Punch Needle: Getting Started
Start Here: 3.5 minutes to get an overview of this simple craft
Most people get the hang of it within 10 minutes.
Work from the front of the canvas
All Both Hands designs are punched from the printed side, creating flat stitches on the front and loops on the back.
Tips for Stitches that Stick
Punch all the way
The wooden handle of the needle should touch the fabric each time you punch through the canvas. The loops form on the back side of the canvas.
Graze the surface
After you've punched all the way through the canvas, pull the needle back up and graze the fabric as you move forward to make the next punch through. Don't lift up high off of the canvas—loops are forming on the other side, but the stitches on this side of the canvas should be flat.
Keep plenty of slack
Make sure you have at least 12-18 inches of loose yarn, and make sure nothing is keeping the yarn from feeding through the needle.
Getting a Smooth, Even Finish
Think of it like coloring in a coloring book: fill each area completely so you don't see canvas between your stitches. If you see you've placed a stitch too far from the row above it, you can pull it out and place it again.
Offset each row rather than stacking stitches directly on top of one another. You can do this by positioning each stitch directly below the center of the stitch above it. This fills small gaps and creates a more even surface.
Aim for longer, flatter stitches rather than lots of short, bumpy ones. They'll create a smoother finish—and use your yarn more efficiently.
A Few More Tips
Start with inner shapes. It makes it easier to keep the edges between colors crisp and defined.
Don't worry if the first few rows feel loose. As you fill in the surrounding area, the stitches lock together.
Make it your own. The product photos can be a color-placement guide, but you can absolutely experiment with placement and stitch direction.
