Worthy Lion created a new process called SWiFT. By using prepared templates, you build your sculpture sideways. Two profiles are then combined to create a rough 3D shape that is ready to sculpt. This process makes it easier to get proper proportions.

   
Make a Penguin!
I created a free (USA) or cheap (.50 Etsy) PDF download to get you started. The Penguin project explains needle felting the SWiFT way in a detailed start-to-finish, step-by-step written tutorial.

Click here for
USA download (free)
International
(Click on the first listing of 3 items for fifty cents. The Penguin tutorial is part of a 3 PDF download [Handbook, penguin, rabbit] and 50 cents is charged due to Etsy's fees).

Follow Along Video!
The video shows you everything in a follow-along style that follows the printed tutorial exactly. You'll still need to download the PDF for access to profile patterns, reference images, and other help and tips. 
Swift Penguin Tutorial on YouTube

Supplies
Felting doesn't require to many supplies. Cost-wise, it is about the same as knitting or crocheting. Some big-box craft stores sell supplies, but the inventory is limited. Most felters buy their supplies online from Amazon, Etsy, eBay or from individual small businesses. 

To help you get started quickly, I provide links to starter kits for the tools and a supply pak for the consumables that has wool, eyes, printed patterns, and the other supplies needed to create both the Penguin and the Rabbit projects. See below for links and details.

Tool Links
The two starter kits below are available on Amazon.

$17.99 Economy Kit

Purchase on Amazon  
This Amazon kit is cheaper, but it has all you need to see if felting is for you.
It has a felting pad, finger protectors, wood needle holder, and a large quantity of cheaper triangle needles in 4 sizes. It is cheaper primarily due to the quality of the needles. They are more prone to breaking, but even if you break a few, there are plenty to replace them. These needles are not marked in any way to identify the size. You'll need to color the tops of the needles using a different color for each size. You can color them with regular paint, paint markers, or colored tape.

Purchase Basic Kit on Amazon  

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$34.49 Premium Kit

Purchase Premium Kit on Amazon
This Amazon kit is top-of-the-line. The needles are imported from Germany and are top quality. There are fewer needles than the cheaper kit, but they are sharper and more durable. You should have plenty and the tops are already color coded. The felting mat is also superior. This kit does not have a needle holder, but you can purchase this set if desired. You do not have to use a holder. Many felters prefer working with plain needles.

Purchase Premium Kit on Amazon

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$14.99 Starter Project Supply Pak - Shipping Included (USA Only)

Everything you need to complete both the Penguin and Rabbit is included. You'll get plenty of core (base) wool, top-coat color wool in black, white, brown, and pink; 2 sets of black ball eyes, sheet felt, wire, and full-color printed patterns. You will still need to download the free SWiFT Handbook that includes instructions and project sheets for the rabbit.

Purchase Starter Pak
Download the Free SWiFT Handbook

If you're not in the USA, you can purchase wool on Amazon or other online sites, or possibly at local retailers. I'll include a list at the end of this page with links to the proper supplies found on Amazon. This is for your reference. Use it to help find similar products in your area.

Supply List for Starter Projects (Penguin and Rabbit)
The SWiFT starter download includes the Handbook, Penguin project, and a Rabbit project sheet. The supplies listed below are for both projects.

If  you haven't done so already, download the project sheets and print out the patterns: Download Links: USA  or International (Click on the first listing of 3 items for fifty cents. The Penguin tutorial is part of a 3 PDF download [Handbook, penguin, rabbit] and 50 cents is charged due to Etsy's fees).

Needle Felting Tools and Wool
The links are to USA's Amazon. They are provided for reference. I have not personally seen or used any of them. You can purchase similar supplies from Etsy, eBay, or private sellers like Living Felt (USA) or The Felt Box (UK). I do not benefit from these links.

Needles (any shape): Large 36 gauge, Medium 38 gauge, Small 40 Gauge 
Felting Pad: Wool pads work best with SWiFT
Core Wool: 35 grams or 1.25 ounces. 
Wire: 22 gauge craft/floral wire. This is used for creating the rabbits legs and ears. 

Color Roving Wool: 
Combined amounts cover both projects:
Brown 2.25g or .08 oz
Black 2.25g or .08 oz
White 1.5g or .05 oz
Pink trace amount for rabbit nose, penguin upper beak and eyes.

Common Crafting Supplies
Craft Felt: One sheet of common acrylic craft felt. Any quality will work. Choose any color you can write on except white. This can be purchased from a local craft or department store.
Dark Pen: Sharpie or gel ball point pen.
Small scissors: any sharp scissors will work, but the smaller the better.
Craft Glue: Any white glue. This is used to glue in the eyes.

Optional Supplies
Eyes: Two 8mm and two 3mm black ball pin doll eyes. These are optional. You can also use a ball of black wool to create the eyes.
Magnifying glasses: Simple reading glasses in 2.5 to 3 magnification
Multi-needle tools: Get the 3-needle Clover pen first. The 5 needle tool is useful for future SWiFT projects especially portraits.