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Home » Roundups » Punch Needle Patterns for Beginners
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May 11, 2020 by: Gina Peak

Punch Needle Patterns for Beginners

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Punch Needle Patterns for Beginners

Punch embroidery is the perfect way to take your mind elsewhere while creating something fun. Not only is it easy to learn, you don’t need many supplies to get started! I’ve gathered some fun patterns and put together all my best tips for you to get started creating your own punch embroidery piece today!

pictured multiple punch needle patterns on embroidery hoops

Punch Needle Patterns for Beginners

I’ve found punch needle patterns from super easy, to a more detailed, from modern to funky… There is the perfect punch embroidery pattern here for everyone!

Short Cuts hide
1 Is punch needle easy?
2 What is the best punch needle?
3 What fabric do you use for punch needle?
4 How do you punch needle for beginners?
5 Punch Needling Tips and Tricks
6 Floral Punch Embroidery Patterns
7 Modern Punch Embroidery
8 Scenic Punch Embroidery
9 Indoor Plant Punch Embroidery
10 Pin Punch Needle Patterns for Beginners
11 Related

Is punch needle easy?

There is a bit of a learning curve for punch needle patterns, like I almost gave up when I first started because of how frustrating I found punch needling. But once you are over the hump and know all the tricks punch needling is a super easy craft.

It is fairly mindless which makes it a great veg on the couch craft. There is no counting (WINNING!) and it is portable with very few supplies. So unlike sewing you can easily throw this in a bag and take it on the bus or train or plane (if we ever get to do that again!)

Keep reading for my tips for beginners and you will be a master in no time!

What is the best punch needle?

There are two types of punch needles that are common for this activity. The rug punch needle and the embroidery punch needle.

Rug Punch Needle

The rug punch needle is the larger of the punch needles. It is used with yarn. You can use a special rug yarn for a thick and full finished product. The benefit of this type of punch needle is that it is large and you can fill in a larger area more quickly. However I have yet to see one that allows you to set the size of your loop, the loop is a predetermined length based on the size of the punch needle.

Embroidery Punch Needle

The embroidery punch needle is smaller and meant to be used with embroidery floss or extremely thin yarn. The benefits of this punch needle are that you can set the loop length. This means you can make extra long loops or shorter loops depending on how you want your finished product to look.

What fabric do you use for punch needle?

You cannot use a standard quilting cotton for punch needling. You need a fabric with a more open weave. The fabric that you use must be able to maintain tension when being punched with the needle repeatedly. The open weave allows the needle to go through easier which puts less tension on the fabric and allows the tension to stay tight.

The three fabrics that I recommend are, weavers fabric, burlap, and monkscloth which can be found in pure white or natural.

How do you punch needle for beginners?

  • Use the threader to thread the floss or yarn through the body of the punch needle. Then use the threader again to thread the floss through the eye of the needle. Be sure that the floss comes out through the back of the needle.
  • Punch the needle through the fabric and then pull the excess floss through to what will be the front, you can trim it later.
  • Pull the needle back up and keep it as close to your fabric as possible. Then slide the tip of the needle over one or two threads of fabric and punch again. Do not pull the needle away from the fabric, this will pull the loops out or cause a big bunch of excess floss to emerge.
  • Continue filling in your image with your punch needle and floss.
  • When you are finished use your scissors to trim the excess thread. You can also use your needle to push the loops to the correct position, they have a tendency to move around so simply push them back to the right place.

Punch Needling Tips and Tricks

Punch needling is not very difficult but there are a few things that will cause you to be unsuccessful.

  • Be sure that you are using the right type of fabric. You want the fabric to have an open weave (like the fabrics I listed above.) This allows the fabric to stay super tight on the hoop. Another tip for keeping the fabric super tight on your hoop is to cut one strip of the fabric and wrap it around the inside circle of your embroidery hoop before you place your fabric into the hoop. This will add more friction to keep the hoop and fabric tight.
  • Make sure that the yarn or floss is not too tight in the eye of the punch needle. You want the floss to flow freely, if it is too tight the loop will not stay and it will simply pull out as you move on to the next punch.
  • You should also be sure to have a good amount of slack and extra floss available, again to keep the floss moving freely you might want to stop frequently to pull yarn or floss from the skein.
  • Remember that you are punch needling on the back of your project. So I recommend turning the piece frequently to check that the front looks how you expect.
  • Start by filling in the detailed images and outlines, then go back and fill in the bulk of the image.
  • Trim any loops that are too long, gently brush the pile of your project with your hands to help the loops lie nicely with each other and give the image a really nice look.

Floral Punch Embroidery Patterns

These funky florals will add a little color and a lot of fun to your life!

Pretty Petals

I’m loving how this one is pretty in pink with a side of modern.

pink background with white floral modern punch embroidery pattern

Funky Floral

These groovy flowers totally have me throwing up a peace sign right now. Loving them!


retro flowers in pink orange and red punch embroidery

Floral Square

I can just see these flowers adding a little fun to the perfect retro couch!

green square punch embroidery with white flowers

Floral Crowns

Flowers are great, but flower crowns are even more amazing! Aren’t these cute?!

 

Orange and Pink Floral

If you dig the retro vibe, your probably in love right now!

teal orange and pink flowers on blue punch embroidery

Modern Punch Embroidery

If you’re looking for something simple these patterns are going to call your name!

Modern Lines

While I love these colors, I can just image all the possibilities this pattern has!

navy, pink, and teal lines punch embroideryClean Lines

Sleek lines in this modern pattern make it simple yet the perfect statement piece.

moderns lines punch embroidery patternSimple Colors

The wavy lines and different textures in this pattern totally speak to my heart.

pink, blue, and brown wavy color block punch embroidery

 

Geometric Heart

Spread a little love with this geometric heart.


geometric heart punch embroidery

Scenic Punch Embroidery

Whether it’s the beach or the mountains that call your name, these patterns will remind you of your favorite place to be in the great outdoors even when you can’t be there.

Waterfall in the Mountains

I can’t get enough of these gorgeous mountains and the waterfall! I want to head out into nature right now.


mountains, clouds, waterfall and a sun punch embroidery

Runaway Bay

And now I’m ready to take a trip anywhere I can dip my toes in the sand!

sandy beach with waves and bushes punch embroidery

Mountains

This sweet little mountain range is calling my name!

mountain range in shades of blue punch embroidery

Waves

A little funk mixed with some wild waves make this one a total statement.

geometric shapes and blue crashing waves

Seaside

The bright sun shining down on these waves is everything!

bright yellow sun with teal background and mountains

Indoor Plant Punch Embroidery

Where are my plant lovers at?? These are perfect whether you’re not so great at keeping plants alive or you’re just super obsessed with all things green.

Succulent Bouquet

I don’t know if there’s much more that can make me smile like a bunch of sweet succulents!

mauve background with succulents

Monstera

This is a beauty of a plant, isn’t it?!

monstera house plant in pot punch embroidery

Punch embroidery is the perfect hobby to feed your creative side. In fact, it’s been said to be like painting with thread! Sounds pretty amazing, right?! So tell us, which punch needle patterns are you snagging first?

Pin Punch Needle Patterns for Beginners

pictured multiple punch needle pieces in hoops

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Hi I am Alicia thanks for taking some time out of your day to be with me! I am crazy about sewing and blogging! I love creating tutorials and patterns and sharing ideas with people! Read more...

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