38 gauge star felting needles offer the speed advantage of a four-sided star configuration at a medium gauge, making them a versatile choice for mid-stage felting and surface coverage. This listing is a 100 needle wholesale pack — our best per-needle value, ideal for studios, teachers, and anyone who uses these needles regularly.

The 38 gauge star is faster than a 38 gauge triangle while still producing a reasonably smooth result. With 8 barbs across four sides, it covers more surface area per punch, making it a popular choice for artists who want efficient mid-stage work without sacrificing too much surface quality.

Key Uses:

• Mid-stage surface felting and coverage
• General-purpose compaction across medium areas
• Faster alternative to triangle needles for smoothing
• Blending and evening out fiber distribution

When to Use It:

38 gauge star needles are effective in the middle stages of a project, when you want to cover surface area efficiently and begin smoothing without sacrificing too much speed. They are not suited for fine detail work — use a 40 gauge or finer for finishing.

Needle Details:

• Type: Star — 4 sides for wide coverage and efficient fiber movement
• Gauge: 38 — medium
• Barbs: 8 total (2 per side) for balanced speed and control
• Barb spacing: Regular — consistent, even felting
• Pack size: 100 needles — wholesale value

Also available in packs of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 38 gauge star felting needles for smaller quantities.

This needle is also available in the following mixed sets: Medium Mix, Star Mix.

About Felting Needles

Felting needles come in a wide range of configurations — different gauges, shaft shapes, barb counts, and point styles. These variations let you choose the right tool for each stage of your project. Originally manufactured for industrial textile machinery, they have been adapted by artists and craftspeople into the hand tools used in needle felting today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 38 gauge star felting needle used for? 38 gauge star needles are used for mid-stage surface coverage and general compaction, moving more fiber per punch than a triangle of the same gauge.

Is a 38 gauge star faster than a 38 gauge triangle? Yes — the four-sided star configuration moves more fiber per punch than a three-sided triangle, making it noticeably faster.

Can I use a 38 gauge star for detail work? It is not ideal for fine detail. For refined surface work and detail, a 40 or 42 gauge needle will produce better results.