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.
Some projects can be completed using a gripper hoop – and 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 kind of frames are available?
I supply frames in 3 different sizes – a small 25 cm frame, a medium 35 cm frame and a large 45 cm to suit all your fabric stretching needs. They take a little bit of time to produce, so are available through a regular pre-order system. These run every month, so if you miss the pre-order deadline one month don’t worry!
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
What punch needle products are available to pre-order?
- 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)
