New Punchneedle Embroidery: Basics & Finishing Techniques Plus 20 Original Designs

by Charlotte Dudney

Punchneedle embroidery is a creative needle art in which thread is literally punched through cloth with a special needle. The design is transferred onto the back of the fabric, which is stretched tightly in a hoop. Using a threaded punch needle, a small running stitched is work on the back of the fabric to outline or fill in the design. This stitch forms a loop on the front of the fabric. Different lengths of loops are created with different sizes of needles. The basic technique can be learned very quickly. The tools and techniques are similar to those used to make rugs with bulky wool yarn only they've been miniaturized. The craft has been described as "embroidery on steroids." Traditionally it is used to create folk art designs, but needle arts designers are starting to create more contemporary designs, and the crafters are jumping on board. This book is a fresh take on punchneedle embroidery, a very vast, very flexible technique to apply color and texture to cloth. Punchneedle designs can be turned into patches to embellish everything from jeans to bags. They can become cards, pins, or journal covers. They can be fused or sewn into all kinds of craft projects.

96 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2007

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decided to check out this book when I found a punchneedle kit at home, and had no clue how to work it. This book was a really helpful guide, and I enjoyed the colourful design ideas. Punchneedle isn't my favourite embroidery form, but I do like the fluffy, carpet-y look of it, and I would definitely like to try embroidering a little lap-dog or something with this technique (there was a very cute design of one in this book).

Note to self: To check out again from library when I'm ready to try punchneedle embroidery.