How old for needle felting?

[annettemarie]

I've been needle felting some "seed babies" for our nature table and my six-year-old wants to try it. I'm really concerned about the needle though. At what age would you be comfortable letting them needle felt?

[box_of_rain]

My older son did it when he was 7 for the first time. No problems. He actually just participated in a felting workshop a month or so ago (when he was 9) and loved it.

I think it would be fine for most 6 year olds, provided there's lots of one-on-one support.

[eepster]

Children vary so much. Some 4 or 5 yo would do fine. Some 12 or 13 yo would be completely irresponsible.

Is she patient enough to not take risky shortcuts? Are her fine motor skills good enough to handle the materials? Does she follow directions? Will she resist the urge to hold the thing in her hand while working on it? Will she be ok with starting over if a needle breaks inside the thing and you cant get it out?

[Shantimama]

My dd started doing 'flat' needle felting when she was 6. She made a lot of bookmarks and decorated felt to sew into purses. She wasn't comfortable with the idea of shaping the roving in her hands until she was a little older - she still prefers flat needle felting