Oxford Punch Needle Sizes Guide

By the instructors at Oxford Company (OXCO)

The first time you pick up a punch needle, it feels a little like magic. One punch of the punch needle through the fabric and suddenly a loop appears, and then as your continue they create a gorgeous loopy pile. Before long those loops turn into wall art, coasters, or even a table runner or rug that makes your dining room look like you hired an interior designer. But before that is the question most beginners face: Which Punch Needle should I use?

If you’ve browsed through the lineup of Oxford Punch Needles and felt like you were choosing between mysterious wands in a wizard’s shop, you’re not alone. Choosing the right size is important when turning creative ideas into finished projects you’re proud to show off (and maybe brag about just a little).

A Story of Oxford Punch Needles

Amy Oxford, the creator of the Oxford Punch Needle, wanted tools that were comfortable, sturdy, and simple to use. Each punch needle has a smooth wooden handle shaped to rest naturally in your hand and provide the best user experience. Think of it as the ergonomic office chair of fiber arts—except a lot prettier. But here’s the important part: Oxford Punch needles aren’t one-size-fits-all. The variety of sizes is what allows you to make everything from soft, fluffy rugs to detailed artwork that can almost resemble tapestry.

Read more about the Oxford Punch Needle and its history in the section about us.

Regular vs. Fine Oxford Punch Needles

Here’s where the personalities come in:

1. Regular Oxford Punch Needles work with chunky yarns—bulky wool, rug yarn, or strips of cloth and fabric and make tall, plush loops. Perfect for rugs, cushions, and anything that needs to survive pets, kids, or a heavy-footed uncle.
2. Fine Oxford Punch Needles are the detail-oriented tools that pair with lighter yarns, in a range of loops heights, allowing you to create more intricate designs. Ideal for wall hangings, accessories, or designs where you want increased definition (eyelashes, lips and other minute details instead of vague fluffy blobs.

Think of it like painting: Regular needles are your wide brushes for bold strokes; Fine needles are your tiny brushes for details like tiny faces or lettering.

Oxford Punch Needle Sizes Explained

The numbering system helps us to know the approximate height of the loop the punch needle will create:

1. #8 Regular – Loops about ½ inch (13 mm) high. The tallest punch needle, ultra-plush loops, great for rugs you want to sink your toes into.
2. #9 Regular – Loops about ⅜ inches (10mm) perfect for rugs, mats and table runners, chair pads.
3. #10 Regular – Loops about ¼ inch (6 mm). The lowest of the regular point punch needles- perfect for all projects using rug yarn.
4. #8 Fine – Tallest loops of ½" / 13mm loop, like the #8 Regular, but for thinner yarns
5. #9 Fine – Loops of about ⅜ inches (10mm) like the #9 Regular but for thinner yarns
6. #10 Fine – Like the #10 Regular it makes loops about ¼ inch (6 mm), this is the last Oxford Punch Needle that has a matching Regular Needle
7. #13 Fine – Shorter than the #10, making loops about 3/16th” in height, the very small loops are compact, good for low pile projects with great definition
8. #14 Fine – The shortest of the Oxford Punch Needle Line up-makes tiny loops approximately ⅛" in height for sharp, precise detail.

Best Oxford Punch Needle for Beginners

If you’re just starting, the #10 Regular Point Oxford Punch Needle is the classic first pick.

1. It loves rug yarn.
2. The loop height is suitable for a variety of projects- Goldy-Locks would like it as it’s not too high, or too low.
3. It forgives mistakes. Let’s be honest, your first project might involve some “creative improvisation.”

It’s the training wheels of punch needles. Before long, you’ll be cruising into more sizes as your confidence grows.

Alternatively, some people with to jump in with a fine yarn project with a lower pile so they start with a #13 Fine Point Oxford Punch Needle

1. It loves the fine Violet Jane Yarn, and other thin yarns.
2. It makes a lower pile loop than any of the regular punch needles
3. It can be a bit more forgiving than the #14, with its ever-so-slightly taller loop

Oxford Punch Needle Comparison in Action

Picture this:

1. The Cozy Rug Scenario

You want a bold, super-cushy rug for your living room. Grab the #8 Regular, feed it bulky wool, and watch as tall, plush loops pile up into a surface so inviting you might banish shoes from the house.

1. The Artsy Wall Hanging

You want a mountain landscape capturing all the details of the intricate scene where sky meets peak. The #14 Fine is your friend. With fine or worsted weight yarn in blues and greens, you get detail sharp enough to make someone ask if you painted it.

That’s the beauty of Oxford Punch Needles: the right size helps you tell your story in yarn.

Which Size is Right for You?

Ask yourself:

1. What am I making? Rugs or Cushions with a chunky look → Regular Point, Delicate Pillow or ornament → Fine Point.
2. What yarn do I want to use? Bulky → Regular Point. DK or fine → Fine Point.
3. What texture do I like? Tall loops = fluffy→ lower number punch needle. Short loops = compact and defined→ higher number punch needle.

There’s no “wrong” choice. It’s more like building a toolbox. Once you try one Oxford Punch Needle, odds are you’ll want another for different effects and projects!

The Oxford Punch Needle opens a wide world of creative possibilities. Many beginners start with the #10 Regular, then add other sizes as their projects become more detailed, while others like to jump in with low pile projects so they start with a #13 Fine. With the right needle, sturdy monk’s cloth, and a good frame, you’ll be amazed at how quickly yarn turns into rugs, cushions, or art that feels both practical and personal.

Don’t forget- once you get started you can also have fun combining all of the Oxford Punch Needles in your projects for incredible texture and variety!

If you are a visual learner, here’s what you can check out: