If you are going to start with your punch needle project, you can’t forget about your base or foundation. The best fabric for punch needle will depend on the type of project you are going to do. Like, do you plan on making a design that you will then stitch onto your bag or your clothes? Maybe you want a sturdy rug?
No matter what kind of project you are looking to do with your punch needle, make sure to pick out the right fabric for your foundation. We’ve listed some of the best options for common punch needle projects.
Best Fabric for Punch Needle: Monk’s Cloth
When it comes to various punch needle projects, the weapon of choice for crafters is Monk’s Cloth. What is Monks Cloth exactly? Think of it as cross stitch fabric for punch needle. Monk’s Cloth is made from 100% cotton, so you don’t have to worry about your hands getting chafed up easily. It also has holes on it, so it would be very easy for you to stick to your design. There shouldn’t be any awkward gaps or bunching up of yarns or strips of cloth.
Wool Queen offers high-quality materials for the punch needling craft. You can expect high-quality Monk’s Cloth from this brand. This fabric is 230g/m² and is undyed for your convenience. You can use Monk’s Cloth for different applications once you have finished your punch needle art on it, such as stitching it onto other textiles, canvas bags, and more.
Best Fabric for Punch Needle Rug: Burlap
The best fabric for a punch needle rug would have to be a burlap. Just like a Monk’s Cloth, burlap also has consistent holes in it for easy sewing and punch needling. But, since burlap is made out of 100% jute, it is stronger and more durable. Definitely, a good option if you want to make functional rugs for your space.
Do note that burlap is quite rougher than cotton, so you need to be careful with your hands. It is easy to sew on and cut but in the long run, it may end up chafing your skin. Burlap is very versatile and has a wide range of applications outside of punch needling.
Best Fabric for Punch Needle Embroidery: Linen
Now, if you want to work with a foundation that isn’t too soft like Monk’s Cloth yet not too tough like burlap, you’ll find linen in the middle. Linen is one of the best fabric options for embroidery, and this includes the punch needle. Again, it’s quite a bit stiff that it’s easier to work in your design with or without a frame.
Opt for the Caydo Linen set which already includes 3 fabric pieces. You’ll be getting 62 x 19-inch linen fabric in neutral colors, which is ideal for different punch needle projects. Linen is also versatile and can be used for other types of arts and crafts.
Best Fabric Strips for Punch Needle
Not a fan of yarn for punch needle projects? That’s quite alright as you can actually use fabric strips instead of yarn! Just make sure that you are using a bigger punch needle so it can accommodate the strips of fabric that you will put in it. Here are 3 fabric options that you can use
1. Cotton Solids
Put some color into your project with colorful fabric for punch needle. You can purchase the Robert Kaufman Cotton Solids, which come with 2 and a half-inch cotton fabrics (41 pieces). This can work perfectly for your rug or carpet design. What’s more, cotton is quite absorbent, so this rug can be placed in the bath if you wish.
2. Printed Fabric
If you want your punch needle project to be a little more fun, why not check out printed fabrics? Needles Quilt offers pre-cut fabrics that come with different prints or designs. It can definitely give a fresh flair to your punch needle art. You’ll be getting 40 pieces of pre-cut fabrics approximately 2.5 inches wide and 44 inches long.
3. Wool Strips
Finally, aside from cotton, you can also settle for wool strips. This type of strip is generally thinner and can work better with smaller punch needles. Eco-Friendly Crafts is a friend to the environment as it offers upcycled strips from thrift shops. Don’t worry about your project getting delayed though as these strips are already preshrunk and prewashed. Once you get your order, you can start crafting. Each fabric strip is 100% wool and approximately 14 inches in length.
If you have extra fabrics…
Now, maybe you already have other hobbies and crafts that allowed you to gather a lot of fabrics. Don’t worry, you don’t really have to measure and cut one by one with scissors. There are handy tools to help you create strips for your punch needle project. This also works if the strips you purchase are a bit too big for your needles.
Strip-It Fabric Stripper
You finally found the best fabric for your punch needle project but sadly it doesn’t fit, not to worry. You can always get some help with the Strip-It Fabric Stripper. This tool is quite fast as it can create 4 strips at a time from one piece of fabric. What’s more, you can choose from 5 different widths to suit your punch needling needs.
You simply attach the Strip-It Fabric Stripper onto your table—thankfully, it comes with a clamp! Then, you can start stripping your favorite fabrics to give them new life in a punch needle masterpiece.
Simplicity Cutting Machine
Maybe you want to get a bit zany with your fabric strips, you can do this with the Simplicity Cutting Machine. It’s unlike your traditional rotary cutters as its blades last longer. You’ll also be getting more than just one blade for straight-cutting fabrics. The Simplicity Cutting Machine package also has pinking blades.
Your hands don’t have to do all the work with this machine as a foot pedal is also included. It’s kind of like a sewing machine but instead of piecing fabrics together, you’re turning them into strips. You’ll be able to cut them in varying widths between 0.5 to 2.5 inches.
Getting the Best Fabric for Punch Needle
When it comes to punch needle projects, having the right fabric is key. Different fabrics will produce different results, so it’s important to choose the best one for your project.
But aside from this, you need to be comfortable with the materials that you are working with. Do be careful when it comes to allergies, some people have negative skin reactions to jute, hemp, cotton, or wool.
The best way to get the best fabric for punch needle is to try out different things. When you do this, you’ll learn which fabrics are best for which projects for punch needling.
Are you looking for more calming arts and crafts? Why not try adult coloring books? Be sure to grab the best markers for this popular hobby for an even more enjoyable experience and excellent output!