DIY: Punch Needle Art — the little onion

Where has this thing been all my life? It is quick and easy (MUCH faster than embroidery and cross stitch) and has a fun texture to it that other needle art doesn’t. If you don’t see me for 4 months don’t worry, I’ll just be over here punch needling everything I own.

I’ve started out with small, simple designs using embroidery thread, but you can get big needles that will punch yarn for bigger projects like pillowcases, bags, and even clothing.

There is really no skill required to take up punch… needling? Though I will say that you’ll need to take some time to get used to the needle and the feel of punching it through the fabric without the string pulling back out with the needle. We’re talking an hour, tops- and the great news is that this is so easy to rip out and start over on, or even touch up after the fact. And like most of my hobbies, this makes a great travel craft because it is small, easy to pack, and keeps you busy while you’re trapped in a confined space. (NOTE: I’ve never tried to get one of these needles through airport security, and you could legitimately get a good IV going with one of these puppies, so… it may be more of a road trip craft.)

Anyway, here is the punch needle I bought with my 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby (originally $15). It came with 3 different sizes of needles and 2 wire threaders. As far as I can tell, it will never wear out so that’s not bad for what amounts to a lifetime investment.

You’ll need:

Punch needle and threader
Fabric (I’ve found linen to be the best to work with and bought this needlepoint linen from Michael’s with a coupon. They also sell this similar item at Hobby Lobby in a few different sizes).
Embroidery thread in colors of your choice
Embroidery hoop in any size (any craft store- very cheap)
Pencil/scissors

How to set up:

*Since making this video, I have learned that you do not, in fact, have to completely disassemble the punch needle to thread it. So ignore that part. You can simply insert the bent end of the threading wire through the needle and up the body of the device until it pops out the top. Thread embroidery floss through the wire and pull wire back through punch needle from the bottom. Then thread through hole in needle.

How to use punch needle:

How to finish:

Wouldn’t these make the best quick little gifts for birthdays? House warmings? Babies? Weddings? Christmas? Easter? Valentines day? Bar mitzvahs? Bat mitzvahs? Etc.

Here are the 3 punch projects I’ve made so far. Many… many… more coming!