What is punch embroidery?

Punch  embroidery is an EASY  way to embroider. True!

There is only one easily learnt stitch – true! – and the finished embroidery is exquisite.

An example of Punch Needle Embroidery where threads, organza and silk ribbons have been used

Simply, punch embroidery  is worked with a special tool called a punch needle which creates loops on the fabric.

Punch Embroidery is a fascinating needle-art. Fascinating because it is embroidered from the back with wondrous results showing up on the front of the work.

Punchneedle Embroidery is highly creative as various threads, yarns and ribbons are used with a ‘punchneedle’to create beautiful textural embroidery.

What is a punch needle?

Simply, a punchneedle is a hollow tube with a slanted tip and an eye. The needle tips can be various sizes to accomodate the different thickness of thread, yarn or ribbon which can be threaded though them. The needle tips have handles to make them easier to hold.

Various sized punch needle tips

There are many types of punchneedles.

A selection of various types of punchneedles

 How is punch needle embroidery worked?

Firstly, a chosen design is traced onto the back of the fabric to be used. Punchneedle embroidery is actually worked from the back with the punch embroidery showing on the front of the piece.

The fabric, with the design facing up, is then stretched very tightly into a special hoop.

A special lip-lock hoop used for punch embroidery

What is a ‘special’ lip-lock hoop?

This is a hoop that has a ‘lip’ on the outer ring which locks over the inner ring enabling the fabric to be pulled and held very tightly.

Can you see the 'lip' on the outer, upper ring?

How is the actual embroidery stitch made?

Using a threaded punchneedle, a small running stitch is worked on the back of the fabric following the outline of the design. This running stitch forms a loop on the front of the fabric. The loop can be altered to various lengths by adjusting the length of the needle. When the punchneedle is set with a short needle tip then a short loop is formed, alternatively, as the needle tip is lengthened, longer loops are made.

By using one quickly learnt stitch and different sized punchneedles, threads, wool and ribbons, amazing textural effects and detail can be achieved.

Punchneedle embroidery is a wonderful means to further enhance traditional embroidery by simply adding dimension to any design

You will be astonished at the simplicity of this amazing needle-art.

Punch Embroidery is also known as punchneedle embroidery, Russian punch embroidery or needle punch.