The Art of Punch Needle Embroidery

Great book.

I got the book direct from the publishers. I particularly wanted it because I bought a punch needle kit just over a year ago, but struggled with it. I didn’t really want to give up. As with many kits, the instructions are quite brief so I thought a book would help. I went for a Search Press book because they are always good quality. The book starts off with information on the materials recommended including the fabric and how it should be secured in a hoop, the threads, how to use the punch needle and needle threader and it goes through a tutorial of how to use the various stitches and how to create and fill in shapes. It then has several complete instructions for several projects including wall decorations, signs, bags (including a delightful sheep bag) and cushions. The designs are very contemporary and attractive and the templates are tucked in a flap at the back of the book. The photographs are very clear and attractive. When I tried again, I could see that I had not read the instructions with the kit properly (it might vary according to the make of punch needle, but I hadn’t pulled the thread through the eye of the needle after pulling it through the nib). Once I discovered this, I could make the stitches and now feel more confident about tackling some of the designs.

Punch Needle Embroidery was something I was keen to learn as a new hobby. This book is the perfect guide for both beginners and more established crafters. This book covers everything you need to know. It is split into three sections - Equipment, Techniques and Projects, each providing in-depth instructions and advice. The first two sections, Equipment and Techniques, tell the reader all about Punch Needle Embroidery, what equipment to use and how stitches are made. The instructions are very clear and cover different materials, both for stitching and for the base on which to stitch. Different stitches are clearly detailed and there are plenty of photos and pictures to aid the written instructions.Once all of these basics are understood, the final section is Projects. This is by far the largest section and gives clear visual and printed instructions on how to produce an assortment of items, including how to make wall hangings, cushions and bags. Each project lists all the material needed, preparation of the fabric and the embroidery and then the assembly of the project. At the start of each project, it advises what level of punch needle embroidery is required.What I really liked about the different projects is that, whatefver project I wanted to undertake, I could just take a look at the beginning of the project and gather exactly what tools and fabric etc were needed. I have bought the materials to complete one of the projects and am keen to get started. I feel that, for those confident with their ability to do this craft, there are still plenty of ideas in this book to undertake new tasks before trying to design pieces themselves.

What an amazing book. I’ve never done any punch needle embroidery before and I was a bit worried. I’d had a set bought for Christmas and never used it but this book helped as soon as I opened it. It goes through everything with you including materials, tools and stitches, such a comprehensive book. Different levels of complexity with projects for each and these are all beautiful. Something for everyone with signs, bags, pillows being just a few. Informs you what level of difficulty the project is, materials you need to make it and clear instructions on how to complete it. The book is well laid out with very clear, precise instructions and with patterns in the back of the book. Would definitely recommend this book.

I was lucky enough to win a copy of The Art of Punchneedle Embroidery and have thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Punchneedle is a technique I’ve not tried before and this book gives me the confidence to give it a go once I have the supplies together.The book opens with sections on tools and materials, all clearly described and illustrated. Then follows a technique section with stepwise instructions and many photographs. The main section of the book is dedicated to the projects, large and small. Each project has a detailed supplies list and clear instructions, both for working the embroidery and for finishing the object. The small projects have clear, traceable templates with the instructions, while templates for the larger projects are on a fold out sheet tucked into a pocket at the back of the book.The projects cover a range of tastes so if Punchneedle is a technique that interests you then this book is definitely worth investigating.

It's a lovely illustrated book with cute project ideas, but as a total beginner I found it quite daunting. It doesn't come with a starter pack so first you need to buy an embroidery frame, fabric, punch needle, yarn etc. The description of what tools and materials can be used is very detailed and technical, so quite overwhelming to know where to start. The book comes with pattern templates but doesn't clearly explain how to transfer them onto the fabric, which I had to google! A concise beginner's guide would be more suitable for me - but this book will be great to use once I have got started with the basics!

Really pleased with this book it goes into detail about the equipment needed, materials and stitches and has great pictures for reference. There are some lovely projects in the book with full instructions and templates for all skill levels. I’m looking forward to getting started!

Fantastic book filled with informative descriptions of all equipment and Techniques needed to successfully sew beautiful projects. I love the designs inside the book and the suggested ideas for the practical uses of your project. I cannot wait to gather the equipment needed to do my first project. My only fault is that I cannot find supplies of the suggested size needles in the book anywhere on the internet to buy so starting out will be trial and error to match the suggested size.