Why Your Needle Felting Keeps Falling Apart (And How to Fix It)
If your needle felting keeps falling apart or won’t hold its shape, I had this exact problem when I first started. With small changes I managed to fix this problem. This is exactly how i did it.
Here are the main reasons needle felting falls apart and what you can do differently.
Before we get started, why not check out this post
You’re Not Felting Long Enough
Beginners often stop too soon. Wool should feel firm, not soft or spongy.
Fix:
Keep felting evenly until the shape feels solid all the way through.
Your Wool Is Too Loose
Starting with wool that’s barely shaped makes it harder for fibres to lock together.
Fix:
Gently roll or fold the wool into a tighter starting shape before felting.
You’re Using the Wrong Wool
Some decorative or slippery wools don’t felt well.
Fix:
Stick to basic wool roving or batting while learning. Merino is nice but slipperly, leave that for the details.
You’re Not Felting Evenly
Felting one side more than another creates weak spots.
Fix:
Rotate your project constantly so all sides are worked evenly.
Your Needle Technique Is Off
Angling the needle or stabbing too aggressively can damage fibres.
Fix:
Always poke straight in and out using steady, controlled movements. Up and down, up and down.
You’re Adding Details Too Early
Adding features before the base is firm causes them to fall off.
Fix:
Fully felt the base shape first, then attach details securely.
Final Thoughts
So is your needle felting falling apart, even now after reading this post? Needle felting problems are almost always fixable. Needle Felting is a very forgiving craft, making it under rated. With patience, your projects will quickly become firmer, neater, and more enjoyable to make.
