How to create inexpensive fluff layer for newborn photo sessions

I found a really easy and inexpensive way to create a fluffy layer for my newborn photography sessions and wanted to share it with other newborn photographers out there!
What you’ll need:

• 1 skein of wool or alpaca yarn – thick gauge, as for a chunky sweater or scarf (I purchased from Michaels)
• a pair of scissors
• 3-4 hours of time to devote to it

Steps:

1. Cut pieces of yarn to be roughly a foot long each.  I like to make a pile of 20 or so to work from at a time, but you could cut it all ahead of time if you’d like!
2. Choose one of those pieces and separate it into its two halves.  I usually do this from the middle of the string.  If you tug the middle taught, it’s easy to wedge your finger in between the two pieces.
3. To save time, stack those two pieces on top of each other, and then use a fingernail to dig into the yarn to pull it apart.  If the pieces tangle, just tug at them to pull them out of a knot.
4. Set aside your new little ball of fluff and add to it as you go.

Watch the video here:

Tips for using the fluff:

1. There’s no structure to the fluff, so you’ll need posing pillows and/or cloths under it to mold the baby into the right shape and keep him/her secure.
2. Be sure to use a diaper since wet fluff will become felt.  You can’t clean the fluff.  Throw away any pieces that get inadvertently soiled.
3. Store in small parcels to save space.  It will expand greatly once unpackaged.  I take a whole skein of fluff and pack it into a gallon-sized baggie and squeeze out the air while sealing it.

UPDATE:  Here’s a photo of the red fluff in use for my 9-month old session and a few other sessions I’ve done with fluff!

Did you use this blog post to create your newborn fluff?  Post a comment with a link to your photo!  I’d love to see!!