FELT (Mid. and New. Pers., namad), material produced by process of felting, the entanglement of animal fiber in all directions, appropriately done to form a soft and homogeneous mass. The technique was originally devised in nomadic communities of Central Asia (Pazyryk, 5th to 3rd centuries B.C.E., see Bidder, pp. 29 ff.; Burkett, 1979, pp. 7 ff.; Baranski), spreading toward China and the Greek world well before the 3rd century B.C.E., but for a long time confined to the Asian continent (Laufer).
The method of felt-making, rather simple and uniform, constitutes the basis for a large number of products currently in use. As is often the case, the banality of the phenomenon have contributed to leading researchers astray; the techniques, usages, and aesthetics of felt appear, therefore, to be relatively unknown, particularly in comparison to those of what is perceived as the more “noble” craft of weaving.
Production. The main primary substances used in the production of felt are camel and sheep wool (preferably that of autumn, the second shearing season, and of lamb wool, which are finer), goat’s underhair (Pers. kork/kolk) taken from the animal by combing, which produces felt of a higher quality (Burkett, 1976, p. 61). By contrast, in the case of some felts of inferior quality, left-over cottons are sometimes mixed with wool (Dupaigne, 1968, p. 54). To produce a felt overcoat or a carpet of 1.2 x 2 m, four to five kg of wool are required; a yurt requires 130 kg, that is, 150 to 200 lamb fleeces
Most felts are made out of white, beige, brown, gray, or black natural wool. In addition, some types of light-colored felts can be more or less highly decorated. Several methods, applied at different stages of production, are available: before soaking, tufts of wool dyed in advance can be applied to achieve the desired motifs; before the felt has dried, designs can be made with dye; after drying the felt can be embroidered, decoratively cut, or embossed
The History of Felt Making
Felt making is one of humanity’s oldest handicrafts, deeply tied to the nomadic lifestyle and nature-driven culture of Iran. This exquisite art uses natural wool and relies solely on water, pressure, and the skilled hands of artisans—no weaving required.
In the past, felt served various purposes beyond rugs and mats, such as warm clothing, simple shelters, and even household containers. Each piece of felt represented a simple life, creativity, and humanity’s close bond with nature.
At Liamique, we honor this rich heritage by blending it with modern designs, keeping the Iranian art of felt making alive on a global scale. This beautiful fusion bridges the gap between history and the contemporary world.
Join us on a journey through the history and artistry of this ancient craft.
Traditional Iranian Arts and Crafts
As one of the oldest civilizations in the world, Iran holds a rich heritage of arts and crafts. From carpet weaving and enamel work to felt-making and pottery, these arts represent the creativity, skill, and culture of the people of this land. Iranian handicrafts not only reflect the nation’s history and identity but also have a deep connection with nature and the everyday lives of its people. Each corner of the country offers a unique flavor and color of these crafts.
Today, by integrating these traditional arts with modern design, efforts are made to preserve this valuable heritage and pass it on to future generations. Brands like Liamique, inspired by Iran’s ancient arts and using natural materials, have taken a new step in introducing Iranian handicrafts to global markets. These efforts not only showcase the ability of Iranian art to harmonize with modern life but also serve as a means to revive local values and culture on an international scale.
