Monks cloth punch needle fabric

Perfect for punch needle, monks cloth is hardwearing, durable and forgiving. Whether it's your first project or your fiftieth, monks cloth is the best foundation fabric for your punch needle project.

This 100% cotton monks cloth has approximately 12 holes per inch and works with a wide range of punch needles including all the Oxford and Lavor punch needles.

Two inch white guidelines run through the fabric. These make it easier to keep the fabric straight when stretching it onto a frame and help prevent your design becoming distorted.

Use it for punch needle rugs, cushions, wall hangings, trivets and other home décor projects.

Size

90 cm 180 cm

5 in stock

£25.00

Why choose monks cloth for punch needle?

Choosing the right foundation fabric makes a big difference to how easy punch needle feels.

The weave needs to be loose enough for your punch needle to pass through without damaging the fabric, while still providing enough tension around the yarn to hold each loop in place.

With approximately 12 holes per inch, this monks cloth works with many of the punch needles and yarn combinations used for traditional punch needle projects.

It's also forgiving when you're learning. If you need to remove your stitches you can gently move the woven threads back into position before punching again.

We love monks cloth, so much so we've written a whole blog post on it.

Is monks cloth good for beginners?

Yes. This is the foundation fabric I recommend for beginners learning punch needle, particularly when using an Oxford or one of the larger Lavor punch needles.

The regular weave makes it easier to judge your stitch length and the white guidelines help you see whether the fabric has been stretched evenly.

Getting your fabric tight before you begin is important. Aim for the monks cloth to feel as tight as a drum across your frame or hoop. Well stretched fabric makes punching easier and helps you create neater, more consistent loops.

Want to learn about the different types of fabrics for punch needle? Here is our guide for beginners.

Which size monks cloth should I buy?

Choose the size according to your project. Monks cloth is 183 cm wide and is available in lengths of 90 or 180 cm. Make sure you leave enough of a border around your design to allow you to stretch onto your frame and finish with a hem (if you need one). It's always better to have a little extra.

Which punch needles work with this monks cloth?

This monks cloth can be used with:

Oxford regular punch needles
Oxford fine punch needles
Lavor 4 mm punch needle
Lavor 5.5 mm punch needle
The largest 3 mm tip from the Lavor fine punch needle set

Your punch needle, yarn and foundation fabric need to work together. The needle creates the opening in the weave, while the fabric closes around the yarn and helps hold the loop in place. For that reason don't choose your fabric independently of your punch needle and yarn.

If you're using an Oxford regular punch needle, pair the monks cloth with a suitable chunky rug yarn.

Oxford fine punch needles work with finer yarns such as aran or worsted weight yarn.

What projects can I make using monks cloth?

Monks cloth is a versatile choice for punch needle projects including:

rugs
cushions
wall hangings
trivets
decorative homewares

For hardwearing projects such as rugs and cushions your choice of yarn, stitch spacing and finishing method will also affect the finished result.

How do I prepare monks cloth for punch needle?

Monks cloth has a loose weave which means it is prone to fraying. Secure the edges of your fabric before you start to punch. Use masking tape, a tight zig zag stitch on the sewing machine or an overlocker.

Trace your design on before stretching your fabric. Use the guidelines to help yo stretch the fabric and not distort the design.

Stretch your fabric as tight as you can. It's worth taking a little longer at this stage to get your fabric as tight as possible, it'll make for a more enjoyable punching experience and help you achieve more even loops.

Not sure whether you need a frame or hoop for your project? Have a look at this handy guide.

View details

Monks cloth specifications

Monks cloth made by The Oxford Company. Designed specifically for punch needle it should be your go to foundation fabric for punch needle. For punch needle projects using medium to bulky yarns, this monks cloth provides the open, even weave needed for smooth punching and secure stitches.

Material	100% cotton
Width	183 cm
Colour	Cream
Weave	Woven double strand
Weave count	12 - 13 holes per inch
Guidelines	White guidelines every 2 inches
Origin	Woven in India
Brand	The Oxford Company
Available lengths	90 cm and 180 cm
Multiple lengths	Pieces are pre-cut so these are the only lengths available

Don't ignore the guidelines when stretching your fabric. If the white lines begin to curve the fabric is being pulled unevenly and your finished design may distort. Work around your frame in small sections adjusting the fabric until the guidelines are straight and the surface feels tight.

FAQ - How can we help?

Monks cloth fabric

What is monks cloth?

Monks cloth is a loosely woven cotton fabric used as a foundation for punch needle. Its weave allows a compatible punch needle to pass between the threads while providing the tension needed to hold punched loops in place.

Why we love it so.

What monks cloth is best for punch needle?

The correct monks cloth depends on the punch needle you're using. This fabric has approximately 12 holes per inch and is compatible with Whole Punching's Oxford regular and fine punch needles, 4 mm and 5.5 mm Lavor punch needles and the largest tip in the Lavor fine punch needle set.

Can beginners use monks cloth?

Yes. Monks cloth is a good choice for beginners because its regular weave makes stitch spacing easier to judge and the guidelines help you stretch the fabric evenly. You're also able to frog your work (pull back your stitches) without ruining the fabric, great when you're learning or would like to change part of your design.

Can I use monks cloth with an Oxford punch needle?

Yes you can use monks cloth with all of the Oxford punch needles. If you'd like to make something hardwearing like a rug, use your monks cloth with a regular Oxford needle, rug yarn and a gripper frame.

Can I use monks cloth with a Lavor punch needle?

Yes you can use all of the Lavor punch needles with monks cloth. With the exception of the two smaller tips included with the fine Lavor needle. Make sure to only use the largest tip. The other two require a finer fibre which is too thin to stay put in the monks cloth.

Why does monks cloth have the white lines?

The white guidelines help you keep the weave straight when stretching the fabric onto your frame. If the lines remain straight, it's easier to see that the fabric is being stretched evenly rather than distorted.

They can also be useful when positioning and drawing designs with a straight edge.

How tight should monks cloth be for punch needle?

As tight as you can get it! Ideally you want it to be as tight as a drum skin. The tighter it is, the easier it will be for the punch needle to move through it. Good tension on the fabric will also help to grip loops in place.

How do I stop my monks cloth from fraying?

Monks cloth is a loosely woven fabric so it is prone to fraying. Before starting a project ensure to secure your edges. An easy way to do this is with masking tape. You can also use a tight stitch on a sewing machine or use an overlocker.

Can I remove punch needle stitches from monks cloth?

Taking your stitches out is called 'frogging' You can do this with monks cloth as it's woven with a double strand and is very hardwearing.

Do I need a special frame for monks cloth?

You need to use a frame or hoop that is capable of holding the fabric tight. It needs to be tight enough to stay taut whilst punching so that your loops are consistent.

Why isn't it available in metres?

The Oxford Company are an American company and measure fabric by the yard hence being sold by 90 cm (1 yard) and 180 cm (2 yards).