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How to Punch Needle Embroidery

Learn how to punch needle embroidery with all of the wonderful resources found on this page!

There are links to punch needle supplies, punch needle tutorials, and even lessons on Japanese punch needle embroidery, also known as Bunka embroidery.

What is punch needle embroidery?

This form of embroidery is related to rug hooking in that the resulting project has a highly textured design made of loops.Punch Needle Embroidery Sample

Unlike traditional embroidery, punch needle embroidery pushes yarn or thread into the fabric, keeping the needle on the top surface of the fabric, instead of stitching through the fabric.

The technique of punch needle embroidery is an ancient form of embroidery that has stayed quite popular. 

New patterns are being developed at a surprising rate, and it is easy to get started with the beginner kits available at craft and hobby stores. Check out our page for punch needle embroidery supplies and kits.Punch Needle Supplies

How to use a punch needle

The punch needle technique requires a special needle made specifically for this purpose.

The first step is to thread the needle.  Follow the manufacturer's instructions, as not all needles are threaded the same way.

Once the needle is properly threaded, push it down through the fabric.  The stitching begins on the line of the pattern. Punch Needle

Push the punch needle all of the way down, keeping the stitches uniform.

Pull the needle back up through the fabric until the tip of the needle is at the surface of the fabric. This is the first “punch” stitch.

Keeping the needle close to the fabric, move along the fabric on the pattern line and insert the needle for the next stitch.  Begin by pushing the needle through the fabric, then follow the steps above.

For most punch embroidery, a full space is filled in to give the project lots of texture.

Most often, the pattern calls for turning the fabric over when complete, as that is where the loops are.  In this way, the working side of the fabric is actually the back of the project.

What is Bunka embroidery?

Bunka embroidery is known as Bunka shishu in Japanese.  It is a form of Japanese embroidery informally called Bunka. Bunka is a true art form and is done much like punch needle embroidery.

A special Bunka embroidery needle is used along with rayon threads.  This technique is used to create very detailed pictures that look similar to oil paintings.

This Japanese punch needle embroidery often uses the subjects of traditional Japanese scenes, people and animals.  Because Bunka embroidery is so detailed, it is quite fragile and used solely as artwork.

Scroll down this page to find punch needle embroidery books, punch needle tutorials, and other helpful information. Be sure to check out our page of free punch needle embroidery patterns too!

Enjoy this form of embroidery that is easy and yields beautiful results! Our punch needle embroidery Pinterest board is a great resource as well!

Happy needle working! 

How to Punch Needle Embroidery

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Punch Needle Kits at Amazon (Store Site) #ad

A huge selection of punch needle kits are available for purchase at Amazon.com. CHECK THEM OUT! Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

 Beginner's Guide to Punch Needle Projects

Beginner's Guide to Punch Needle Projects #ad

Twenty-six colorful and lively creations you can make to wear, give as gifts, or use to decorate your home with step-by-step instructions and high-quality photography for every project. by Juliette Michelet - Paperback - Published 2020 Affiliate Link to Amazon

 Punch Needle

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Explore this relaxing craft with clear illustrations, photographs, and step-by-step instructions with 15 contemporary one-of-a-kind projects including rugs, plant holders, purses and bags and much, much more. by Rachel Lawson, Siobhan Watt - Paperback - Published 2022 Affiliate Link to Amazon

 Punch Needle Embroidery for Beginners

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Needle punch 12 gorgeous accessories for you and your home with the accompanying charts, written instructions and beautiful photographs of the finished pieces. by Lucy Davidson - Paperback - Published 2020 Affiliate Link to Amazon

 Punch Needle Friends

Punch Needle Friends #ad

Clear step-by-step instructions, patterns and beautiful photography for creating 20 adorable, contemporary animal punch needle motifs. by Faustine Duwicquet, Cathy Duwicquet - Paperback - Published 2021 Affiliate Link to Amazon

5 Ways to Save Money on Punch Needle

5 Ways to Save Money on Punch Needle

Here are five easy things you can do to save money on punch needle projects. Doodle Dog Primitives

An Introduction to Punch Needle

A quick punch needle video on how to punch with needle. You Tube

Basic Punch Needle #1

A video on how to thread a Cameo needle and how to punch with the needle. YouTube

Bunka - Punch Embroidery Starter Video

Introduction to Japanese (Bunka) Punch Embroidery. Klema Punch Embroidery on YouTube

Bunka Embroidery

What tool do you need to do Bunka embroidery? Tokyo Bunka Art

Bunka Embroidery - What is It?

