significantly as a protective base for needle felting that keeps work surfaces and needles from unnecessary damage. Commonly made from open-cell polyurethane, it comes as standard-depth pads, blocks or thin sheets that repeatedly withstand needle punctures without severe damage. Made from high-density polyurethane, these pads are robust and durable yet soft, and reusable across several projects – an affordable, worthwhile investment. If not specifically listed as "needle felt" foam, it's also known as high-load-bearing packaging foam, prized for being lightweight.

Closed-cell foam for firmer work

If your project needs a denser, more rigid base, closed-cell polyethylene foam also works for needle felting and other felt craft. Compared with open-cell polyurethane, it's harder, firmer and less springy – perfect when you need a more solid surface, or when piercing thicker felt with tougher materials such as wool. It's also waterproof, making it an excellent base if you're using paints, inks or other liquid embellishments without damaging the foam.

Why foam suits felting

Both closed and open-cell foams can be cut to size and are the work surfaces of choice for felt enthusiasts. Felting needs a completely flat surface that withstands pressure and springs back after being pierced, and a foam underlay lets you pin your felt component down so it doesn't shift during intricate work. Most importantly, polyurethane foam is non-feltable, so your fibres won't stick to the underlay – a real benefit when, say, moving from green fibres to white, as the last thing you want is to pick out individual wrong-coloured fibres. For more seasonal felt ideas, see our guides to Easter foam crafts and the upholstery foam craft project.

eFoam is a leading UK foam supplier serving many industries and individuals. For help selecting the most appropriate needle craft and felting foam, please contact us.

Frequently asked questions

What foam is used for needle felting?

Commonly open-cell polyurethane, available as standard-depth pads, blocks or thin sheets that repeatedly withstand needle punctures without severe damage. Made from high-density polyurethane, the pads are robust, durable yet soft, and reusable. It's also known as high-load-bearing packaging foam.

Can closed-cell foam be used for felting?

Yes. Closed-cell polyethylene foam is harder, firmer and less springy, ideal when you need a more solid surface or are piercing thicker felt with tougher materials like wool. It's also waterproof, so it suits paints, inks and other liquid embellishments.

Why is foam good for felting?

Felting needs a flat surface that withstands pressure and springs back after being pierced, and foam lets you pin work down to stop it shifting. Crucially, polyurethane foam is non-feltable, so your fibres won't stick to the underlay.