Beginner’s Punch Needle Checklist

Easy to start. Check. Quick with visible results. Check. Fun and with endless possibilities. Check. Punch needle embroidery has grown into one of the most approachable fiber arts, perfect for all ages. The best part? All you need is a special needle to punch through a foundation fabric and create loops of yarn, producing raised textures and patterned designs. If you have just started or are thinking of beginning, the first step is to gather the tools and materials. A clear checklist helps avoid frustration and ensures you enjoy the process from the beginning.

Take it from the punch needle experts at the Oxford Company, these are the essentials on every punch needle artist’s checklist.

1. The Punch Needle

At the heart of the craft is the punch needle tool. An ergonomic handle that feels comfortable in your hand, as punch needle art works on the technique of repetitive motion (punches through a fabric). If you are uncertain, a beginner punch needle kit usually provides a simple, reliable tool suited for most yarn weights.

Oxford Punch Needle Set

Oxford Punch Needles, designed by punch needle rug hooking expert, author, teacher and innovator, Amy Oxford, is a favorite among punch needle artists. An ergonomic design, planned after years of experience, the smooth handles in natural wood and the vibrant laminated birch Symfonie wood smoothly punch the foundation fabric and come out forming loops. The punch needle sizes are available in both regular point punch needles and fine point punch needles.  The punch needle sets are also designed with multiple sizes to create different loop lengths and textures.

2. Frames 

The punch needle art works with repeated punches through the fabric, so the most basic requirement is a stretched fabric. A punch needle frame is the one for the job. Keeping the foundation fabric starched and ready, taut enough to bear the punches. Your fabric must be stretched tight for the loops to hold. 

Choose frames with gripper strips with carpet tacks to secure the fabric cloth more firmly, preventing slack as you punch. Or, choose no-slip hoops. Consistent tension across the surface is one of the most important factors in creating neat, durable work. Choose a frame or hoop according to project sizes and designs.

3. Monk’s Cloth

Next, we come to the foundation fabric, the very canvas that paints your imagination. Monk’s cloth is the fabric most often recommended for punch needles for beginners. 100% cotton with an even weave strong enough to support the loops while remaining flexible for punching. The thread counts of 12 to 14 holes per inch suit almost all punch needle sizes and yarns.

Precuts Monk's Cloth

Explore monk’s cloth precuts or yardage according to the project’s requirements. Precuts are serged to not fray and sizes are according to different projects. While the foundation cloth is ready for punching, a good starting point is to wash and dry it before use to avoid shrinkage later.

4. Yarn Selection

Now, the foundation essentials are decided, yarn is the one that brings punch needle projects to life. The yarn you choose determines both the look and the feel of your project. Rug yarn is a good starting point paired with Oxford regular point punch needles. 100% wool and hand-dyed yarn options are available in the Violet Jane Yarn Collection, which includes solid and variegated shades. These are perfect to lay the background and textures of the rug hooking punch needle project. Fine yarns, mostly a heavier variety of worsted-weight yarn, are used for details. Think of fine lines, lettering and details. Paired with Oxford fine point punch needles, they are ideal for fine details.

Test your yarn on a small patch of monk’s cloth to check how it sits on the surface. Over time, you may experiment with strips of fabric and different yarn fibers and colors.

5. Supporting Tools

Additional supplies make the process of punch needle rug hooking easier. Scissors are a necessary accessory; choose sharp points or duck-billed ones to trim loose ends and also shape loops to make designs. With water-soluble marker pens, sketch designs on the fabric if you are going freehand. Finally, a comfortable chair and good lighting will help you maintain focus during longer sessions. The Oxford Punch Needle Mini Handbook is a source of information, perfect for beginners and even experienced fiber artists to refresh skills.

6. Patterns and Kits

Patterns and kits are a good starting point for beginners. Oxford punch needle kits are a mix of easy designs. The design traced on monk’s cloth with clear instructions helps start with basic wall art, rugs, chairpads, table runners and more. Traditional McAdoo patterns and modern patterns are both available.

Pear Kits

With this, you are ready to take on the punch needle art. With the right tools and materials, focus on building skills and then experimenting with textures, shading styles and more that reflect your own style. With a few beginner punch needle projects done and shown off explore intermediate and advanced punch needle rug hooking techniques, projects and inspirations.