Think Crafts Blog - Craft Ideas and Projects - CreateForLess

Materials

Needle Punch Tool and threader

Floss, cloth and pattern or Kit

Tight fitting hoop

How To

1. If using a purchase kit, you pattern has already been transferred to the cloth.  If not using a kit or pre-printed pattern, you’ll have to transfer a pattern to your cloth.  Unlike other types of needlearts, the needle punch pattern is at the back (or printed on the back) of the cloth.  So you are working the back of the finished piece, not the front of it.  The loops you’ll be creating for the design with your needle punch tool will be the front of the design.
2. Thread your needle punch.
   • The instructions of the design will let you know if you are using a single thread of the floss or you might be using 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 threads.  Floss is usually 6 strands of individual threads twisted together.  You may need to separate the threads.
   • Needle punches vary.  Some come with different needle heads (small for a single thread, medium for 2-3 threads, large for 4+ threads or even yarn) while others are just a standard needle head that can’t be changed, adjusted, or removed.  Some needle punches allow you to change the length of the punch (thus letting you have short or longer loops of thread to the front of the pattern).  All these options are just personal choices for you to make as you learn the craft.  A standard needle punch may be best for the beginner as well as purchasing a simple kit.
   • Follow the threading instructions that come with your needle punch tool.  First you’ll thread the needle (you must use a threader that usually comes with the needle punch), and then you’ll thread the eye of the needle.
3. Place cloth or fabric in hoop.  Make sure the fabric is wrinkle and crease free and is tightly stretched in the hoop.
4. Begin to punch.  Leave a 1-2″ tail of floss as you begin.  Place needle tip to cloth or fabric and press down gently, bring needle back up to fabric, move just a bit and punch back down again.  Repeat Steps 2-3 until that color or area is done.  Remember to leave a 1-2″ tail as you end a thread too.
5. Finish.  Once done you will prep the design for finishing.  Instructions are generally given in a kit.