There are essentially two main categories: adjustable and non-adjustable punch needles.

This distinction is fairly self-explanatory. However, it's worth noting that the best punch needles in the world – the Oxford Punch Needles – are non-adjustable. And there’s a good reason for that: they're perfectly engineered and built to last.

That said, not everyone wants to start with a premium product, and if you’re just testing the waters, adjustable punch needles are more than enough for your first projects.

Then there's the matter of needle thickness, which is where it gets really fun! You can punch with everything from ultra-fine needles using separated embroidery floss to Oxford Regulars, which handle super chunky yarn with ease.

What really matters: match your needle to your yarn and fabric.

To add texture and fluff to fabric bags or accessories, choose a punch needle that matches the thickness of your chosen yarn and the fabric type.

We have a curated selection of suitable needles.

Hands down, the most ergonomic and smoothest punch needle is the Oxford Punch Needle.

Made in a small workshop in the USA, each one comes with a lifetime guarantee – it’s a premium tool that’s hard to beat.

If you're completely new to punch needling, we highly recommend our beginner sets.

They include absolutely everything you need for the specific project – no guesswork required.

On top of that, our free Craftinglove community has detailed beginner guides and small projects for you to follow.

Whether you already have materials or want to start from scratch, we’ve got you covered!

Punch needle doesn’t create knots – it pushes yarn loops into the fabric.

To make your punched piece (like a pillow or patch) permanent and durable, apply waterproof fabric glue to the back of your work.

There’s no absolute "front" or "back" – you decide based on your design goals.

- working side (where you insert the needle) allows you to create flat textures and shading.
- loop side (the fabric’s back) shows off the loops and can result in fluffy, dimensional textures.

Mixing both sides can create stunning, 3D effects.

We’ve got a beginner guide on punch needle technique available for free in the Craftinglove community, with loads of inspiration and support from fellow makers.

Almost anything!

It just depends on finding the right needle and yarn for the fabric.

With each project, you’ll gain more insight and develop your intuition.

Absolutely! Post your issue in our community and get support from others – including Jenni herself.

You’ll also find free tutorials and beginner-friendly patterns to try.

Monk’s cloth is to punch needle what Aida is to cross-stitch or tufting cloth is to tufting.

It’s woven in a way that allows the yarn to be inserted and locked into place without tearing – incredibly durable and made for punch needle work.

With the right needle, you can punch on almost any fabric.

That said, delicate fabrics require finer needles, while Monk’s cloth is made to withstand thicker yarns and repeated punching.

We’re working on a comprehensive fabric chart – it’s just tricky since there are so many variations!

Golden rule: the needle should go in and out of the fabric easily, without ripping it.

You can share a photo in our free Craftinglove community, and we’ll help you figure it out.

As a safe bet, Monk’s cloth always works. For other fabrics, experience and testing help a lot.

Great question – and a complex one!

The yarn should move freely through the needle – always test first.

If you’re shopping in-store, bring your needle and threader with you to try it out.

We’ve grouped yarns that fit well with each punch needle in our shop so you can match them easily.

Almost!

Avoid sequined or novelty yarns – they tend to get stuck. Also steer clear of very slippery yarns.

Wool and acrylic yarns work well, and fine cotton yarns are great for smaller needles.

The most important thing: match the yarn to the needle, and you’re good to go!

Sadly, no. Many embroidery hoops can’t hold fabric tight enough, which leads to frustration while punching.

We recommend Prym hoops – they're tough and hold the fabric really well.

You can punch in a Prym hoop and then transfer the piece to a decorative hoop for display.

We have a detailed tutorial on this – here

You have two options:

- Buy or build a punch needle frame (we have materials listed here)
- Move the hoop around as you work – though that can be tricky if it overlaps punched areas.

Depending on your fabric, sometimes a hoop is the only option.