Frames and hoops

Punch needle is a fibre craft with its traditional purpose for making rugs.

The punch needle was originally invented in the 1880’s to speed up rug hooking. Rather than working from the front with a hook to pull loops up through a backing fabric, the punch needle tool pushes a continuous length of yarn through fabric to form loops on the underneath.

Although traditionally used for making rugs, modern applications of punch needle include cushions, wall hangings and bags. The rhythmic punching is favoured by many for it’s relaxing motion. The perfect craft for textile or yarn lovers, punch needle is a traditional craft for modern makers. It's a very accessible craft and great for beginners as it's quite forgiving. 

Punch needle requires four core supplies:

1. Punch needle tool
2. Fabric
3. Frame or hoop
4. Yarn

If you need additional information on the specific supplies to get started, check out this blog post.

This all depends on what you'd like to make.

If you want to make small items like coasters, baubles and hoop wall hangings I'd suggest:

• fine Lavor punch needle

If you'd like to make larger items like cushions or rugs I'd suggest a bigger punch needle like either:

• regular Oxford punch needle
• 5.5 mm Lavor punch needle

Monks cloth is a 100% cotton, loose, evenweave fabric which is designed specifically for punch needle and rug hooking.

If you want to hear me wax lyrical about why it is the best fabric for punch needle, check out this blog post.