![punch variegated look with solid floss](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/solid-floss-variegated.jpg)
I love punching with variegated threads! But, sometimes, I don’t have just the right color in my stash for my punch needle project. I have done some trial and error and figured out an easy way to create the look of a variegated punch needle project using solid DMC embroidery floss.
I used this technique on both the flag and background of this punch needle project.
![finished punched flag](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/finished-punched-flag.jpg)
Using solid colors of floss, you can also create a mottled look, add a few swirls to create texture, or add blocks of a coordinating color to break up large chunks of punching.
Watch the Video:
Punching the Flag with Solid Floss:
This project was punched using 6 strands of DMC embroidery floss using my 6 strand CTR punch needle. I punched the red, cream, and blue of the flag with two different shades of each color.
![punch needle flag](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/punch-needle-flag-1024x493.jpg)
Because the flag areas are so small, I punched lines across in random places with one of the shades of cream and then filled in with the other shade of cream. I repeated this process for the red and blue embroidery floss to complete the punched flag.
![punch needle flag progress](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/flag-progress-683x1024.jpg)
Using the two different shades gives the flag some interest and a little bit of an aged look.
Punching small projects like this is a great way to use up small bits of embroidery floss and leftover bits of weavers cloth.
Choosing Floss Colors:
A good way to choose floss colors that will look good together is to look for consecutive numbers of DMC floss that are in the same color family.
![DMC floss](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/DMC-floss-1024x645.jpg)
But, of course you can choose any floss colors that go well together and work for the effect you desire.
Punch the Background:
I have chosen to punch the background with DMC 3022, 3023, and 3024.
With the lightest shade, 3024, I punched some random wavy lines in various places on the background.
![flag background floss](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/flag-background-floss-1024x625.jpg)
Next, I punched using 3022, the darkest floss.
![punch with darker floss](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/punch-with-darker-floss-1024x679.jpg)
The trick to this process is to punch random lines with each shade of floss. Don’t punch back and forth in straight lines – unless that is the look you want or the area is small like the flag.
Then, I punched with the medium shade of 2023. I punched quite a bit with this color, leaving some random holes to fill in with the other two shades. (Mainly because I was almost out of 2032.) I think it turned out better because I added more dark and light than I have pictured above.
![interesting punched holes left](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/interesting-punched-holes-left.jpg)
Just keep looking at the project from the front to see how it looks and what it still needs.
![finished punched flag](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/finished-punched-flag.jpg)
I used french knots for the stars and mounted it in a vintage metal fluted tin.
Be sure to check out our other punch needle tutorials.
Blessings~
Amy