My very first punch needle tool was an Igolochkoy Russian punch needle. Before purchasing this punch needle tool, I had never done any punch needle embroidery. I loved the tool enough to embark upon a new craft passion and I have since purchased many other punch needle tools.
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Russian Punch Needle Tool:
I don’t believe the Igolochkoy Russian punch needle tool is still being manufactured, but I do see them sometimes on the secondary marketplaces, such as ebay, up for sale.
There are three separate tools for punching with 1 strand, 3 strands, or 6 strands, so make sure you know which you are purchasing if you find one used!
Because of their small size, I am not able to punch for long periods of time with this tool, but I get easily distracted anyway and don’t mind taking breaks.
Size of the Needles:
The picture above shows you a size comparison of the Igolochkoy punch needles to some of the other common punch needle tools.
Starting at the top is the red CTR 3 strand and the green CTR 3 strand (no longer being made). Next is the 6 strand, the 3 strand, and the 1 strand Igolochkoy tools. Below those, are the Smart Punch and the Ultra Punch needle tools.
As you can see, the Igolochkoy tools are much smaller than any of the other tools I have. The part you hold onto is about the size of a wooden skewer. The one strand measures about 1-5/8″ long, the 3 strand measures about 2-1/8″ long, and the 6 strand measures about 2-1/2″ long.
Threading the Needle:
Threaders for other brands, such as the Ultra Punch threaders work in both the 3 and 6 strand tools. Because the tools are so short, I was also able to use a dental floss threader to thread the 3 and 6 strand tools.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to find a tool with which to thread the 1 strand punch needle tool.
Punching with the Igolochkoy Needles:
Using the Igolochkoy punch needles is the same process as using other punch needle tools. My needles punch very smoothly and are easy to use.
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