Punch needle basics: what you need
Hello, welcome back friends!
As most of you know (if you are coming here from instagram) I have been really into punch needle lately. I just can’t get enough, it’s so cool to watch your fiber art come to life! I used to be super into hand embroidery which started my interest in fiber art in 2016! I’m so happy to be back into using my hands and getting creative (outside of my kitchen of course!).
I have been getting load of questions about what materials I use, so I thought i’d write a simple JUST THE BASICS post on what you need to get started.
Up next on the blog: How to actually attach your cloth to a frame so stay tuned! For now let’s start with the basics, I will try my best to link where I get everything as well for your convenience.
Punch needle:
First on the list is of course a punch needle! The one I love to use is the ‘Oxford Punch Needle Regular #10’ I find this one is a good starting needle. It is easy to use compared to others i’ve tried and it is much more comfy in the hand when you’re doing hours of punching.
I got mine from a website called North Shore Crafts and I will link it HERE
2. A frame:
For just starting off I have decided to just stretch my own fabric on stretcher bars or pre-made canvas frames. If you decide to use a canvas frame you can find them at any craft store: just remove the staples and stretch your fabric over and staple to your frame! (DIY blog on how to do this will be in the next blog since it is a process on how to!) OR i will use embroidery hoops for some of my projects but I do find regular hoops don’t hold the fabric as tight which makes it harder to punch so find a hoop with grippers attached to ease of use.
If you want to invest more money into the craft (which I really want to do next!!) then get yourself a stretcher / gripper frame! These are amazing because you don’t have to deal with the hassel of stapling to a frame. I will link the ones i’ve been eyeballing for the past few months HERE
3. Monks Cloth:
Up next is your cloth! You can’t just use any kind of cloth for punch needle since the needle is so large you have to use something with a larger weave. This months cloth is the most common one used for punch needle projects. I get mine from two different sources: either HERE OR HERE
Both websites have different options for the cut you would like and how many yards you want to buy depending on the project.
4. Yarn:
Yarn of course! Now is where you can get really creative and make up your own color palettes. I find most medium or chunky yarns to work perfect. Extra chunky will not work with these needles as some are too thick. I get all of my yarn from Joann fabric store, Hobby Lobby or Michaels. Most craft store will sell medium-chunky yarns. I find wool yarn works wonderful because it really stays in the monks cloth, but I use all types from synthetics to 100% natural fibers just get creative and experiment!
OPTIONAL:
5. Marker:
This one is optional if you like to just freehand things and do ya thang!! BUT if you are a perfectionist like me then getting a marker really helps: some people simple use a permanent marker but I prefer to use a water soluble embroidery fabric marker so if I mess up I can just dab with water and it erases instantly. (other use a soft lead pencil, I have yet to try this for myself though)
6. Stapler:
If you are going to stretch your own fabric on a frame then get a stapler that can be used on wood, this can be found at any craft or home improvement store.
7. Small scissors:
I like to keep small scissors just for ease or use and when you’re working on small projects smaller scissors are easier to use on the back of your project to cut your extra yarn fibers. You can find these at any craft store in the embroidery / sewing section. Regular scissors will work just as well though.
DONE: now you can start your own fiber art project! I do have more blogs in progress for the process on how to start but if you need more information I will link some websites that helped me:
DM me on IG if you want more info and I can send you more link and instagrams that give me alllll the inspiration and tips.
