The History of Punch Needle, Punch Needle from a Historical Perspective



Posted: Sunday, August 08, 2010

by Tracey Kramer

One of many interesting things about the history of punch needle is its origin. The beginnings of this form of rug hooking date back to the 15th century when it was first referred to as "punch stitch." Back then, it was mainly used for the embellishment of religious clothing. Sailors while on long voyages used to wile the time away punching these miniature rugs, and it became a hobby for seafaring men. Appeal for this form of rug hooking began to dwindle in the late 1800's, but recently there has been a resurgence and a keen spark of interest in this fascinating pastime.

It began as a yarn craft, and remains a yarn craft for most punchers, though some yarns look more like embroidery floss in a finished design. Fine gauge acrylic, lusters and polyester yarns are used extensively for Punch Needle Stitchery and look very delicate when finished. These yarns are also easier to use without constant re-threading.

Punch needle embroidery is often referred to as thread painting, since it can be used to depict scenes, not unlike an oil painting. This technique and its variants are known as Punch, Punch Embroidery, Punch Needle Embroidery, Russian Embroidery and Bunka. Although these terms are not the same, they do use the same tool, a punch needle. The basic concept is simple; you punch the yarn through a fabric with a hollow pencil shaped needle, and it leaves tufted loops of yarn over top of the fabric. Punch Needle is more closely related to hook rug than embroidery, but the application and end product are better described as embroideries than rugs.

Punch needle is a rapidly growing revival. It's quick, easy, and seems to be the latest needle craze! You can start a punch needle project in the afternoon and be finished with it by evening. Take the next step by becoming a part of history making a contribution to the history of punch needle. To find out more about the history of punch needle and search for punch needle patterns, go to http://www.punchneedlepatterns.net
Tracey M. Kramer is a graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Office Administration.  She is a mother of two, an expert author and article writer who enjoys writing about crafts, personal growth and health issues. 
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