Resource guide – Getting started with a Punch Needle

June 19, 2020

I recently learned how to punch needle! It is a simple creative project, perfect for ages from 6-99+ and its great for a summer craft. In this post I have compiled all my favourite resources for learning how to punch needle. I also share all the sources where we purchased everything you need to get started!

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Learning how to Punch Needle

I recently learned how to punch needle … well actually I learned about a year ago but I wasn’t able to carry on with my new found craft because I didn’t have the right materials!

Punch needling is one of those creative projects that is so simple and great for all ages however it can be really frustrating if you don’t have the right materials and products!

Lets start with my favourite resources for learning how to punch needle. You really need look no further than any of the Amy Oxford videos on YouTube. Amy Oxford invented the Oxford Punch needle which as I have learned is really the only punch needle worth purchasing! She knows everything there is to know about punch needles and rug making in general!

Another person to check out is Rose Pearlman. She has a couple YouTube videos but I really enjoyed her Instagram highlighted stories! She also wrote the book Modern Rug hooking where I got the pattern for this sheep dog pillow! I love love love her book and highly recommend it!

You can also just type in punch needle on YouTube and find lots of videos and resources for learning how to punch needle!

Supplies for punch needling

Here is a list of all the supplies we purchased for punch needling. My biggest recommendation is buying a no slip embroidery hoop and/or a gripper frame. If you are from the US Amy Oxford sells gripper frames, and I saw a couple on Etsy as well.

If you are from Canada it is a lot harder to come by an affordable gripper frame. However you can make one! Which is what we did. My husband made me a 14×14 wooden frame with beveled edges and then we used a staple gun to attach gripper strips cut in 10″ sections.

A gripper frame is perfect for keeping your fabric nice and tight which is ideal when it comes to actually using your punch needle. I tried using regular embroidery hoops and it wouldn’t work at all so a no slip embroidery hoop or a gripper frame is ideal! I prefer the gripper frame because you can make it a square and its super easy to use!

Gripper frames
gripper strips to make your own, Canadian source would be Legacystudio.ca. This is where we purchased ours. However their website is down. I would call and see if you can order from them as their price and shipping are great!
no slip embroidery hoop 9″
Oxford Punch needle US, Oxford Punch needle Canada
Rug yarn here & here ( heritage yarn is not rug yarn but it was I used and worked well)
Monks cloth US, Monks cloth Canada
Linen US, Linen Canada
Fabric for back of projects such as purses or pillows

The fabric you use for punch needling is either Monks cloth or Linen. You can also get a variety of Oxford punch needle sizes. I have the regular 10″ and that works with bulky yarn or rug yarn. I also purchased a f
Fine Oxford needle #13 but haven’t tried it out yet, it is used for worsted weight yarn and thinner fabrics and yarn.