Punch Needle Embroidery Basics
Tuesday, April 12, 2011Punch, pull, slide and repeat!
These are the basic steps involved in creating a fun, textured Punch Needle Embroidery project!
Use a Punch Needle Embroidery Tool to quickly stitch loop designs using DMC Embroidery Threads such as Size 5 Pearl Cotton, 6-Strand Embroidery Floss, Machine Embroidery Threads, Satin Floss or Light Effects Floss on any fabric.
Personalize a tote bag, t-shirt or any item of your choice – or stitch your design onto Punch Needle Weaver’s Cloth or evenweave fabric and finish any way you choose – like this sweet organizer idea, just in time for Easter! You can get the pattern here.
To use a Punch Needle Embroidery Tool, simply trace the design of your choice onto the wrong side of the fabric you wish to stitch using a water-soluble marking pen or pencil.
Place your fabric in an embroidery hoop (our No-Slip Two Hoop Combo Stand is perfect for this, as it functions as a lap stand, keeping both hands free when using the tool).
You will work from the wrong side of the fabric, pushing loops down through the fabric that will appear on the right side of the fabric.
Thread your Punch Needle Embroidery Tool according to the manufacturer’s directions (we use the Clover Embroidery Stitching Tool) leaving a 2-inch tail of thread – and start stitching!
To make the first stitch, insert the needle into the wrong side of the fabric and then remove the tool from the fabric.
A loop is created on the bottom (right side) of the fabric.
Move the needle slightly to the right and make another loop. Continue to make a row of loops.
Reverse your direction and make a second row of loops. Continue until you fill the entire area.
To end your stitching, leave a tail on the wrong side of the fabric.
Thread the tail through a needle and weave the tail into the threads, or tack it down with thread on the back side of the project.
Our adorable Textured Owl Pattern was created using this technique! See our new instructional video punch needle below!
Check out our assortment of Punch Needle Patterns too – these pattern collections are a great way to get started!
~Emma
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Have just came across a book on punchneedle embriodery an wish to try i have no idea what size needle to start with i have a lot of embriodrey cottens ,crochet’candle wicking and would like to use them up
Kind Regards
Rhonda
Hi Rhonda! I love punch needle. Check out this blog post to help you get started. http://dmc-threads.com/punch-needle-embroidery-basics/ make sure to see the video at the end of the post!
Hi,
I have recently bought punch needle.I have tried it as shown in your video.But after few stiches the punched threads come out even with the slight pull.
Kindly suggest what could be going wrong.
Regards,
Shweta
Shweta – There are a couple of things you may be doing. First is the size of the needle. It should be no larger than is needed for the yarn to flow freely through it. Second is how you make the punches. They should be as close together as you can get them – no space between them at all. The tightness of the stitches is what holds them in place. If you try to put ‘x’ number of threads between them, they will pull out. It takes a bit of practice, so be patient with yourself.
Great advice, Merryann!
Great tutorial! Glad to see punch needle on your site!