What is Bunka Embroidery? Tokyo Bunka Art

Bunka Embroidery Videos

Here is a collection of videos on Bunka embroidery stitches and techniques. Bunka with Flair on YouTube

Bunka Punch Embroidery (Part 1) Video

A video which tell you about the supplies and technique of Bunka punch embroidery - Part 1. You Tube

Bunka Punch Embroidery (Part 2) Video

Learn Bunka punch needle embroidery with this video. You Tube

Fix Holes in Punch Needle Project

Fix Holes in Punch Needle Project

Sometimes, punch needle projects end up with areas with no punching. Here is a tutorial on how to fix the problem. Doodle Dog Primitives

Free Punch Needle Rug Pattern

Here is a free punch needle pattern. Bright Star Productions

How To Needle Punch

Before you start needle punching, you’ll need to sketch your design on your fabric, thread the needle puncher and punch the design. WikiHow

How to Punch Needle

How to Punch Needle

This article has everything you need to know to start making beautiful punch needle art today! Sarah Maker

How To Punch Needle For Beginners

If you have questions about what materials you need, how it actually works, and how does it stay?! This post goes over all of this so that you can get started with confidence. Crewel Ghoul

How to Transfer Punch Needle Pattern to Back of Fabric

Learn two different ways to transfer a PDF/paper punch needle pattern to your backing fabric! The first way using a light table, and the second using a sunny window. Punch Needle World on YouTube

Needle Punch Stitches

Needle Punch Stitches

How close do punch needle stitches need to be? Here is an article about punch needle stitches. Doodle Dog Primitives

Punch Needle (Video)

This video will show you how to thread your punching needle and how to punch. You Tube

Punch Needle Art

What is punch needle art? Learn here. Craft World

Punch Needle Embroidery Basics

Punch Needle Embroidery Basics

Learn the basics - Why? What? How? Why do punch needle embroidery? What is punch needle embroidery? How to do punch needle embroidery? Chicken Scratch NY

Punch Needle Embroidery for Beginners

Punch Needle Embroidery for Beginners

This beginner's tutorial is on how to do punch needle embroidery. Lovely Indeed

Punch Needle Embroidery Guide

Punch Needle Embroidery Guide

Learn how to get started with punch needle embroidery in this ultimate beginner’s guide by Crystal at Marching North. Marching North

Punch Needle Embroidery How-To

This post has information on the supplies needed to prepare the project to how to do punch needle embroidery. Pop Goes the Needle

Punch Needle Instructions for Beginners

Here find step-by-step guidance on how to punch needle for beginners. Learn how to punch needle with embroidery floss, yarn or wool. Koekoek

Punch Needle Loops

Punch Needle Loops

My loops aren’t staying in the fabric. Why? Check out this article to discover why and how to fix the problem. Doodle Dog Primitives

Punch Needle Step-by-Step Craft Tutorial

Here is a post on how to start learning punch needlecraft. Felt Magnet

Punch Needle Tips

This Punch Needle World video gives you the top 5 tips for creating even punch needle loops. Punch Needle World on YouTube

Punch Needle Tools

There are a few different styles and brands of punch needle tools available online. Learn which are best. Crewel Ghoul

Punch Needle Videos

Learn how to punch needle embroidery from tracing a pattern to stretching the monk cloth to threading the needle and more. String of The Art

Punch Needle World

Punch Needle World is a creative community and educational resource dedicated to the art and craft of Punch Needle Rug Hooking. Punch Needle World

Punch Needle Yarn

Learn how to choose the correct punch needle yarn for the project you want to make. Yarn Plaza

Punch Needling for Beginners

This punch needle for beginners video tutorial is exactly what you need to get started with punch needle right away. Raising Nobles on YouTube

Tips for Punch Needle Embroidery

Tips for Punch Needle Embroidery

keep reading this post by Sarah Maker for her top 10 tips for punch needle embroidery beginners. Sarah Maker

What is Punch Needle Embroidery?

Learn what is punch needle embroidery, what supplies are needed, how to choose a pattern and finally how to punch with this article. The Spruce Crafts





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