PlanetJune by June Gilbank

Punchneedle Embroidery

What is Punchneedle Embroidery?

Punchneedle is a form of embroidery that uses a hollow needle to create loops of thread on fabric. Also known as thread painting for the complexity and texture of design that can be created with this technique, it creates a textured pile surface akin to a miniature version of a hooked rug.

Why Punchneedle Embroidery?

Here are just a few of the reasons I find it so appealing:

• Easy: Only one simple stitch to learn; you don’t have to be super-neat to get a beautiful result
• Fast: No need to knot the ends of the thread, and, other than the outline, it doesn’t matter exactly where you place your stitches, as long as you punch enough stitches to fill each area
• Stunning results: Easy to create bold, bright, appealing embroideries
• Relaxing: Unlike cross stitch, there’s no counting involved – just fill in each area with colour like a paint-by-number painting!
• Inexpensive: After you’ve bought a punchneedle and hoop, the only supplies you need are fabric and embroidery floss
• Easy to fix mistakes: Any stitch can be easily pulled out without affecting neighbouring stitches; with a few simple techniques you can fix any unsightly mistakes
• Portable: Carry all your project supplies in a small bag for those crafting on-the-go moments
• Versatile: Make finished embroideries into framed artwork, decorative patches or appliqués, or add fabric borders to make quilts, cushions, etc – there’s limitless potential here

Punchneedle Tool Information

There are several types of Punchneedle Tools commonly available, and size information isn’t labelled consistently between brands. If you’d like to buy a Punchneedle tool, find out everything you need to know before you head to the craft store (or shop online), with my Punchneedle tool information post.

Free Introductory Tutorial

I’ve made an excerpt from my eBook, The Punchneedle Handbook, into a free tutorial so you can get a taste for what punchneedle is about.

Buy The Punchneedle Handbook

My eBook, The Punchneedle Handbook: Miniature Punchneedle Embroidery Basics & Beyond, includes everything about punchneedle from the absolute basics for those who have never heard of this craft, to my techniques that will allow absolutely anyone to create beautiful punchneedle embroideries. I designed the eBook to be a go-to reference book for all your punchneedle questions, including a useful troubleshooting section. See more details and the table of contents.

Patterns

Try my free 2.5″ Poinsettia design, which uses Punchneedle Embroidery for a fast and festive result. It can be made as an applique and attached to almost anything to give it a more Christmassy feel!

Go to the free Punchneedle Poinsettia pattern >>

You’ll find more punchneedle patterns in my shop, available to purchase individually, or you can save money by choosing the custom set of any three patterns.

I hope you’ll enjoy punchneedle embroidery as much as I do!