Tutorial for Lucky Cat (Maneki Neko, Koban, and Fortune Cookie)
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🧶 Wooly Nest Basic Felting Guide
(Lucky Cat Maneki Neko Set)
✨ What You’re Making
- Lucky Cat (Maneki Neko)
- Gold Coin
- Gold Ingot
All pieces use the same simple felting method — just different shapes.
🪡 Tools Needed
- Felting needle
- Felting pad
- Wool pieces (included)
🧠 Before You Start
- Poke straight up and down (don’t bend the needle)
- Start soft, then slowly firm it up
- Take your time — shaping is key 🙂
🧱 Step 1: Make the Base Shapes
Lucky Cat (Rounded Body)
- Roll wool into a large oval
- Flatten the bottom so it sits upright
- Keep the body smooth and slightly chubby
Gold Coin (Flat Oval)
- Roll wool into a small ball
- Flatten into a thick oval
- Keep edges rounded, not sharp
Gold Ingot (Bowl Shape)
- Roll wool into a small ball
- Press the center slightly inward
- Shape into a soft bowl form
🐾 Step 2: Add Details
Lucky Cat
- Add two triangular ears on top
- Add a raised waving paw (small cylinder shape)
- Add a small tail on the side
- Add a colored patch on the head and body
Gold Coin
- Lightly felt a border around the edge
- Add simple markings in the center
Gold Ingot
- Add a small rounded piece in the center
👉 This creates the classic ingot shape
😊 Step 3: Add the Face
For the Lucky Cat:
- Use small pieces of black wool
- Lightly poke to create:
- Eyes (curved or closed shape)
- Nose
- Smile
- Whiskers
👉 Keep the expression simple and cheerful
🎀 Step 4: Add Accessories
- Add a collar band around the neck
- Add a small gold charm in the center
🔒 Step 5: Final Touch
- Lightly poke everything to:
- Secure all pieces
- Smooth loose fibers
- Refine the shape
🎉 You’re Done!
Your set should feel:
- Soft but structured
- Clean and balanced
- Full of charm and personality
💡 Pro Tip
Simple shapes + clean details = the best results.
Don’t overwork it — let the softness show.