Combining Fine and Rug Yarn Together in Your Punch Needle Projects

In our recent blog post, we discussed the differences between Oxford Fine Yarns and Rug Yarns and how to pair them with the correct number of Oxford Punch Needles to achieve the best results in your projects. In this blog, we’ll take it further; we’ll learn everything about combining Fine and Rug Yarn together in your punch needle projects. There are endless ways to be creative when punch needle rug hooking, and combining both in the same project is just one of them! Let’s take a look at some tips to do this.

First, let’s recap the difference between Fine and Rug yarn:

The Art of Precision with Fine Yarn

If you love detailed work, like intricate flowers or faces, Fine Yarn may quickly become your favorite. The smaller loop width allows for subtle shading in small designs and the easy creation of tiny details, and it can be used in all five of the Fine Point Oxford Punch Needles.

Fine Yarn projects also tend to feel lighter and more flexible, making them perfect for wall hangings, smaller art pieces, and accessories like wearables, purses and bags. The Fine Violet Jane Yarn is smooth and easy to punch with while still being durable and sturdy.

The Strength and Beauty of Rug Yarn

Rug Yarn is built for durability. The thicker loops form a dense, cushioned texture ideal for floor rugs, cushions, and heavy-use textiles. Because it’s 3-ply and high-twist, Violet Jane Rug Yarn resists pilling and wear, even in high-traffic areas. Rug Yarns punch well in the Regular Point Oxford Punch Needles.

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The plush chunky look of Rug Yarn loops provides a satisfying contrast to the precision and delicacy of Fine Yarn loops — a balance that’s both functional and artistic, and the two combined can give really satisfying results.

How to use Fine and Rug Yarn Together

A rewarding technique when using the Oxford Punch Needles is combining both Fine and Rug yarn weights in the same design. There are many ways to do this, but below are two common methods that some punchers choose to follow.

To Achieve the Detail of Fine with the Speed of Rug:

1. Use Fine Yarn for the details. Use fine yarn and Fine Point punch needles to add detail and definition to small motifs inside larger sections. It is recommended to do these fine details first, as this ‘holds the spot’, before punching the areas around them.
2. Fill in around the fine details with Rug Yarn. Use the Rug Yarn to quickly and easily punch the area around the fine details. Be careful not to crowd your rows of Rug yarn too close to Fine yarn rows as the robust Rug yarn loops can easily push the Fine yarn loops out of the way.
3. Make the same height loops. If you’d like your Fine Yarn and Rug Yarn loops the same height, choose a Fine Point Oxford Punch Needle and a Regular Point Oxford Punch Needle in the same number. For example, use a #10 Fine and #10 Regular Point Oxford Punch Needle.

To Create Interesting Texture and Loop Height Changes:

Fine Yarns and Rug Yarns can be combined in the same piece to create interesting changes in texture and loop height! This is especially popular in abstract designs and wall hangings, and is a great way to experiment with various yarn weights and Oxford Punch Needles, especially if you have the Complete Set.

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Below are some things to consider:

1. Match the yarn weight to the correct punch needle!

DK, Worsted Weight, Aran Weight and Violet Jane Fine Yarns usually work well in all five (#14, #13, #10, #9 and #8) of the Fine Point Oxford Punch Needles.

Many thick or chunky weight yarns and Violet Jane Rug Yarns work well in the three (#10, #9 and #8) Regular Point Oxford Punch Needles.

1. Using the same number punch needle in both Fine and Regular, with Fine and Rug Yarns respectively, will give you loops of the same height but different thicknesses.

Varying which number punch needle you use, whether Fine or Regular, will create areas of varying heights.

Also Read: How Much Yarn Do I Need for My Punch Needle Project?

1. Adjust your stitch gauge according to the weight and properties of the yarn you are using.

Proper stitch gauge (the number of stitches per inch and rows per inch you punch) is critical to getting good results. It will change depending on the weight of yarn, and you can use the Oxford Stitch Gauge to understand and check your gauge.

Note: Novelty yarns or yarns that differ from the standard weights we commonly use may require adjustments to the gauge you use. Punching a test area and observing the results is a great way to work out the correct gauge for your chosen yarn. Once you’ve found the best gauge, measure with the stitch gauge, and then periodically check your punching to see if it matches to maintain consistency.

1.  Avoiding crowding details of fine yarn with loops of rug yarn, give the loops a little ‘breathing space’ to help maintain clear definition and tidy loops.
2. If using taller punch needles (#8 or #9) to create tall loops next to areas punched with a shorter punch needle (#14 or #13), remember that the taller loops may lean over the shorter loops a little bit, hiding the edges of the short loop areas.

Experimentation and Exploration with Various Yarn Weights is Fun!

We encourage creativity and experimentation in punch needle rug hooking. Playing with various yarn weights in the Oxford Punch Needles is a great way to have fun and discover more creative possibilities of punch needle rug hooking!