Punch Needle: The Perfect Beginner Needlework Project – Sewing Machines Los Angeles

Whether you design your own pattern or purchase one of the thousands of stunning patterns available on the market, there’s nothing as thrilling to a novice textiles artist as completing a punch needle project. Because it’s truly possible to finish one in a few hours, the sense of accomplishment is so immediate and rewarding it is addictive!

It is an old needle art handed down from culture to culture. Most educated research has concluded that the art originated in the 15th century when seamen were on long voyages. At the time, the men called the needlework “punch stitching” and incorporated the art in religious vestments as a way to pass time on their trips.

Only a few components are required in creating the final art:

1.) Embroidery hoop

2.) Weavers cloth with pre-printed pattern or pattern included in instructions

3.) Embroidery flosses

4.) Punch Needle with threader

These patterns come in many forms:

1.) Some patterns will include pre-printed designs on the weavers cloth.

2.) Some will require you to iron on the pattern via “iron on transfer” to your own weavers cloth.

3.) Some patterns actually require the use of a “light box” to transfer the pattern to your weavers cloth.

This is an important consideration as you choose your first project because beginning with the least complexity possible will make the experience incredibly positive and satisfying.

The weavers cloth is stretch across an embroidery hoop and uses the pattern drawn on the cloth as a guide to “punch” embroidery flosses through the taught cloth from the back side. The design becomes a three-dimensional representation of the pattern as the embroidery floss forms loops on the front side of the cloth.

On average, most finished punch needle pieces are approximately 4 inches square. It is the miniaturization of this art form which makes it seem challenging. However, that perception is completely inaccurate as punch needle is one of the easiest forms of needle art to undertake and is perfect for even the most hesitant new needle artist.