Choosing a punch needle frame:
You can use a no-slip hoop, a no-slip 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.
![punch needle frame](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_8327-1024x768.jpg)
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.
No-Slip Hoop:
A no-slip hoop has a lip all the way around the edge on one piece
![Lip on locking hoop](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IMG_9982.jpg)
and a groove all the way around on the other piece.
![Groove on Locking hoop](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IMG_9981.jpg)
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.
No-slip hoops are the most economical punch needle frame.
No-slip Lapstand:
A no-slip lapstand is two locking hoops made together into a lapstand.
![Morgan Lap Stand](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/IMG_6943-1024x768.jpg)
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:
Learn how to get the fabric drum tight in a gripper strip frame.
Learn how to get the fabric drum tight in a no-slip hoop.
Blessings ~
Amy