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!
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!
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.
Funky Floral
These groovy flowers totally have me throwing up a peace sign right now. Loving them!
Floral Square
I can just see these flowers adding a little fun to the perfect retro couch!
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!
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!
Clean Lines
Clean LinesSleek lines in this modern pattern make it simple yet the perfect statement piece.
Simple Colors
Simple ColorsThe wavy lines and different textures in this pattern totally speak to my heart.
Geometric Heart
Spread a little love with this geometric heart.
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.
Runaway Bay
And now I’m ready to take a trip anywhere I can dip my toes in the sand!
Mountains
This sweet little mountain range is calling my name!
Waves
A little funk mixed with some wild waves make this one a total statement.
Seaside
The bright sun shining down on these waves is everything!
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!
Monstera
This is a beauty of a plant, isn’t it?!
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?
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