What is Punch Needle?

Punch Needle is a traditional craft for rug making.  Using 4 items, a punch needle tool, fabric, frame and yarn you can easily start this mindful craft.  We like to describe punch needle as 'drawing with wool' and whilst creating with your hands your mind relaxes along the way.  You don't have to concentrate too hard or worry about dropping a stitch so you can easily sit and watch a film or listen to the radio whilst creating your project! With the end result being a finished practical item there is a great sense of joy too!  We've discovered through writing our Punch Needle book that you can make many projects from wall hangings to cushions to rugs or toys.  There are so many possibilities!

Punch Needle shouldn't be confused with rag rugging or proddy rugs as the punch needle tool that is used for punch needle works differently to these other traditional techniques.  Working with a ball of yarn, the Punch Needle tool creates a continuous loop as you punch, the loop grips into the weave of the fabric and is secured in place by the stitch the needle creates. When you are using all the right tools and materials together with the correct technique it won't unravel. With rag rugging or latch hooking you work with strips of yarn and latch these strips on to hessian.

Punch Needle is a craft that is simple to master making it easily accessible for even those with no craft experience.  We've taught age 7 upwards how to punch needle and even the youngsters love it and it keeps them away from technology!

How to Get Started?

We have a number of beginner hoop kits which is the perfect way to start as we match the correct weight of yarn and size of punch needle tool for you in the kit.

If you would prefer to buy the tools and materials separately, here are our recommendations:  

Chunky Wool Punch Needle Tools 

Tool - Oxford Size 10 Punch Needle or Lavor Adjustable Punch Needle

Fabric - Open weave fabric

Yarn - Super chunky wool or double up finer yarn. Making a project that will take more wear? Use our British Wool or a hard wearing yarn.

Frame - a stretcher bar frame or gripper hoop 

Fine Wool Punch Needle Tool

Fabric - Close weave fabric

Frame - Embroidery hoops or stretcher bar frame 

Yarn - Embroidery thread, tapestry or aran wool

Of course you're very welcome to drop us a note if your still unsure - we're here to help! rachel@themoderncrafter.co.uk

Happy punching!

Rachel & Siobhan