In this series:
1: Tracing the Pattern
2: Putting the Fabric in Your Frame
3: Selecting and Preparing Threads
4: Threading the Needle
5: Punching the Pattern
6: Over Dyeing and Finishing
I have been sharing how I complete a punch needle project from start to finish.
If you missed it, you can see how to trace the pattern here.
Choosing a punch needle frame:
You can use a locking hoop, a locking lapstand, or a punching frame.
Anything else, and the weavers cloth will not stay tight enough to punch.
Punching Frame:
A punching frame or rug hooking frame is a wooden frame with metal gripper teeth on all four sides.
Once you get the fabric tight on this frame, it will stay tight.
The punching frame is the best option, but also the most expensive.
If you are handy with a saw or know someone who is,
check out my woodworking plans for a gripper frame.
Locking Hoop:
A locking hoop has a lip all the way around the edge on one piece
and a groove all the way around on the other piece.
The lip and groove fit together and help keep the fabric from slipping.
It will still slip some and have to be re-adjusted occasionally.
I recommend the Morgan No-Slip hoops.
Locking hoops are the most economical punch needle frame.
Locking Lapstand:
A locking lapstand is two locking hoops made together into a lapstand.
This is helpful because you can set the lapstand in your lap or on a table
and have both hands free to punch.
You can flip it and use the smaller or larger hoop;
whichever works best for your project.
Putting the Fabric in the Frame:
For the gripper strip frame, you just center the fabric
over the top of the frame
Let the teeth on the frame grab the edges of the fabric and keep pulling the fabric off and stretching the fabric and placing it back down until the fabric is drum tight.
The teeth on the edges of the frame will hold it.
For the locking hoop, or lapstand you will need the hoop, pliers, and a screwdriver.
Place the fabric on the hoop and place the outer hoop over,
making sure it is properly in the groove.
While pulling the fabric taut, tighten the wing nut
first with your fingers and then with the pliers.
You want the fabric to be drum tight.
Notice that the part you are tightening is actually a screw.
So, if you need to tighten further,
you can hold the screw in place with the screwdriver
while tightening the wing nut with the pliers.
Next time, I will show you how to easily separate your threads.
Blessings ~
Amy
