Needle felting is meant to be a joy—a creative escape where you turn wool into something magical. But if you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or like your skills aren’t improving, you’re not alone. It happens to the best of us, and the good news is, you can get past it.
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Just a heads-up—this post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the kettle on and supports my ability to share free needle felting tips, tutorials, and resources. I only recommend products I genuinely use and love, so you can be sure they’re worth a look. Cheers for your support!
Book Recommendation
One thing that can make a huge difference is looking at your habits. The way you approach felting, the tools you use, and even how you think about it all play a part in your progress. If this sounds familiar, I’d encourage you to read one of my favourite books Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s a cracking book about how small, consistent changes can lead to massive improvements—not just in your craft but in every part of life.
Why 1% Can Be A Really Big Number
As Clear says, “Small habits make a big difference.” Improving by just 1% every day might not seem much, but blimey, it adds up fast. This applies to needle felting, whether you’re just starting out or trying to push past a plateau. Let’s break it down into practical steps.
Start Small: Tiny Changes Lead to Big Results
You don’t need to revamp your whole needle felting routine overnight. Honestly, if you try to do too much at once, you’ll just end up knackered. Instead, focus on tiny, manageable changes.
- Simplify your workspace: A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered noggin. Keep your tools and wool organised so you can get started easily.
- Work in small sessions: Working for long periods not your thing? No problem. Ten to fifteen minutes a day is plenty to build momentum.
- Check your tools: Check your needles and foam/mat. Are they the right size and condition for what you’re working on? These small adjustments can give you a real lift when you see the difference they make.
YOU ARE NOT TRYING TO BE A NEEDLE FELTER. YOU ARE A NEEDLE FELTER.
Here’s something important to remember: as soon as you pick up that needle, you’re a needle felter. It doesn’t matter if your hedgehog looks more like a lumpy potato or if you’ve spent hours on something that still needs tweaking; some projects are never finished. You’re not “trying.” You’re doing. Every poke of the needle is progress. Own it, and you’ll be chuffed when you see how far you’ve come.
Think Like a Needle Felter: Identity Matters
“Heads up—this section contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you buy through them (at no extra cost to you!).”
One of the most powerful ideas in Atomic Habits is the link between habits and identity. If you see yourself as “just dabbling” in needle felting, you’ll approach it with less confidence. But when you start saying, “I’m a needle felter,” your mindset shifts. You’re not just trying—you are a needle felter.
How can you reinforce this identity?
- Create a dedicated space for your felting, no matter how small. This reminds you, This is what I do.
- Keep a photo diary of your projects. Seeing your progress helps you realise just how far you’ve come.
- Share your work with others, even if it’s not perfect. It will help build your confidence.
Say These 3 Things To Yourself Every Time You Sit Down To Needle Felt
It’s natural to set goals like “make a perfect felted dog” or “master shading techniques.” But as Clear explains, systems—your daily routines and practices—are more important than the goals themselves. Goals set the direction, but systems are what get you there.
Here’s an example of a simple system for needle felting:
- Spend 10 minutes at the start of each session practicing a basic skill, like making smooth edges, simple face details, or shaping a sphere.
- Work on a project for 20–30 minutes without worrying about the result.
- Reflect on what went well and what you’d like to improve next time.
When you focus on the process rather than the outcome, you take the pressure off. Progress feels natural, and you enjoy the journey more.
Practice The Small Details
Follow these 8 simple steps for perfecting face details.
Building Good Habits (and Breaking Bad Ones)
Clear’s book outlines four steps for building good habits: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. So how do we apply these steps to needle felting?
- Make It Obvious
Keep your supplies visible and ready to go. If everything’s hidden away, it’s easy to forget about it. A simple basket of wool and needles in your crafting space can act as a visual cue to get started. - Make It Attractive
Choose projects you’re excited about. If you’ve been stuck making the same type of animal or shape, try something fresh—like a seasonal ornament, a character, or something inspired by nature. - Make It Easy
Start small. If tackling a big project feels overwhelming, break it down into manageable steps or try a beginner-friendly pattern. Lowering the bar makes it easier to get going. - Make It Satisfying
Celebrate your wins. Whether it’s finishing a project or improving a technique, take a moment to appreciate what you’ve accomplished. Share your work, treat yourself to some new wool, or simply admire your progress.
Keep a Needle Felting Diary
Keeping a needle felting diary can be a real game-changer for staying on track. Use it to jot down your progress, plan future projects, note your achievements, what you need to practice more, and reflect on what’s improved. It’s a great way to keep focused and avoid getting distracted by all the shiny needle-felted things you see online. Plus, looking back at how far you’ve come will give you a proper boost when you need it most. Whether it’s a fancy notebook or a few scribbles on scrap paper, this little habit can keep your creativity flowing and your brain organised.
Confidence is Built, One Project at a Time
Needle felting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about creating something you’re proud of and enjoying the process along the way. By focusing on small changes, embracing your identity as a needle felter, and building better systems, you’ll find your confidence growing with every project.
So, grab your needles, pick up that wool, and take it one needle felted piece at a time. You’re not just shaping wool—you’re building skills, growing confidence, and creating something to be proud of. Keep at it, and watch your progress unfold.
Top Tips for Better Needle Felting Habits
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