38 Gauge Reverse Felting Needles — Wholesale 100 Pack
Description
38 gauge reverse felting needles are the standard choice for most reverse felting applications — the most versatile reverse needle in the range, offering a natural balance between texture prominence and control. This listing is a 100 needle wholesale pack — our best per-needle value, ideal for studios, teachers, and anyone who uses these needles regularly.
The 38 gauge reverse lifts enough fiber to create visible, natural-looking texture without being as aggressive as the 36 gauge. It creates a moderate, natural texture that works well for animal fur, hair, and soft surface effects. For more subtle texture, a 40 gauge reverse is a better option.
Key Uses:
- Creating natural-looking fur and hair texture
- Adding surface dimension and visual interest
- Lifting fiber for fluffy or soft surface effects
- Blending texture into surrounding smooth areas
When to Use It:
38 gauge reverse needles are the go-to for most reverse felting work — visible enough to create natural texture but controlled enough to work on a wide range of surface effects.
Needle Details:
- Type: Reverse — barbs face outward to pull fiber toward the surface
- Gauge: 38 — medium, most versatile reverse gauge
- Triangle shaft for consistent, even action
- Specialty tool — not for shaping or compaction
- Pack size: 100 needles — wholesale value
Also available in packs of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 38 gauge reverse felting needles for smaller quantities.
This needle is also available in the following mixed sets: Reverse Mix.
About Felting Needles
Felting needles come in a wide range of configurations — different gauges, shaft shapes, barb counts, and point styles. These variations let you choose the right tool for each stage of your project. Originally manufactured for industrial textile machinery, they have been adapted by artists and craftspeople into the hand tools used in needle felting today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 38 gauge reverse felting needle used for? 38 gauge reverse needles are used for creating natural-looking fur, hair, and surface texture effects by pulling fiber outward from the felt surface.
Is a 38 gauge reverse needle good for beginners? Yes — it is the most forgiving and versatile reverse needle, making it a good starting point for those new to reverse felting techniques.
How does a reverse needle differ from a standard needle? Standard needles push fiber inward to compact wool. Reverse needles pull fiber outward to create texture and raised surface effects.
How do felting needles work?
Each needle has a number of barbs that catch the fiber as it is pushed through the project. This causes the fibers to become entangled to make a solid felt. The greater the number of barbs, the faster the project will felt.
What is Felting Needle Gauge?
The term “Gauge” simply refers to the thickness of the barb. There are many tables on the web that will let you convert from gauge to millimeters or inched but for the craft felter, its really not important. Gauge is a simple whole number that’s easy to remember. The confusing part about gauge is the larger the gauge, the smaller the shaft size. I.e. a 32-gauge needle will have a larger shaft diameter larger than that of a 42-gauge needle. Also, keep in mind that the larger the shaft size, the larger to whole left in your project. For quick felting, 32 gauge 9 point needles will felt quicker than 40 gauge 3 barb needles. The 40 gauge 3 barb needles will, however, leave a smoother service.
How do I care for my felting needles?
Felting needles are very delicate and break easily if not used properly. They designed to go into industrial machines that hold thousands of needles at a time and operate in an up and down motion. Using your needles at a sever angle, twisting manor or in a manner that would cause them to bend can cause them to break. Also, take care that the pad you felt on is thick enough to allow the needles to not hit the hard surface under the pad. This is the quickest and most common way to break needles. Felting needles are for dry felting and will rust if exposed to water or moisture.
If you are purchasing needles for a multi needle tool or felting machine, please ask before you purchase to make sure they will fit.
Notes:
- Needles are very sharp, please use caution when using.
- Children should always be supervised while using or handling Needles.
- Always felt on an appropriate surface.
- Needles are delicate and can break easily, use proper care when using.