Nuno Felted Japanese Knot Bag

In this hands-on workshop, students will learn how to create a nuno felted Japanese knot bag using wet felting techniques. This beginner-friendly course is perfect for those new to felting as well as anyone looking to explore a unique textile art form. In this workshop, students can either follow a guided design or explore their own creative style to make a unique Japanese knot bag.

The Japanese Knot Bag is a very popular style of project bag that is often used by crafters while they are on the move. It has a long strap on one side and a short strap on the other, and the long strap is slipped through the short strap to form a handle and close the bag.
During the class, students will make their own unique knot bag using a resist template, and a combination of materials -merino wool, silk fabric, felt pieces, viscose fiber, wool nepps, yarn.

The workshop will focus on:
• Using resist to create seamless, three-dimensional felted objects
• Exploring the nuno felting technique, bonding wool fibers into sheer fabrics like organza silk gauze rarefied. The word “nuno” means “cloth” or “fabric” in Japanese
• Understanding how different types of materials affect texture and design
• Creating rich surface texture and personalized artistic detail in felting

By the end of the workshop, each student will complete their own unique Japanese knot bag—both a practical accessory and a personal piece of art.

No previous felting experience is necessary. Just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!

Students Should Bring To Class: one or two old towels, scissors, plastic bag to take wet project home

Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM
Workshop fee: $110
Materials fee: none

Artist’s Bio: My name is Mariya Gerhardt. I am a fiber artist – felt maker and knitter.
When I discovered wet felting I was hooked by its magic when a fabric, a living image, is born from a bunch of scattered fibers of wool, silk and other fibers. For over seven years, I’ve been immersed in this art form, continuously experimenting, learning, and discovering new possibilities. I have a particular affinity for working with natural fibers and raw fleeces, often incorporating recycled materials such as silk, cotton, and viscose fabric, as well as various types of fiber. My creative journey has led me to explore the endless potential of both wet felting and nuno felting, and it has truly become a passion. Now, I share that passion by teaching wet felting and nuno felting classes at various fiber shows. There’s nothing more rewarding than inspiring others and spreading the joy of this beautiful, tactile craft.