These are common questions- there are a few different kinds out there! 1. Ultra Punch- this is the one that I am most familiar with. "http://www.eisa.net.au/~dndesign/" for Australians- An American contact : Sandre at quiltersbk@aol.com This is my friend, Sandre- please tell her that Libby sent you! The Ultra Punch needle is very versatile- the smallest needle works well with 2 strands of DMC floss, a #5 or a #12 perle cotton, or any thread that is about that size- I use it for metallics, also. The Ultra Punch is easy to thread, and easy to hold. It is very easy to adjust the depth of the loops you make - all you have to do is slide the little depth adjuster lever to the depth you want- you don't have to pull out of the material or change threads to change the depth.
2. Easy Punch- it is an electric puncher- I have never tried it. "http://www.easypunch.com/"
EASY PUNCH is a trade name for a battery/electric automatic Punch Embroidery Machine invented in 1981. It is the only hand held automatic electric punch embroidery machine made. It has a full year guarantee. Regular sewing threads can be used : cotton, metallic, rayon, embroidery floss, cotton polyester, serger threads or any threads that will flow freely through the needles. Regular embroidery iron-on transfer patterns are one of the easiest sources for designs and patterns.
3. Iglochkey- this is the original Russian punchneedle, for fine work. "http://www.gailbird.com/"
The Original Russian Punchneedle Embroidery (say "ee-go-luch-koy") Russian Punchneedle with Threader for Easy Threading, Complete Instructions and Sample Design. Russian Punchneedle Embroidery by Gail Bird Instruction book plus 32 iron-on transfers with color photographs for thread choice.
These are just a few of the different kinds. To purchase any of these, help yourself to the links that are supplied for you here on your Suite101 punchneedle site!
I am in the process of purchasing Iglochkey needles, so I will be reporting on how they do soon, I hope! I wanted the smallest needle for fine, detailed work.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED??????
1. FABRIC It is very important to get a nice tight evenweave fabric. The punchneedle work is held in place by the threads of fabric that go criss-cross- the 'weave' of the fabric. If you get a loose fabric, your punchwork will fall out.
When you do punchneedle work, you should always stretch your fabric as tightly as possible in a hoop- the kind of hoop that has the grippers inside is the best- it is a sort of indentation inside the hoop, which catches the material and hold it still within the loop- unlike some of the regular hoops where the fabric can slide right out.
