In the future, I hope to explore the various types of embroidery using hand held punch needles, and also to dabble in the other aspects of punch needles - like rugs using wool strips or rags.
First, though, we will explore the use of hand held punch needles to embellish articles of worship, clothing, and the Victorian crazy quilt which has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in the last decade.
Where did the idea for punch needles come from? There is not much information available about the very beginnings of punch needlework. Different countries used the technique, but the use of punch needle as we know it today is attributed to a group of people known as the "Russian Old Believers". They used the technique to decorate the religious panels and clothing for their churches and church leaders.
I first discovered punch needles while learning to crazy quilt. I had long been fascinated with crazy quilts, and I was eagerly devouring everything that came my way in anticipation of making one. While reading Judith Baker Montano's book "Crazy Quilt Handbook" I came across a small section on needle punch work. Immediately I was interested. It was so 3-D looking! The punch work technique added such a beautiful dimension to the crazy quilt in her book. I noticed that impressive details could be accomplished from shading, shearing, and sculpting the threads used in the punch work! I was hooked for good!
I was really interested in how this needle punch work was done. The book said you punched the design in from the back! I just could not wait to try this. Also, knowing that I could use good old DMC embroidery floss was an added bonus. That meant, to me, that I would not have a large dollar output to support this new hobby, (which later turned into addiction), and I would not have to spend inordinate amounts of money for supplies, as DMC is found everywhere but the moon!
Little did I know the experimentation, exploration, and down-right fun that was waiting for me when I finally got a punch needle and started to punch!
Go To Page: 1 2
