{"id":935,"date":"2015-08-12T09:40:00","date_gmt":"2015-08-12T14:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/twillpower.com\/?p=935"},"modified":"2015-08-12T09:40:00","modified_gmt":"2015-08-12T14:40:00","slug":"needlepunch-embroidery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/horsenettle.com\/?p=935","title":{"rendered":"Needlepunch Embroidery"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s not weaving… what can I say? It’s summer, and I’ve been in a weaving lull, and I needed a change.<\/p>\n

\"Punch<\/a><\/p>\n

(front of an unfinished project, the loopy side.)<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ve become\u00a0smitten with a form of embroidery called needlepunch. It’s like a miniature hooked rug. Maybe this is a trend? Or was? I may have missed it, but I know it’s been around for quite awhile and there are numerous tutorials on Youtube, so that probably means it’s a trend. It’s new to me, however, so I’m finding it one of those things that gets my imagination going. <\/span><\/p>\n

The process is simple and almost feels like coloring–with a razor-sharp needle. M<\/span>ine’s the <\/span>Ultrapunch<\/a>. It’s threaded with\u00a0embroidery floss or crochet thread, and then you punch through the wrong side of piece of fabric held in a hoop or frame, leaving\u00a0a flat stitch on the back and a loop on the front. These loops can be pulled out easily from the back, but they’re very secure from the front.<\/span><\/p>\n

The size of the needle and depth of the loop can be changed on my needle, so I can do a very minimal loop or a pretty substantial one. The taller loops cover more fabric surface, so the shorter loops, like in the honeycomb in my bee design, are allowing more background fabric to peek through. I don’t mind because I like the look, but I can imagine with some designs it would be annoying. <\/span><\/p>\n

Eventually, after enough loops and stitches are clustered near each other, a section is built up and your design appears. Each time you want a color change, you re-thread your needle. The final feel is a\u00a0cross between terrycloth and a rya rug.\u00a0Most pieces run on the small side, less than 12″ square. My little bee design measures just 5″ across. This is a decorative craft, although I suppose you could find ways to make patches or bags out of the finished pieces to turn them into useful items.<\/p>\n

\"Punch<\/a><\/p>\n

(back of project, with all my scribbles)<\/em><\/p>\n

Tension of your working fabric is important, and it’s something I’ve been struggling with\u00a0using the bamboo-type of embroidery hoops that I own. I have to stop and tighten the fabric every few minutes, so I purchased a few new hoops, and I hope they grip better. Some “punchers” buy frames that hold the fabric in place with sharp metal tines. They’re rather pricey, but I bet it would do the trick. I also purchased what’s called weavers cloth for the fabric, which is a tightly woven, 50% cotton, 50% polyester blend. I’m using a linen needlepoint fabric\u00a0right now, and it stretches out very easily.<\/p>\n

My first little design is coming along. A wanted to embroider\u00a0a bee, and the hive idea came second. If I would have thought it through, I may not be struggling right now with how the background is overwhelming my poor little bee. I plan on re-outlining the wings.<\/p>\n

\"Punch<\/a><\/p>\n

(my initial plan for wings was far more detailed than I could render)<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ve learned a lot about needlepunch, including…<\/p>\n