Punch Needle Embroidery
The History of Punch Needle Embroidery
Punch Needle Embroidery has existed for centuries. Ancient Egyptians were among the first to use the art form using hollow bones of birds’ wings. The art form spread through Europe during the Middle Ages and was often used to decorate Ecclesiastical clothing and panels. In later times, Russian Immigrants from a religious sect called the “Old Believers” began to use the technique to make embroidered embellishments, mostly for their clothing.
The art form has now found acceptance in the folk art world, is often featured in primitive décor, and is used to enhance homes filled with antiques. Due to my love of color, many of my designs utilize whimsical figures and bright, rich colors.
I typically use variegated Perle cotton in my designs, as I feel it adds richness of color and dimension. I particularly like using Eleganza Variegated threads from Sue Spargo’s vast collections of colors. I also use the six-strand embroidery flosses available from weeksdyeworks.com, Classic Colorworks, and some very nice colors made by The Gentle Art Sampler Threads, available at thegentleart.com.
Another source for premier-quality pearl cotton and cotton floss is Valdani.com, which offers a wide selection of different thread types and colors. My local source for these variegated embroidery flosses is Country Needleworks in Jenison, Michigan.
I am particularly proud of and excited about my licensing agreement with Karla Gerard, a talented and quite famous folk artist. She has given me permission to use certain selected designs from her collection to be rendered in my Punch Needle Embroidery, and this will be indicated in the descriptions of any pieces I create utilizing her designs.
