Punch needle blog - news, tips and tricks

Lavor are one of the most popular producers of punch needle tools. Their punch needles are easy to use, great for beginners, affordable and come in a range of different sizes.

We’re moving into the colder months here in the UK, which is the perfect moment to think about starting a rug. While your first rug will most likely take you the longest, there is still plenty of time to overcome challenges and get it finished before winter properly sets in!

One of the core components needed for punch needle is a suitable frame or hoop on which to make your project. What project you are making will impact the frame...

In the last five years the range of punch needle tools available to buy has broadened hugely and I decided it was time for an update. The rise in popularity of punch needle has meant that there is now a much wider variety of tools to choose from, but with increased choice it can sometimes be harder to pick the right one. Here I discuss the benefits of each tool and I’ll also give you some ideas of what materials are best to be used with them.

Punch needle is a fantastic, accessible craft that is suitable for anyone, from the experienced maker to someone getting started with crafting for the first time. You don’t need too much kit to get going – there are just four key components required to start your first project.

Monks cloth and aida are both two types of fabric used for crafting. Traditionally monks cloth is used for rug making crafts such as punch needle and rug hooking whereas aida is used for cross-stitch embroidery.

To get started with punch needle you will need four key materials; a punch needle tool, fabric, a frame or hoop for stretching your fabric and yarn to punch with. Choosing yarn for your punch needle project can definitely be one of the most fun parts of your planning. However, it’s helpful to keep a few useful tips in mind when you pick the yarn for your next project.

There are so many lovely rugs available in shops but if you want to put a more personal stamp on your home, making your own punch needle rug is a great way to do it. With four simple supplies, some time and a little patience, you could have a new rug for your home. Here are my four top tips for making your own punch needle rugs.

Each year punch needle enthusiasts come together to share their love for punch needle. This year the day to celebrate is Saturday 1 April 2023. The theme for this year is Friendship. I shall be doing a 'punch-a-long' live on my Instagram at 15:00 GMT of this years' pattern.

Alice is a freelance print designer based in Berlin and has always been creating since as long as I can remember. I absolutely love her style and couldn't wait to translate these into punch needle projects. We have created four new hoops, two of which incorporate punch needle and tufting. So if you've wanted to try your hand at tufting but don't want to invest in a tufting gun, these kits are a great introduction. 

A step-by-step punch needle tutorial for beginners on how to prepare an embroidery hoop with monks cloth for punching. Easy way to prepare a hoop for your punch needle wall hangings.

A brief overview of the different qualities of punch needle fabrics that are available in the UK. Fabrics may have different names so it can be difficult when purchasing, therefore referring to the qualities of fabric will help to you choose your punch needle foundation fabric.