Needle Felted Hedgehog Bergin & Bath Review
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
This blog post will give you a review of a craft kit we’ve tested. You’ll get a summary first with more detailed thought further into the post.
Overview
- Brand & Kit Name: Bergin & Bath: Needle-Felting Kit Learn to make a snuggly little hedgehog
- Recommended Age: Under 14 to be supervised by an adult. I generally recommend needle felting for 8 years and over with careful supervision.
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Time Required: around an hour – less if more experienced
- Mess Level: Low
- Replayability: Single-use – however you can make smaller hedgehogs and make multiple. You would need to purchase extra eyes or use some of the black roving for eyes
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Buy the Kit
What’s Included?
- Wool fibres
- Needle felt needle x 1
- Eye pin x 2
- Step by step photographic instructions
Extras Needed:
- Felting mat (required)
- Extra needles (optional) – it can be very easy to snap a needle, especially when you are a beginner so just one needle included could mean you are unable to complete your project
- Finger protectors (optional) – however these are very useful particularly as a beginner and I think essential for kids
- Needle holder (optional) – not essential but can make felting much easier for children and those with dexterity/ strength difficulties in hands
This set gives you extra needles, finger protectors and needle holders. This is a larger pack with similar contents.
Key Ratings
💰 Value for Money – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
In comparison to other kits you don’t quite get as much to get you started (only one needle and no mat to work on). However, instructions were very good and quality of roving was lovely. I also liked that you could make a little family of hedgehogs by changing to a smaller size – there is ample wool fibres for the project.
🎨 Ease of Use & Instructions – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Instructions are beginner friendly with good detail and visuals to go along with each step. The instructions are on A5 so the font could be a little small for some. Ideal for those starting out and goes through some basic techniques for needle felting with 3D projects.
🏗 Quality of Materials – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The materials are all good quality. The eyes and needle are attached to a little card so these stay safe. The roving is lovely with different textures. Not suitable for those with wool allergies.
🎁 Finished Product & Satisfaction – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Have you seen how cute Floss’s hedgehog came out. Who wouldn’t fall in love. The finished product would be lovely to gift. It was such a great beginner project.
🌍 Sustainability & Packaging – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There’s a little bit of sellotape holding the eyes and needle in place, the other packaging is cardboard.
Who is this kit best for?
✔ Great for: beginners, those developing fine motor skills, nature/ animal lovers and people looking for a mindful project
❌ Not ideal for: unsupervised young children
Buy the Kit
Bergin & Bath Needle Felted Hedgehog Kit In-depth
The Bergin & Bath Needle Felted Hedgehog Kit offers a delightful introduction to the art of needle felting or a sweet little project for those who have dabbled before. The kit presents crafters with the opportunity to create one adorable hedgehog companion or more.
Clear Instructions with Beginners in Mind
Designed with beginners in mind, the kit provides clear, step-by-step photographic instructions that guide users through the felting process, ensuring an enjoyable and accessible crafting experience. The font is quite small on the A5 instructions so some may find using a magnifying glass or enlarging the instructions helpful.
My 8-year-old daughter, Floss, was eager to embark on this creative journey into needle felting. She’s watched me needle felt before and very much wanted to try her own project. I’m much more confident with 2D needle felting so was keen to have a kit to support her making something 3D.
Needle Felting Kit Contents
The kit includes high-quality, cruelty-free wool fibres, combining super fine merino and English top roving, which felt together beautifully to form the hedgehog’s body and appearance of spines. However, it’s important to note that the kit comes with only a single 40-gauge felting needle.
For beginners, this poses a potential challenge; felting needles are delicate and can break easily, especially when you are a beginner and mastering the technique. To mitigate this risk, I purchased additional needles separately to ensure that Floss could continue her project without interruption in case of any mishaps.
Optional Additional Resources
Understanding the importance of safety, particularly for younger crafters, I also provided Floss with finger protectors and a needle holder, both acquired separately. These tools proved invaluable in preventing accidental pricks and offering better control over the needle, making the felting process safer and more comfortable for her.
While the kit supplies ample wool – sufficient to create several small hedgehogs if you’d prefer that rather than one big one – it includes only one pair of eyes. This means that if you wish to craft additional hedgehogs, you’ll need to source extra eyes. Alternatively, the remaining felt can be creatively used to fashion custom eyes, adding a personal touch to each creation.
Needle Felted Workspace
Another consideration is the workspace setup. The kit does not provide a mat to work on, which is essential to protect both your working surface and the delicate felting needle. A simple solution is to use a household sponge or a piece of foam as a makeshift mat, as suggested by the kit’s creators. This ensures a soft surface that aids in the felting process and prolongs the life of your needle. I prefer to use a brush mat for 3D felting such as this one.
I would always advise needle felting at a table with children and beginners.
Beginner Tips
For those entirely new to needle felting, it’s beneficial to practise the basic technique before diving into the main project. Using a cookie cutter as a mould can help beginners get a feel for the repetitive motion of needle felting and understand how the wool fibres bind together. This preliminary practice can build confidence and improve the overall crafting experience.
Delightful Hedgehog
The finished hedgehog makes for a delightful pocket companion. Its soft texture and charming appearance can provide comfort and joy, especially to those who appreciate handcrafted items. The process of creating the hedgehog is so therapeutic and such a mindful activity, fostering creativity and focus.
Highly Giftable
In terms of presentation, the kit arrives in a neatly packaged, postable display box, making it an excellent gift option for craft enthusiasts or hedgehog lovers. The thoughtful design and attention to detail reflect the care and passion of the creators at Bergin & Bath, based in Hertfordshire, England. I was actually gifted this set by my other half and was delighted to receive it.
Suitability & Safety
It’s important to highlight that this kit is not classified as a toy. The sharpness of the felting needle necessitates caution, and it’s recommended for individuals aged 14 and above or supervised under this age. However, with proper supervision and additional safety measures (such as the finger protectors), younger crafters like Floss can successfully and safely enjoy the needle felting experience.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Bergin & Bath Needle Felted Hedgehog Kit offers a charming and accessible introduction to needle felting. With high-quality materials, clear instructions, and a delightful end product, it provides a rewarding crafting experience. Prospective users should consider the need for additional safety tools, extra needles, and a suitable working mat to enhance the experience. With these considerations in place, crafters of all ages can enjoy the process of bringing their own needle-felted hedgehog to life.
✅ Pros:
- Super cute finished project
- Good, clear instructions
- Can make more by reducing size
❌ Cons:
- Only one needle
- No felting mat – if you’re a complete beginner you may not have one already
