Thread to Art: Punch Needle Confusion - Thread vs.Yarn

Punch Needle: Thread vs. Yarn – What's the difference?

Objective: This question-and-answer page was created to clarify the confusion surrounding the term "Punch Needle" and to provide helpful information about the two different forms of fiber art, both commonly referred to as Punch Needle.

 I aim to provide you with guidance and valuable information, accompanied by a list of supply resources for the equipment and materials needed to embark on your journey of creating with the Textile Punch  Needle.

What is Punch Needle? Understanding the difference between the two types of textile tools, commonly referred to as Punch Needles.

PUNCH NEEDLE Q&A- What is a Punch Needle?

1.  What is all the confusion about the use of the term "Punch Needle?"
2.  Learn the difference between "Thread Punch Needle" vs "Yarn Punch  Needle."
3.  What are the differences in the finishes created by each type of Punch Needle?
4.  The equipment and materials needed for each type of punch needle are listed below.
5.  Understanding the importance of pattern design and pattern direction when using these various types of punch needles.
6.  List of Supply Resources.

What is a Punch Needle?

This is a descriptive name for a textile art tool featuring a hollow handle and a long needle with an angled tip and an eye. These tools are designed to "punch" threads or yarn through the backside of a foundation fabric, creating a loop on the front side of the material.

Currently, there are two main types of Textile Punch Needles available, each designed to use different materials and produce distinct forms of textile artwork. The general term "Punch Needle" is used interchangeably to describe both tools, which can create confusion for those interested in learning about Punch Needle textile art.

1. What's all the confusion about "Punch Needle"?

There are two types of Textile Punch Needles that are both popular but create very different kinds of artwork. They use the term "Punch Needle" because the tools essentially serve the same function. Yet, they are quite different tools that produce distinct textile finishes. Each Punch Needle was designed to use specific materials and create unique types of textile artwork.

This illustrates why the term "Punch Needle" has caused significant confusion, particularly for beginner students.

2. Learn the difference between "Punch Needle Embroidery" and "Yarn Punch Needle."

 To help clarify each type of "Punch Needle," I will refer to the first type of "Punch Needle" as Punch Needle Embroidery and the second type as a Yarn Punch Needle.

PUNCH NEEDLE-EMBROIDERY (Ultra Punch Needle)

Punch Needle Embroidery is sometimes referred to as Miniature Punch Needle, Thread Punch Needle, or by its name from historical use, such as the Igolochkoy Needle, "The Original Russian Punch Needle Embroidery," or sometimes by the name of the tool itself, for example, Ultra Punch Needle, a very popular punch needle set, or Clover Punch Needle.

There are other manufacturers of punch needles currently on the market. Still, I will mainly focus on my experience with the Ultra Punch Needle, which I consider my favorite due to its quality, comfort, and ease of use. This tool has also stood the test of time with all the designs I have created.

Punch Needle Embroidery can be used with various popular threads, including DMC Floss, DMC Eco Vita 100% Wool Thread, Valdani Threads, Rustic Moire Wool Threads, and threads from other reputable companies. 

Punch Needle Embroidery utilizes a tightly woven foundation fabric, such as Weaver's Cloth, which is composed of 55% polyester and 45% cotton. This fabric is considered the gold standard for foundation material in this type of punch needle artwork.

Punch needle Embroidery can be used on other tightly woven fabrics, including linen, wool, flannel, quality muslin, and denim. Typically, these fabrics feature a small punch needle design rather than a complete one. 

*Weaver's Cloth can be combined with a lightweight fusing material to bond with other fabrics, utilizing the material to form the background of a design.

YARN PUNCH NEEDLE- (OXFORD PUNCH NEEDLE)

The "Yarn Punch Needle" is also known as Rug Punching or by the name of a popular needle called the "Oxford Punch Needle," created by and named after Amy Oxford, the owner and manufacturer of the Oxford Punch.

This type of punch needle is very popular among many rug hooking artists. This Yarn Punch Needle comes in various sizes and lengths, allowing you to use different types and thicknesses of yarn or wool strips (used in Rug Hooking Art).

These needles come in assorted sizes, enabling you to create loops of various lengths and use yarn of different thicknesses. They can also be purchased as a complete set of Punch Needles.

The Yarn Punch Needle utilizes a foundation fabric, such as quality Monks' Cloth, Primitive Linen, or Rug Warp, which allows the yarn to be easily punched through while still being held between the fibers  This type of Yarn Punch Needle is particularly favored for Rug Hooking patterns that incorporate Monks' Cloth or Linen  Just be mindful that in Rug Hooking, you work from the front side of the design. In contrast, in Punch Needle, you work from the back. Therefore, if the pattern features words or has a directional design, you will need to reverse it to work from the back side; otherwise, the finished side will appear backward.

