So You Wanna Punch Needle?
Okay, so I’m not a writer, I’m more of an action-woman. I like to punch things. :D Just picture the world’s most yarn-filled action movie. …I can’t help it, there are too many jokes available, so I’ll be grabbing at that low-hanging fruit throughout this entire post. Get ready, and come see the violence inherent in the system!
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(help, help, i’m being repressed!)
We’re going to divide this up into a few sections, so if you already know what you’re looking for, you can easily find it. Like I said, writing isn’t my “thing,” so this is going to be quick, to the point, and we’re going to get you the info you need as succinctly as possible. Here’s how we’re divvying things up:
Tools + Materials
Tips + Tricks
Resources
You might see some people here mentioned a few times because I got a lot of what I learned from the same sources. I’m going to be as straight up as possible about where I got what from - as much as my memory can be, anyways! This is by no means a complete guide to punch needling, it’s just a compilation of thoughts I think will help you in your process and a list of the places I learned from! You can always, ALWAYS DM me on instagram or email me at helena.v.stark@gmail.com for any and all questions pertaining to punch needle and i will be happy to help out a fellow punch-er. :)
Okay, enough blah blah bullshit, I don’t want to turn into one of those online recipes that tells you about their day on a microcosmic breath-by-breath scale before you get to how to make the fucking lasagna, SHARON.
Tools + Materials
A list
Yarn
I mostly choose yarn based on color, as long as it stays within these guidelines: not too thick (i.e. not thicker than your needle hole), not too thin (you ain’t working with embroidery floss, m’am), and no funny shit (no weird loops, no fraying, nothing that can get caught on your needle).
I get most of my yarn from Micahels, or Joann’s, and occasionally I splurge on something from woolandthegang.com
Needle
I got mine from Myra & Jean’s Etsy store but she’s sold out :(
HOWEVER I found the same one on amazon (if this one is gone, just search “adjustable embroidery needle” on amazon and get one that looks similar)
Shears
You need a certain kind of scissors for your yarn work! I know what you’re thinking. “Scissors? How important can that be? I’m just gonna use my old craft scissors from my babysitting art kit.” Well to that I say it is YOUR FUNERAL SISTA.
These are $6 for 3, they’ll last you forever, and it is totally worth it. You’ll need them. Just believe me, learn from my mistakes, my jabbed hands, and my ruined yarns.
Threader
If you got the needle I suggested, it came with a threader. However, if you lost it, you didn’t get one, or it broke, I got you, girl. And here’s the big secret…
JEWELRY WIRE! And washi tape. It is freaking impossible to find a threader for a punch needle online, believe me I’ve tried. Instead, go to your local craft supply store, dip into the jewelry making section, and grab the thinnest jewelry wire you can find. Clip it off with your shears at about double the length of your needle + four inches, bend it in half, and secure the ends together with your washi tape. TA DA - it’s a freakin’ threader to rival no other.
Monkscloth
I only get this one from Joann’s (it’s the same if you buy it in-store): OMG Joann
The issue with other monkcloth you can get online is that the thread count (or as I call it, “hole size”) is incorrect for punch needling with yarn. Too far apart and your piece will look sparse and patchy, too close together and the needle will rip the fabric and you will want to CRY. Trust me, just get this one.
Q-Snap Frame
I use these to work on projects exclusively. The one big drawback to monkscloth is that it sheds everywhere and if you use a less beastly frame, it sometimes will even start to fray into your project which is hella no bueno.
These guys are badass, this is the one I use: LOL Amazon gets all my money
Round Frames
I get these from Michaels, and sometimes Amazon. I’ve found the Amazon ones are generally better made so I’ve linked those here. These are what I use to frame the project once I’ve finished the entire punching process. I use a ton of different sizes, from 8-12 inches. Let me tell ya, each inch you add to that diameter does make a big difference! Usually an extra inch means I can add an additional entire word into the design. Here are a couple of examples of the hoops I use:
Tips + Tricks
I’m just going to launch into this and try to organize it based on the timeline of a punch needle/fuzzy round project. Hopefully everyone can follow my ramblings but you can always ask questions below! I’m including some process pics here so you get an idea of what “normal” looks like.
Make sure you point the open end of your needle in the direction you are punching/stitching. This will ensure everything flows smoothly.
ALWAYS KEEP YOUR YARN SLACK. Tight yarn equals pulled out loopies.
When punching in a second (or third) color, use your free hand to hold the loops you already have in to the side so they don’t get tangled into your new loops, whenever possible. In tight corners, you won’t really be able to do this, but you can fix it in afterwork/finishing!
Keep your monkscloth as taught as possible by routinely tightening the frame up - this will make the whole process easier. It’s like fuckin’ magic.
When using thicker yarn, you can easily skip holes (every other column/row/both), or double up on thinner yarn. Just play around with it to get different effects!
Also try varying your loop sizes (different settings on your needle) for a 3D effect. My favorite thing to do is stick with the second-shortest (size C) for most of the piece and then do a couple spots on the longest size (A). Sometimes I even cut the ends for a different texture.
This might seem like a no-brainer but I made this mistake already a few times so it’s definitely a has-brainer… if you’re trying out a new technique, yarn size, loop size, anything, do a practice patch first!
The best thing about this medium, according to… well, me, is that everything is undoable! You can always pull out your yarn and your monkscloth will be good for at least a couple of uses! So if you fuck up, the world is not over. The apocalypse has not come. God has not forsaken you.
Resources
This is a somewhat comprehensive list of everyone I learned my trade from. Where applicable, I made notes of who I learned what from where. :)
Shmoxd - How to Make a Patch with Punch Needle
Not yarn-based BUT he is great at showing you the basics of needle threading and working through some of the troubleshooting issues you run into when you’re just starting out. Also, he’s hilarious and his other videos are pretty stinking cool and I’ve seen them ALL.
Myra & Jean - Her ENTIRE channel!!
And her website: https://www.myraandjean.com/
She has SUCH an amazing wealth of resources. There are classes you can take (even on skillshare!!!), punch needle kits, blog posts, and so much more. I have really leaned on her site to learn everything - when I’m stuck, she’s the first place I check for help.
Instagram Inspo
Hellohydrangea - she also has punch needle classes, even though her main thing is weaving. I’ve taken a macrame class from her before though, she’s a fantastic teacher.
Myraandjean - can you tell I’m a fan :D
Bookhou - her stuff is super calming and she has hella good process videos too!