The joys of Punch Needle Embroidery

Punch Needle Embroidery is an old Russian technique, using a special needle- held similar to a pencil. The fabric is stretched drum tight in a hoop or a frame, and the design is 'punched' in from the back. I am glad to see that this wonderful form of needle arts is enjoying a come back! It was widely used by the Victorian ladies of England, and also the women of America to embellish their clothing, and the crazy quilts that were all the rage during the mid 1800's to early 1900's. Most Punch Needles in the 'old days' had only one needle, and it was all one tool. You had to buy different needles for the different sizes you wanted to use. I, myself, use the UltraPunch which comes with three different sized needles, and it also has an adjuster on the side so you can have up to 12 different lengths of loops! I am always looking for the old punch needles, though, as I love to collect them. Ya'll let me know if you have any you don't want! Punch needle embroidery enables you to really be creative, and to use all those beautiful threads that you didn't know what to do with, but "just had to have"! Metallic threads, perle cottons, silk threads, rayon threads, even silk ribbon and crewel wools can be used, if you use the proper preparation methods and the right needle size. The true secret to punch needle work is to have a good even weave material, in a hoop, drawn as tight as you can get it. Holding the fabric tight opens up the weave of the material, and lets the thread be able to go through it easily- then when you release if from the hoop, the weave of the fabric tightens, and holds the thread in. Simple, right? Another key- when punching, don't bring the needle tip up away from the fabric. Keep it as close to the fabric as you can, bring it gently up and out of the loop you just made, then lightly drag it across the fabric to the next place you wish to punch. If you can keep your needle close to the fabric, there will be no problem with your thread not staying where you put it. I will be sharing the information that I find on the internet, and also good books to buy that will help you learn this technique.

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