#rugpunching

A few closeups, overall i am happy with the outcome i think the simplicity of the design also works well in this format. 

Strangely i think there is something beautiful about the reverse side of these pieces, as stated before reverse stitching gives a contrast look and can also be used accompanying your design side if desired !

I had been drawing a few ideas for this project based of my own painting, , eventually i want to work on full size rug but i thought i had ought to practice first using a hoop. Simply draw your design out directly onto the stretched fabric using a sharpie,i find it works well even if you have to go over a few bits as you cover it all with the wool anyways.

My first DIY rug attempt using the rug punch method, I am incredibly pleased with how it turned out and if i was to use this on the floor i would trim the ends and glue rug backing onto the reverse side, however i’ll probably keep this one framed in a loop and make a full sized one for the floor next !

Now we are all set up and ready to punch, the thing to remember when punching is work on the reverse side as seen in the first picture, the loops will fall through on your design side. Always have a loose trail of wool at all times, as you don’t tie in the wool it is important to give the needle a long line at all times to stop any tension pulling your design out before you have finished and secured it. Always lead with the tip of the needle with the wool threaded behind, have a few goes and you’ll see how wonderfully easy it is. Depending on effect you can choose to punch every hole for a compact effect, or punch every few holes for a looser or more decorative effect for details. You may also use the non looped side to add different dimensions into your pieces, the flat looking side can also be good to outline your designs. In the last picture you can see how the different sides can be used to build different dimensions in your pieces. Have lots of fun practicing, another great thing about rug punching is you can just simply pull the yarn back and start again at no extra expense!

Now you have the basics ready (Punch needle, hoop, fabric and wool) you are now ready to thread up and start punching your design. First of all you will need to separate your embroidery hoop, stretch your fabric around it and tighten the other hoop in place, a good tip that i have learnt is your fabric should NEARLY be as tight as a drum, the fabric should bounce back flat if pressed inwards. Now you will need to thread the wool of your punch needle, and ensure the wool goes through the hole in the tip of the needle! Now we are ready to punch our designs.

Although linen is a tad pricer than the others it reflects well in its quality. Like rugwarp it lacks stretch however it holds stitches and does not gape, it’s incredibly hard wearing and qives your product a quality mark the only downside being it’s a lil tougher to work with but nothings drastic , it’s suitable for all rug punching craft.

What’s great about rug punching is how easy and affordable the craft is and not to forget how verities the skill is.