A method for homogenizing the stitching pattern in a needled fleece requires a detector which is arranged between a first needling device and a second needling device and detects areas in the fleece where stitches are absent. Then the fleece needled by the first needling device is also needled in the second needling device, wherein at least one operating parameter or at least one structure parameter of the second needling device is adapted specifically on the basis of the result of the detection of the absent-stitch areas, so that, during the further needling of the fleece in the second needle machine, the absent-stitch areas are filled in a targeted manner.