How to Finish a Punch Needle

Embroidery floss is used in punch needle patterns.

Punch needle is an old embroidery technique using a special needle that is pushed through cloth to create loops of embroidery floss. The texture of punched needle work resembles a hooked rug but is smaller in size. Patterns of punch needle reflect folk art patterns including animals, folk art flower motifs and scenes of homes or animals of primitive and country decorating styles. Many artisans finish punch needle as a framed piece to provide dimension and originality.

Things You'll Need

• Punch needle design
• Iron
• Scissors
• Stainless steel dressmaker pins
• Mat (cut to fit frame)
• Foam Core (cut to fit frame)
• Picture frame
• Point inserting tool
• Metal frame points
• Brown craft paper
• Craft glue

Instructions

1. Press any creases on the background fabric caused by the hoop used while the design was being stitched. If the design doesn't lie flat, turn the cloth backside up and lay a damp cloth over the cloth. Use a hot iron to steam the cloth. Do not press the iron down on the design.

2. Measure and cut the background cloth to fit over the foam core, with a 1 inch border to fold over the edge. Center the design over the foam core and fold the cloth over the top edge of the foam core. Press pins through the cloth and into the edge of the foam core.

3. Continue pressing pins 1 inch apart across the top edge. Repeat this across the bottom edge of the cloth. Check to make sure the design is lying flat and is still centered before proceeding.

4. Fold the sides of the cloth over the foam core and fold the cloth down at the first corner. Place a pin at an angle over the fold to hold it place. Repeat with the remaining three corners.

5. Push pins 1 inch apart along the sides of the design to finished securing the design to the foam core. Place the mat over the design and put both into the frame.

6. Push metal points into the back of the frame walls laying flat over the foam core. Place two to three across each of the four sides of the foam core.

7. Measure and cut a piece of brown craft paper the same size as the frame. Apply a small amount of glue around the back side of the frame and glue the paper in place.

Tips & Warnings

• The punch needle can also be finished without using a mat.

References

• Needlework Tips & Techniques: Framing cross sticth
• Folk and Fiber: Learning Miniature Needle Point Embroidery