One of the first questions people have when they are new to punch needle is what equipment and supplies do they need to get started. Most people understand you need a punch needle tool, a suitable yarn and base fabric to work on – but there is one more thing that people don’t always think about straight away, and that is a frame to stretch your fabric.
A punch needle gripper frame is a reusable wooden frame fitted with specialist gripper strips that hold your foundation fabric taut while you punch. You don't need one to start punch needle but it can be a worthwhile upgrade if you punch regularly, want to make larger projects or find yourself repeatedly adjusting the tension of your fabric.
Whole Punching gripper frames are designed for loose evenweave punch needle fabrics including monks cloth, linen and rug warp. For smaller projects or tighter weave fabrics, a gripper hoop may be more suitable. I love using my hoops for smaller projects like coasters or Christmas baubles. But if you are working on something a bit bigger, then hoops can be tricky and you might want to think about using a frame.
When I started out in punch needle, I found it frustrating trying to find a frame that worked for me. I’d tried using carpet tacks and canvas stretcher bar options, but wasn’t having a great experience with them. What I really wanted was a gripper strip frame and then I found a wonderful supplier in The Netherlands.
So what is a gripper frame, why are they popular and how can they help you produce a punch needle project you can be really proud of?
What is a punch needle gripper strip?
Gripper strips are a product specifically designed for the crafts of rug hooking and punch needle. The strips are made from a rubber and material layered composite studded with metal teeth. A gripper strip looks like a long bendy ruler filled with thousands of staples. It's these grippy metal 'teeth' that secure your backing fabric firmly in place when using either a punch needle or rug hook.
What makes a punch needle gripper frame so effective?
When using a punch needle, taut fabric is essential for allowing the needle to move smoothly through the fabric. The tighter the backing fabric is, the easier it will be to punch your project. If your backing fabric is slack it can make the technique tiring on your hands and wrists.
The gripper strips secure your fabric in place so that it doesn't budge at all when punching and they are very quick and easy to use. If you've ever wrestled with stretching your fabric over a carpet tack frame you will understand why this is so helpful! Carpet tacks are an affordable alternative to a gripper strip frame, but it takes a lot longer to stretch your fabric, the fabric isn't always stretched evenly due to missing tacks, and if you’re anything like me there is a risk you end up jabbing a finger or two at some point as you work on your project.
When making a larger project like a punch needle rug, I find it easier to work on a smaller frame than the piece. If you are making a rug which is 60 x 120cm, you could use a frame which is 70 x 130cm but this would be quite a large, unwieldy frame. I prefer to use a 45 cm frame and move my work on the frame. This means I can ensure my backing fabric remains taut and I'm not overstretching at all.
Punch needle fabric to use with a gripper strip frame
There are different variants of gripper strips depending on what fabric you want to use. The strips I supply are for use with loose even weave fabrics such as monks cloth, linen and rug warp – fabrics used commonly for punch needle projects of different types and sizes.
If you are using a tighter weave of fabric, (such as a cotton blend for punch needle embroidery,) you would be better to use a gripper hoop.
Protecting your hands whilst using a gripper strip frame
The metal teeth on a gripper strip frame are sharp. Once the backing fabric is stretched over it's still possible for the teeth to poke through and graze your skin.
In order to protect your exposed skin whilst punching, all my frames come as standard with a wool felt mix frame cover. It's elasticated and fits snugly over your frame once the fabric is stretched over. As the corners can be particularly sharp, there are also four small inserts included for added protection.
What size punch needle frame should I choose?
We supply gripper frames in 3 different sizes – a small 25 cm frame, a medium 35 cm frame and a large 45 cm.
| Frame size | Working area | Best suited to |
| 25 cm | 21 cm | Small coasters and decorations |
| 35 cm | 30 cm | Trivets or small scatter cushions |
| 45 cm | 40 cm | Larger cushions or small rugs (you can move your work on the frame) |
Don't assume your frame has to be bigger than your finished project. For larger pieces, you can work on one section at a time and reposition the fabric as you go.
Do I need a stand?
Not necessarily, no. It all depends how you like to work on your project. I don't tend to use a stand when I'm using either of the smaller frames. I have these on my lap (generally when I'm sat on the sofa) and they are small enough to manage. When I'm using a larger 45 cm frame, I do tend to use a stand. If I'm using the bigger frame then I'm working on a larger project which takes longer. It's easier to have it set up on a table where I can chip away at it. The larger frame is also a bit too big (for me) to have on my lap.
Is a gripper frame right for you?
If you're just starting out with small punch needle projects you don't necessarily need to invest in a gripper frame straight away.
If you're punching regularly, want to work on larger pieces or would like a quicker way to achieve and maintain good fabric tension a gripper frame is an upgrade worth considering.
Still unsure which set-up would suit you? Contact me and I'll be happy to help you choose.
How does the pre-order system work?
These specialist punch needle materials are made to order for Whole Punching in The Netherlands. As such we don't keep these in stock:
- pre-orders close once per month (normally at the start of the month)
- orders are dispatched approximately 3 weeks after the pre-order closes
- any additional items within the same order will be dispatched with the pre-order item
Ready to choose yours?
- Gripper strip frames (with covers)
- Stands for gripper strip frames
- Gripper strips (for making your own frames)
- Covers for gripper strip frames (made in the UK by me, Sara)
- Gripper strip frame, cover and stand bundles
- Punch needle starter bundles (which include a gripper frame)
Gripper frame FAQ's
Do I need a gripper frame for punch needle?
No, you don't need a gripper frame to start punch needle. For smaller projects, a good gripper hoop can be an excellent option and there are other ways to stretch punch needle fabric onto a frame.
A gripper frame becomes particularly useful when you are punching more regularly, working on larger projects or want a quick way to achieve and maintain good fabric tension.
Unlike a conventional frame where fabric may need to be stapled or pinned in place, the teeth on the gripper strips hold the fabric around the edge of the frame. This also makes it easier to reposition your fabric when working on a project larger than the frame itself.
If you're happy with your current hoop or frame and it keeps your fabric consistently taut, there's no need to upgrade simply for the sake of it.
What size punch needle frame should I buy?
It depends on the projects you are planning to make. If you'll only ever make small decorative items or will be using fine punch needles like the Ultra Punch then the smallest 25 cm frame is perfect. If you want to make larger projects and want to invest I'd recommend the 45 cm. There is always the 35 cm which is the happy middle ground between the two.
Can I use monks cloth on a gripper frame?
Yes you can. Monks cloth works really well with gripper frames as it's woven with a double strand and is therefore very hardwearing. It can stand up to being dragged across the sharp teeth of the gripper strips.
Can I make a rug bigger than my gripper frame?
Most definitely. I'd suggest using the largest 45 cm frame as then you'll need to move your work fewer times than the smaller two.
Are gripper frames suitable for beginners?
They might seem a little daunting but they are definitely suitable for beginners. In a lot of ways they are easier than a gripper hoop or stretcher bar frame as they actually make stretching the fabric a lot easier. You'll use less energy and need less strength using a gripper frame than you would another option.
Do I need a stand with my gripper frame?
I'd recommend a stand with the 45 cm frame, if you're planning on making projects that are larger than your frame.
Why are Whole Punching gripper frames pre-order only?
Gripper frames are made to order for Whole Punching in The Netherlands. This is why they are available on a pre-order basis rather than being permanently in stock.
