photo courtesy of punchneedlechix.com
I've seen the tools in stores and online. They're a scary, poky bunch who bear some serious resemblance to giant hypodermic needles. But the results can be beautiful and unique. So, pushing my fear aside, I decided to check out these popping tools of the embroidery world.
Punch needle embroidery (aka Punch, Russian Embroidery and Bunka (not to be confused with Bunko)) has been around since the 17th Century. It's a pretty simple idea: thread is punched through tightly-stretched fabric with a hollow needle, leaving loops on the opposite side that, in number, create an image (in reverse). Think teensy-tiny hooked rugs. Seeing finished projects gave me the warm fuzzies for my 'ol latchhooking days. I think I still have that circa 1986 rainbow pillow buried in a closet somewhere. Unfinished, of course.
To get started with punch embroidery, you'll need a special needle. Pencil-like, they can be adjusted to create different length loops. Most embroidery flosses work fine, but many enthusiasts seem to prefer long spools of thread so they don't have to rethread the needle as often. A good hoop with a lip is a necessity, too. You can use almost any fabric for punching, but the consensus is the more dense the fabric (like knit or denim), the harder it is to punch. So unless you're keen on giving yourself a new finger piercing, I'd stick to linen or cotton. As for techniques and tips, I'll leave that to the experts. Check out these sites for more punch love and supplies:
Watch some punching in action! Mama said knock you out! (Sorry, couldn't resist)
I've always wondered about this... if its anything like my hook rug days... count me out... I still have a half unfinished pooh bear and tigger hook rug under my bed....
Posted by: Brook Owens | October 09, 2008 at 01:20 AM
my grandmother was a fan on infomercial (weren't they fabulous before?!) and bought one of those kits off one when i was a kid. i remember making a so-so looking kitten with it. i've always wonered what happened to this art form. i still have that kit (did i my granny give it to me? did i steal it? who knows) and i'm definitely gonna take it up one day so a huge thank you for the links!
Posted by: stina | October 14, 2008 at 11:18 PM
Hmmm... I'm pretty sure there's an unfinished *tooth* rug hooking kit at my dad's, somewhere... (Why a tooth? I have no idea... but the white was boring as all get-out. I do remember a rainbow involved too...)
Posted by: Andrea (noricum) | October 15, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I meant to say "latch hooking". Rug hooking, on the other hand, is something I bought a kit for recently, and want to give a try. :)
Posted by: Andrea (noricum) | October 15, 2008 at 10:03 AM
I would love to know where to get the punchneedlechick pattern--I really want to give this one a try.
Posted by: [email protected] | December 29, 2009 at 07:40 PM