Why Do My Felting Needles Keep Breaking?

And How Do I Use Them Correctly?

If you’ve ever found yourself muttering under your breath ‘why do my felting needles keep breaking?’ as another felting needle snaps mid-project, you’re not alone. And broken felting needles are a common frustration for new needle felters, but the good news is that it’s usually not the fault of the needle—it’s simply a case of technique. So, let’s dive into the main reasons why your needles might be breaking and how to avoid it, so you can enjoy the process without interruptions. Plus, I’ve included a handy two-minute video tutorial to guide you through the essentials!

Understanding Your Needle

First, it’s important to understand that felting needles are delicate tools. They’re designed with tiny barbs along the shaft, which catch and tangle the fibres, binding them together. These needles are made from steel, which means they’re strong enough for the job but brittle, so they can’t tolerate much sideways pressure.

When a needle breaks, it’s not usually a reflection of its quality—it’s simply a sign that something in your technique needs adjusting. And, once you understand how to handle your felting needle with care, using the correct technique, you’ll find those breakages happening far less often.

Download The Felting Needle Guide

Are you confused about what felting needles you need? There’s a gauge for this, a star or triangle for that… However, my felting needle guide will soon sort out any uncertainty so you can shop for felting needles with confidence.

Common Reasons for Needle Breakage

Here are the most common reasons behind snapped needles and how to correct your technique.

1. Using the Needle at an Angle

Felting needles are designed to work in a straight, up-and-down motion. If you’re stabbing at an angle, even slightly, you’re putting sideways pressure on the needle. For sure, this is the quickest way to snap it, especially if using a finer felting needle.

Solution: Always keep your needle vertical/upright to your felting surface. A good tip is to adjust your wrist position so the needle is moving straight in and out. Don’t twist, tilt, or bend it as you work.

2. Forcing the Needle

Whilst it’s tempting to push harder if you feel resistance, but forcing the needle can cause it to break. Remember, felting is about repetition, not brute strength.

Solution: Use gentle, consistent pressure in a short stabbing motion. If the fibres aren’t moving as quickly as you’d like, try using a coarser needle to start, as it will catch and tangle the fibres more easily. Or, if you have been using your needle for some time it may have become blunt and need replacing.

3. Felting Over Hard Surfaces

If your needle hits a hard surface, like a wooden table or too dense a felting mat, it can easily snap.

Solution: Always work on a proper felting mat – foam, wool, or hessian rice filled – designed for needle felting. These surfaces provide the right balance of support and softness, protecting your needle, your work surface, and fingers. Use finger guards whenever possible.

4. Using the Wrong Needle for the Job

Different needles serve different purposes. For instance, a finer needle isn’t robust enough for shaping coarse wool or creating the initial structure of a project.

Solution: Make sure you’re using the correct needle size and type for your task. A 36/38-gauge triangular or star needle is perfect for coarse wool and the initial stages, while finer needles (such as 40-gauge) are ideal for more detailed work, and surface felting.

5. Overworking One Spot

It’s easy to get carried away, repeatedly stabbing the same area to achieve a specific shape or firmness. However, this can create dense, compact, misshapen areas that make it harder for the needle to pass through smoothly. This also means you have over felted that area.

Solution: Work evenly across your project, moving your needle around to avoid overworking one section. This not only saves your needle but also creates a better all-round shape.

Other Ways To Avoid Broken Needles

Now that we’ve covered the main reasons needles break, here are some extra tips to keep in mind:

• Practice Your Grip: Hold your needle firmly but not tightly. A relaxed grip will give you better control and reduce the likelihood of applying too much pressure.
• Stay Patient: Remember, needle felting is a slow craft, especially when building shapes. Rushing through it often leads to broken needles and pricked fingers.
• Inspect Your Needle: If you notice any bends or weak spots on your needle, it’s time to replace it. A bent needle is more prone to snapping.
• Replace Worn Needles: Needles wear out and become blunt over time.

Watch the Two-Minute Video Tutorial

To help you perfect your technique, I’ve put together a two-minute video tutorial covering the essentials of felting needle handling. You’ll see exactly how to position your needle, what to avoid, and how to work efficiently without putting stress on your felting needles.

Final Thoughts On Why Do My Felting Needles Keep Breaking?

If you are new to needle felting and find your needles keep breaking, don’t let it discourage you. It is part of the learning process and by making small adjustments to your technique and taking your time, you’ll soon find yourself breaking fewer needles and enjoying needle felting even more. Remember, felting isn’t about rushing or perfection—it’s about being in the moment, taking respite from the day, the joy of creating something handmade, regardless of the result. So take your time, practice your technique, and enjoy the learning process. Happy felting!