Felting is a process that bonds fibers by punching them rapidly and continuously with notched needles until the fibers become fully matted and entangled. Felting results in nonwoven textiles with a wide variety of characteristics depending on the material and the degree of felting.
Felting may be done as either a wet or a dry process. Felted materials offer excellent sound and shock absorption, so they are often used in machinery to deaden noise or absorb vibration, or in packaging and cushioning to prevent damage due to shock. Felted materials are also used in musical instruments, apparel and crafts.