How to Proddy ~

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Now, I am by no means an expert.  I learned to proddy less than two weeks ago, but I wanted to share what I learned and how easy it really is!  There are two different tools that can be used.  I learned using a spring-loaded tool.  The tool cost $32.00 and was purchased from Alice over at Folk Art Primitives.  

To proddy, tear your wool in 1" strips.  Then cut each piece 4" long.  I angled my ends, but that is not necessary.  Some of us in the class did, some didn't.  Also some of the ladies tore their wool wider than 1".  I think the size depends alot on how big the area is you want to proddy and the overall effect you want to achieve. 

According to Alice, to determine how much wool is needed, a good rule of thumb is to figure on nine times the area.  For instance, if the proddy area is 5" x 5" (25 square inches), you would need approximately 225 square inches of wool (9 x 25). 

When using the spring-loaded tool, you will work without a frame on the right side of the linen.  Insert the tool under several threads of linen.  Be sure to insert the tool in far enough so that when you open it, you do not catch the linen threads.  Alice stressed that not inserting far enough can cause a real headache!

Grab a corner of your wool . . .

. . . and pull halfway through.  As you add pieces of wool, they will stand up.
That's all there is to it!!!

Here is the backside of my sheep so you can get an idea of how closely I spaced each piece.

Here it is from the front.  Much easier than you thought, right?

Pug hugs :)
Lauren