Punch needle - how to create original embroideries in relief

Punch Needle is the newest trendy technique for embroidering very original and fun shapes. It's a way to weave beautiful relief designs into fabric with applications as varied as you can imagine.

It's very easy, suitable for any level, even if you know absolutely nothing about embroidery, in no time you'll be able to start making punch needle and weaving on fabric motifs as beautiful and effective as this one:

With the punch needle technique, you can create beautiful projects in no time at all to design cushions, bags, paintings, and countless other projects.

How is punch needle embroidery done?

The punch needle technique is very simple: it consists of piercing the embroidery fabric with a punch needle as if it were an awl. It's as easy as that! And you can't imagine the striking results achieved with this simple, quick, and fun technique.

On the reverse side of the fabric, the set of raised thread loops will remain, giving the project that 3D and fluffy effect.

You can also create beautiful images by combining right and wrong sides, that is, smooth parts of the drawing and 3D parts. Play with these combinations to create spectacular images. For example, a landscape with 3D clouds against a flat sky.

The size of the raised loops depends on the length of the needle, so you can also play with different possibilities in loop sizes.

What is the punch needle used for?

The most striking thing about the punch needle technique is that you can create designs with a very raised, spongy feel; the effect is super striking, colorful, and original. You can create modern, abstract, or non-abstract designs, and you'll get endless ideas.

The result can be applied to any type of project, from decorative objects to fashion accessories like a handbag or a coat.

What threads can be used for punch needle embroidery?

We can make our punch needle projects with any type of yarn, from our Mouliné Thread to a ball of wool. The difference will be in the thickness of the yarn and the resulting design. Depending on what we want to embroider, one type of yarn will look better than another. The most spongy, raised effects are achieved with balls of thick yarn, for knitting needles approximately size 4 to 6.

What can you draw with a punch needle?

With a punch needle, you can create a variety of images. You can combine abstract shapes and colors or draw motifs and images, create landscapes, geometric shapes, figures, animals, flowers, words... anything you can think of.

What do I need to embroider with the punch needle technique?

To knit with a punch needle, you will need:

1. Punch needle

Punch needles are hollow, pointed needles that are used to pierce the fabric for embroidery. The strand of thread we use passes through the inside of the needle.

2. Embroidery fabric and frame

The punch needle technique is applied to fabrics for embroidery or cross-stitch, with perforations so the punch needle can be easily inserted through the fabric. To work the fabric correctly, and since it must be taut, you'll need a frame to place and hold the fabric.

3. The embroidery thread

Depending on the project you're working on, choose the appropriate thread or ball for your project. It could be embroidery thread or a ball for knitting.

Video tutorial for punch needle embroidery

Below is a detailed tutorial that shows you how to make a punch needle project. You'll be amazed at how easy it is and how quickly you can achieve results as cool as the photos we've shown you.