Where to get supplies is by far the most common question I see come up among those who are wanting to make their first pad. Getting started is the hardest part and it can be a bit overwhelming at first.
Pulled wool saddle pads are made of wool roving (also called wool top) latched onto a canvas. Traditionally cowboys used whatever was available such as burlap bags, coffee sacks, etc. Now, it is customary to use rug canvas (the kind you use for making latched/hooked rugs!). I use Color Crazy brand canvas as it is the only 100% cotton canvas on the market in the US. You want to buy the 3.75 hpi canvas (this stands for 3.75 holes per inch. Do not use 5 hpi canvas. It will not work. 3.00 hpi canvas will work but I have only seen it for sale from UK suppliers). If buying from Color Crazy, the 44" by 36" option can be cut down to make any size pad you'd like.
Wool can be purchased from multiple suppliers. One of my favorites is RH Lindsay in Massachusetts. They offer wool sourced from both the US and abroad and their prices are very reasonable. Their dyed corriedale is one of the best prices for dyed wool on the market and it works great for making pulled wool pads. Their white and brown merino and off white 56 blend are also great choices for neutrals. Also check Etsy for wool. There are a LOT of different vendors in multiple countries.
You need at least 8lbs of wool for a first pad, but 9-10 is ideal. First pads tend to come out quite a bit heavier than pads made by experienced makers. They are still 100% usable, but learning to make the loops and even size takes time. You also want some extra wool in case you make a mistake or want to practice on a piece of scrap canvas before trying it on your pad.
In addition to canvas and wool, you will need a measuring tape, scissors, and a rug hook. These can easily be obtained on Amazon, at your local craft store, or possibly hidden away at the bottom of your junk drawer!
Personally, I find pulled wool saddle pad starter kits to be overpriced and unnecessary. They cost just as much as a finished pad, take weeks to arrive, and the materials are a fraction of the cost when purchased on your own. Plus, figuring out where to buy materials is part of the learning process.
When it comes to instructional materials, there are a lot of different options out there from lots of different teachers. Check YouTube for some free video resources. I also sell a PDF on how to make these pads for just $15 which includes step by step instructions, loads of photos, and a full list of 10+ suppliers with links and some coupon codes so you can get the best deal on the best wool. Build your first pad for as little as $100 in materials!
To purchase my PDF through my website, click here
To purchase my PDF through my Etsy, click here