3. What are the differences in the finishes created by each type of Punch Needle? 

It is simply the difference between using yarn and using fine threads  Yarn takes up more space than thread, so the pattern reflects that difference  Thread Punch Needle patterns produce a finely detailed finish, resembling an embroidery design, while Yarn Punch Needle patterns tend to be larger and yield fewer fine details in the finish, similar to a rug hooking design  Many rug hookers also enjoy using the Yarn Punch Needle as a substitute for the typical rug hook, using strips of wool fabric with this needle instead of yarn.

The type and size of a pattern created will vary. You wouldn't want to use Punch Needle Embroidery to make a floor-sized rug. Still, you could easily use a Yarn Punch Needle to create a large rug. I have made tabletop runners with Punch Needle Embroidery, but that is the largest size pattern I would choose to create with it.

The finish of a design using pearl cotton threads in Punch Needle Embroidery creates a sheen or silk-like feel  The thread can be solid or variegated colors, depending on the type of threads selected  You can also create color variations by blending thread colors in your Punch Needle  This is an excellent way to achieve a range of distinct and unique colors in the design.

I've also worked with wool thread from DMC Eco-Vita Thread line and Rustic Moire Wool Thread, both of which are 100% wool and give a more matte or subdued look and feel to the pattern's finish, resembling a miniature wool rug.

The type of finish created by the Yarn Punch Needle yields a more matte appearance for the design, particularly when wool yarn is used in the pattern  Wool yarn adds durability to the design and is ideal for pillows and rugs  The Yarn Punch Needle can also utilize solid and variegated yarn colors, as well as cotton or a mix of various materials like alpaca, wool, and even strips of wool fabric, along with different yarn textures  Once again, enjoy experimenting with different textures and color combinations.

4. What equipment and materials are needed for each type of punch needle? 

There are different manufacturers for each type of punch needle that we have discussed. I will provide you with my experience and opinion based on the kinds of punch needles I have tried and why I recommend them.

THREAD PUNCH NEEDLE- Information 

Favorite: The Ultra Punch Needle Kit   General Kit Cost: USD 26.00

Availability: Easily found online or available at orphanedwool.com

The Ultra Punch Needle Kit includes three different needle sizes: small, medium, and large; two needle threaders; twelve different length settings; and instructions.

The Reason: Ease of use, flexibility, quality, comfort, and cost.

This is my favorite punch needle. I have used this needle to create my Orphaned Wool Punch Needle Designs. It has withstood the test of time and is a well-made tool with user-friendly length setting options on the needle. It is the complete package—everything you need to start your "Thread Punch Needle journey."

Why do Thread Punch Needles have different-sized needles?

When I discuss different needle sizes, I am referring to the width of the needle, not its length. This allows you to use a single thin thread or multiple threads, or a thicker thread, and it will move easily through the needle shaft.

The Ultra Punch Needle comes with three different needle sizes (small, medium, and large) that can be easily inserted into the same handpiece  A good rule of thumb is that you want your thread(s) to slide smoothly through the needle without any drag  If the thread(s) don't slide easily through the needle while you are punching, the loops will become shorter or may not form a loop.

 Therefore, using the correct size needle is crucial. Needle size is also essential because you want to create the smallest hole opening in the foundation fabric for the thread size being used. This will help hold the loop in the material more securely and prevent the loops from pulling out as you work.

Note: Some companies that produce Punch Needles offer individual full-size punch needles for each different size they provide. Therefore, if you need to change the thickness of the thread(s) you are using, you would switch to a needle of a different size.

Why does punch needle embroidery have different length settings?

The length settings create different textures by forming various length loops in your design  The Ultra Punch Needle features 12 length setting options on the handle of the punch needle itself, making it highly convenient and easy to adjust  Some "Thread Punch Needles" have guards that slide over the needle and change the loop length by stopping the needle at the fabric  As I mentioned, the Ultra Punch Needle has these 12 settings, allowing the needle length to vary from #1, which creates a very short loop, to #12, which creates the largest loop possible with that tool.

What equipment and materials are needed to start punch needle embroidery? 

You will need a punch needle, a gripper frame, or a hoop that can hold your foundation material, "Drum Tight." Additionally, you will need your favorite threads and a high-quality foundation fabric, such as Weaver's Cloth.

I use a gripper frame for my punch needle artwork. If you choose to use a hoop, I strongly recommend a lip or locking hoop, such as a Morgan Hoop. The problem is that even with a lip hoop, the fabric loosens over time, making punching much more difficult.

I recommend looking into a gripper frame because it consistently holds the fabric "drum tight". At the same time, you work  There are many different types of gripper frames available  I suggest one that can tilt and possibly spin, allowing you to work without constantly turning your frame  Additionally, I recommend a frame with an opening of at least 12 inches square or around that size  This way, you can create larger patterns, and the threads won't lie on the gripper strips.

