Feltlinjer

Feltlinjer is a term used in textile and fiber art to describe lines created by felting fibers, producing linear elements that can function as contours, edges, or decorative accents within a composition. The concept emphasizes line as a tactile feature, blending aspects of sculpture and drawing through fiber.

Technique involves using wool or other natural fibers laid in the direction of the desired line and then subjected to felting processes such as wet felting, needle felting, or machine-assisted felting. Lines can be formed from a single strand of fibers or built up from multiple layers, and may be reinforced with stitching, backing fabrics, or resist methods to control rigidity and stability.

Visual characteristics of feltlinjer include a soft, velvety texture and a range of thicknesses, from fine, ribbon-like lines to broad, ribboned bands. Color can be uniform or variegated, and edges can be crisp or softly blended depending on the felting method and finishing techniques. The lines derive their form from fiber orientation and density, allowing for expressive variation in weight and rhythm within the piece.

In contemporary practice, feltlinjer are used in wall textiles, sculptural installations, fashion textiles, and interior design. They offer a way to combine line and texture, exploring materiality, surface, and spatial presence. The term appears in Scandinavian and broader textile discourse as part of an ongoing interest in integrating traditional felting with contemporary artistic concepts.

See also: felting, textile art, fiber art, textile sculpture.