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Punch needle meets rug making in this inspiring book, showing
you from scratch how to master this versatile craft and produce
a houseful of not only rugs but mats, wall hangings, coasters,
bags and even jewelry.
I was introduced to this absorbing and undervalued
craft at a show and have only used it with ordinary sewing
thread to create details for garments, so I was intrigued.
Making rugs for me means hooking, but once you are familiar
with the tools it is easy to see how the punching into a canvas
type base is perfect for making rugs.
This book takes you from total beginner to
proficient and confident crafter a step at a time, informing
you what you need to buy and how to use it. There are many
different types of punch needle on the market (mine are a
different type, used for fine embroidery) and a world of different
yarns and threads to navigate. I like the way the author explains
why you need an item, or what effect you will get if you use
a certain yarn, so you know what to buy to get the right results.
The beginner section goes on to describe with the aid of photographic
steps how to thread and use the needle, troubleshooting tips
and rug finishing techniques. The projects are grouped into
three sections for beginner, easy and intermediate. They all
have a list of tools and materials, finished size in imperial
and metric and text only instructions. There are large photographs
of the items usually in situ, but if you want staged photographs
you need to look back at the relevant section.
I
would say that this book helps if this is not your very first
foray into the world of crafts, as although none of the making
up parts is difficult, some other basic sewing knowledge is
required. At the back, all the patterns are provided, although
some need to be enlarged. A few contact details are given
for suppliers, but all these are in the US. This is a very
user friendly book, recommended for anybody who wants to learn
the chunkier side of punch needle craft.
If
you cannot find a good range of punch needle materials locally
try www.searchpress.com
for a list of suppliers.
Oxford
punch needles, kits, yarn and more at www.wholepunching.co.uk/
Range of items available at www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk/collections/punch-needle
Some punch needle supplies at www.littleforgetmenots.com
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