Suppose the design is smaller than your gripper frame. In that case, you can sew another piece of fabric along the edges to make the pattern fit the frame. I like to work on my lap, so I also consider how you prefer to work, as some frames come with a lazy-susan base, some serve as lap frames, and others are handheld.

There are many online platforms to purchase gripper frames, including Etsy and rug hooking stores. Additionally, the gripper frame can be used for "Yarn Punch Needle" and rug hooking artwork.

 YARN-PUNCH NEEDLE: Information

Favorite: The Oxford Punch Needle

General Cost Starting from - $36.00 to a complete Oxford Punch Needle kit $279.00

Availability - Easy to find online- / amyoxford.com

The Reason: Ease of use, quality, and comfort

The Oxford Punch Needle is a high-quality yarn punch needle developed by Amy Oxford  It comes with clear instructions for use and threading, a lifetime money-back guarantee, and is made in the USA.

Understanding the Oxford Punch Needle Sizes.

When you purchase the Oxford Punch Needle, your first step is to choose the needle width  The Regular Size works well with 3-ply rug yarn and bulky weight knitting yarn, or you can triple up a finer yarn  Alternatively, if you are a rug hooker, you can use a #8 cut  The Fine Size is suitable for worsted wool, sock weight, baby weight, tapestry, and needlepoint yarns, or for rug hookers, #3 cut wool strips.

Understanding The Oxford Punch Needle Lengths. 

You will need to decide the length of the loops you want to create with the Oxford Punch Needle. They generally come in sizes ranging from #8 to #10, but they also offer a #14 Mini Fine size.

#8= 1/2” loop

#9= 3/8” loop

#10= 1/4” loop

#13= 3/16+ Mini with heels

#14= 3/16” loop

They are all available in either Regular or Fine size, except for #13 and #14, which are only offered in Fine Punch Needle. These Needles are available individually or in various sets; see amyoxford.com for more details.

What equipment and materials are needed to start using a "Yarn Punch Needle"? 

You will need a Yarn Punch Needle, a Gripper Frame, or a Hoop to hold your foundation material. Additionally, you will need your favorite weight yarn or wool strips, along with a foundation fabric such as Monk's Cloth or Primitive Linen.

A good-quality gripper frame is essential for the "Yarn Punch Needle." As I mentioned, I enjoy using a gripper frame for my Thread and Yarn Punch Needle and Rug Hooking artwork. You will need to explore what you consider essential to your preferred approach to work. 

There are many places to purchase gripper frames, from Etsy to rug hooking stores. Amy Oxford offers her gripper frame type. So, decide what you think makes the most sense and provides you with the options you would like in a frame, such as tilt and spin. In contrast, others work best on a table or on your lap. Some require you to hold the frame, while others are floor frames. Not to mention, they come in various sizes, so spending a little time investigating is worthwhile before making a significant investment in your frame.

5. Recognizing the significance of pattern design when using a Punch Needle.

Both types of Punch Needle work involve creating the design from the back of the pattern, whether using a Yarn Punch Needle or Punch Needle Embroidery. Therefore, you need to be mindful of the direction of any design, especially if it includes lettering. You will need to reverse a pattern that has lettering. Hence, it appears correct from the finished front side, or if you want your design to face a specific direction  Many people use standard Rug Hooking patterns for a Yarn Punch Needle design, so ensure that the design is something you will like in reverse, or have it reversed when drawn on the foundation fabric to appear correct from the finished front side of the pattern.

Supply Resources-

Orphaned Wool- Ultra Punch Needle, Paper Patterns, Patterns on Weaver's Cloth, Thread Kits (Valdani & DMC), Weaver's Cloth, Punch Needle Tips & Technique Booklet, 

The Woolery- Weaver's Cloth, Gripper Frames & Hoops.

Valdani Threads- Ultra Punch Needle, Floss Threaders, Weaver's Cloth, Valdani Threads, Punch Needle Frames & Hoops.

123Stitch- DMC Floss, Valdani threads, DMC Eco-Vita Threads

Dorr Mill Store- Gripper Frames, foundation material

Punch Needle Primitive Stitcher Magazine - This PNPS magazine offers excellent punch needle and cross-stitch patterns, information, and resources. Orphaned Wool is proud to be one of the featured designers for magazine subscriptions. 

 

I hope this information clarifies any confusion regarding the different types of Punch Needles and helps you begin your Punch Needle journey.

By: Kelly Kanyok- Artist & Owner of Orphaned Wool

Specializing in Thread Punch Needle and Rug Hooking Patterns

Copyright © 2025 Kelly Kanyok / Orphaned Wool

All Rights Reserved. Information may not be reproduced without prior permission from the copyright holder/author.