What Is Russian Punch Embroidery?
Russian punch embroidery requires punching a hollow threaded needle through a woven fabric and leaving a loop. The loops can be close to the fabric or high, creating a three-dimensional design. This type of embroidery is very durable and resembles a carpet pile. It can show very complex scenes, much like a painting. This technique is also referred to as punch, punch embroidery, punch needle embroidery and bunka.
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History
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Punch needle embroidery has a long history. Ancient Egyptians were among the first to use it. They used bird wing bones as needles to create unique designs. In the Middle Ages people Europeans applied it to decorate clothing and other fabrics. In Russia, a religious sect the Old Believers practiced this art form and passed it through generations until it reached our time.
The Technique
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This type of embroidery requires a hollow, pencil-shaped needle. When creating the embroidery, do the work in the back of the fabric. You can use the needles of different sizes to design with various threads, yarns and ribbons. Make loops of various sizes and trim them to give the design a three-dimensional look. You can also apply a drawing of a desired design to the fabric before starting on the embroidery.
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Application
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Traditionally, people have used Russian punch embroidery to embellish clothing or any other type of material. You can decorate items such as cushion covers, towels, table cloths, place mats, table runners, pillow cases, bedspreads, floor mats, baby blankets and anything your imagination can come up with.
Materials Used
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You will need a few things to do your own Russian punch embroidery, such as various needles with sizes ranging from 8 mm to 12 mm, a needle threader, hoops to provide you with ease of working, thread of various colors and sizes, fabric, design books with patterns and a fur embroidery brush to make the design fluffy and soft.
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References
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