Yes, using foam or a felting mat is highly recommended for needle felting. A foam pad or felting mat serves as a supportive and protective surface for your needle felting projects. It absorbs the impact of the felting needle, preventing damage to your work surface and prolonging the life of your needles.
The foam or felting mat provides a soft and cushioned base that allows the barbs on the felting needle to effectively tangle and mesh the wool fibers together. This results in a more efficient felting process and helps you achieve the desired shaping and density in your felted creations.
When selecting a foam pad or felting mat, choose one that is dense enough to withstand repeated needle punctures. A medium-density foam works well for most projects. You can find felting mats specifically designed for needle felting at craft stores or online.
Using a foam pad or felting mat also offers the benefit of portability. You can easily move your felting work to different locations without the need for a rigid work surface.
Overall, while foam or felting mats are not absolutely necessary for needle felting, they greatly enhance the felting experience, protect your tools, and contribute to the success of your projects. So, consider investing in a foam pad or felting mat to support your needle felting adventures and create beautiful felted creations with ease.