Lightly sketch your beard pattern on white paper. Keep in mind what kind of character will wear the beard. What shape you select depends on whether, for instance, you are making a Santa Claus beard for a Christmas pageant or a Danish warrior's beard for someone playing the role of Claudius in "Hamlet." Consult online images of beards for inspiration.
Cut out the beard pattern. Hold it up to your face or the face of the person who will wear it, to make sure the size and shape are correct. If the person for whom you are making the beard is not available to try it on, arrange to measure his face ahead of time, and make the sketch according to the measurements.
Place the cut out pattern on top of the felt and cut around it.
Use a hole punch to poke holes into the left and right sides of the felt beard near the top.
Stretch ribbon from ear to ear around the back of your head, or the head of the person who will wear the beard, and cut the appropriate length. Add a little extra length for tying.
Run the ribbon through both holes in the beard and tie both ends together.