These DIY merit badges are the perfect way to celebrate your little victories. Making it to the gym or, simply not overthinking things, or staying positive during off-kilter times. They are kitschy, colorful, and completely customizable!

Here are a few for sale that I made!

DIY Felt Merit Badges

Turn scraps of felt and ribbon into a personalized award for yourself or a friend. Whether it’s for "Being booked and busy" or "Drinking enough water," these badges add a touch of sparkle to any outfit or bag. I think this a perfect craft for a group, or even a workshop.

Supplies:

Go through your stash, you'll be surprised at how many of htese items oyu may already have. I had EVERYTHING, and yes, I felt so proud!

Felt Sheets: At least 2–3 contrasting colors.
Letter Beads: To spell out your achievement.
Ribbons: A mix of textures (grosgrain, satin, rickrack, or metallic).
Embellishments: Flat-back rhinestones, sequins, or small plastic stars.
Sewing Essentials: Embroidery floss, a needle, and scissors (pinking shears are great for wavy edges!).
Adhesive: Fabric glue or a hot glue gun.
Hardware: Safety pins or brooch backings.

Directions:

Step 1: Cut Your Layers

The "rosette" look comes from layering concentric circles.

Bottom Layer: Cut a large circle (approx. 4 inches) using pinking shears or decorative scissors for a scalloped edge.
Middle Layer: Cut a slightly smaller circle in a contrasting color.
Top Layer: Cut the smallest circle (approx. 2.5 inches). This is where your text will live.

Step 2: Add the Text

Before assembling the layers, it’s easiest to add your beads to the top circle.

Layout: Arrange your letter beads to ensure they fit. Use a black pen to place a dot where the word starts and ends, so you know where to stitch.
Secure: Thread your needle with embroidery floss. Stitch through each bead individually to secure them to the felt. (Use hot glue if you want!)
Pro Tip: Keep your tension even so the felt doesn't bunch up under the words.

Step 3: Decorative Stitching & Bling

Give it that handmade magic - this is what makes it look so special.

Whipstitch: Use a bold embroidery floss color to sew a whipstitch or running stitch around the edge of your circles.
Gems: Glue your rhinestones and stars around the text. Don’t be afraid to be "extra"—more is more here!

Step 4: The Ribbon Tails

What’s an award without the streamers? I used strips of felt, cystal strands, yarn, whatever I could fine to give contrasting texture.

Cut 3–5 lengths of various ribbons (4–6 inches long).
Cut "V" notches or diagonal angles into the ends to prevent fraying.
Layer them behind the largest felt circle and glue or stitch them into place so they drape downward.

Step 5: Final Assembly

Stack: Glue your felt circles on top of each other, centering them to show off the different colored borders.
Backing: Glue a small strip of felt over the top of the ribbons on the back to keep everything clean.
Pin: Attach a brooch pin or safety pin to the back using a strong adhesive or a few sturdy stitches.