Oxford regular punch needles

Oxford punch needles are designed to make punch needle straightforward and enjoyable. Unlike many adjustable punch needles an Oxford punch needle has a fixed loop height, so once you've chosen your size you can concentrate on your punching without adjusting the tool.

The smooth wooden handle sits comfortably in your hand during longer projects, while the self-threading design means you don't need a separate threader. Simply thread the yarn through the eye and along the open channel in the needle.

Oxford punch needles are made for use with wool rug yarns and cut strips of fabric. A strong foundation fabric such as monks cloth or linen will help you to create a hardwearing project. The needle has a polished steel tip which glides through the fabric and produces consistent loops when used with the recommended yarn and foundation fabric.

Whether you're making rugs, cushions, wall hangings or other textured homewares, Oxford punch needles are designed to give reliable, even results.

Oxford punch needles are available in two widths, fine and regular with several loop heights within each range.

Regular Oxford punch needles are designed for thicker yarns making them ideal for rugs, cushions and other home décor projects.

Within the regular range:

• #8 regular creates the tallest loops and boldest texture.
• #9 regular offers a medium loop height and is a versatile choice for many projects.
• #10 regular creates the shortest loops in the range and is often recommended for beginners because it produces neat, well defined stitches while still working with traditional rug yarns.

If you'd like to use finer yarns for detailed work, an Oxford fine punch needle will be a better choice.

If you're unsure which size to choose, the #10 regular is an excellent starting point for most new punch needle makers and uses less yarn than the #8 and #9.

Yes. Oxford punch needles are suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced punch needle artists.

One feature many beginners appreciate is the self threading design which removes the need for a separate threader. Each needle also has a fixed loop height, so there are no settings to adjust before you begin punching.

Successful punch needle depends just as much on choosing compatible yarn and fabric as it does on the tool itself. Stretching your fabric tightly, keeping plenty of slack in your yarn and fully inserting the needle with every stitch will all help produce even loops.

If you're completely new to punch needle, we also recommend following one of our beginner tutorials or online courses alongside your first project.

Regular Oxford punch needles are designed to be used with wool rug yarns and chunky yarns suitable for punch needle.

Punch needles were originally design for making rugs and would often use up scraps of fabric or wool yarn to ensure the finished piece was durable. Natural wool yarns are particularly popular because they punch smoothly through the fabric, create well defined loops and produce a durable finished piece.

Punch needle is the perfect craft for using up odds and ends. When starting out it’s fun to try out any yarns you may already have to see if you like the finished result. As long as it runs smoothly through the punch needle and doesn’t slip too much it’s worth a try.

If you're unsure which yarn to choose, we've tested a wide range of yarns and recommend those we've found work well in Which yarn should you use for punch needle?

Yes. Both monks cloth and linen can be excellent foundation fabrics for Oxford punch needles.

Monks cloth is often recommended for beginners because its open, even weave makes it easy to see where to place each stitch. It’s woven with a double strand of cotton which makes it very strong, this allows you to pull back your stitches (also known as frogging) and re-punch. Great when you’re learning or want to try different yarns.

Punch needle linen has a tighter weave than monks cloth and is woven with a single strand. A little less forgiving than monks cloth it’s good to try once you’ve mastered the basics.

Whichever fabric you choose, it should be stretched tightly on a suitable frame before you begin punching. A firm, even tension helps create consistent stitches and makes punching much more enjoyable.

Need some more help? Check out A beginners' guide to punch needle fabric.

Oxford punch needles are individually made tools designed specifically for punch needle rug hooking.

Each needle combines a polished steel needle with a shaped wooden handle and a self threading channel that removes the need for a separate threader. Rather than being adjustable, every Oxford needle is manufactured with a fixed loop height, allowing it to produce consistent loops without needing to change settings.

Many punch needle artists choose Oxford needles because they enjoy the comfortable handle, straightforward threading and reliable stitching experience. For those who expect to use their punch needle regularly, they are a tool that can be used for many years.

Each Oxford punch needle includes:

• One Oxford regular punch needle in your chosen size
• Storage box
• Stitch gauge
• Quick start guide.

Because Oxford punch needles are self threading, no separate threader is required.

You'll also need a suitable foundation fabric, compatible yarn and a frame or hoop to begin punching. These are available separately if you don't already have them.

If you're starting punch needle for the first time, our Oxford starter bundles include carefully chosen materials to help you get started with confidence.