By the instructors at Oxford Company (OXCO)
Are your punch needle loops slipping right out, no matter how carefully you work? Don’t worry, you’re not doing anything “wrong” that can’t be fixed. This is one of the most common beginner punch needle questions we hear at Oxford, and the good news is: the solution is usually simple. A few tweaks in fabric, yarn, or technique will have your loops staying snug and secure. Let’s walk through the most common reasons loops fall out—and how to fix them like a pro.
Understanding How Punch Needle Works
Punch needle is all about friction, punching yarn through fabric and creating textures with varying loop lengths. Each time you punch through the fabric, the yarn loop is held in place by the weave of your foundation cloth. When the fabric is stretched tightly and paired with the right yarn and punch needle (regular or fine point in the right size), those textured loops stay in beautifully. If they’re popping out or coming undone, it means something’s off in the setup. Let’s troubleshoot together.
Mistake 1: Loose Fabric Tension
Think of your foundation fabric like the canvas for your art. If it’s saggy, the yarn has nothing to grip. The punch needle fabric has an important role, or else the result is punch needle loops falling out. The weave of your fabric might be too tight or too loose; therefore, choose foundation cloth that is suitable for the punch needle size.
Fix: Stretch your monk’s cloth until it’s drum-tight; you should hear a tap when you flick it. In the words of Amy, the fabric should be taut enough that you can bounce a penny. For the right tension, Frames matter! At Oxford, we recommend Gripper Strip Lap Frames (for larger projects) or Morgan No-Slip Hoops (great for beginners and smaller pieces). Our Oxford Gripper Strip Lap Frames with their metal teeth (carpet tacks all over the pine frame) keep the fabric in place and there are sizes for projects such as small coasters to rugs. If you are worried about the prickly teeth, pair it with our frame covers. Made from 2 layers of extra soft fleece and 1 layer of polyfill inside, these extra cushiony frame covers will protect your hands and arms. Also, avoid challenges with a cleaner brush to keep the fuzzy fibers away from the point tips.
Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Fabric
Not all fabrics can handle punch needles. If the weave is too tight or too loose, your loops won’t hold.
Fix: Stick with monk’s cloth, it’s the gold standard and not without reason. Our Oxford Monk’s Cloth is 100% cotton, 13 double threads per inch, and woven with handy grid lines every two inches for easy pattern placement and stretching. For finer work, try weaver’s cloth; for chunky projects, burlap can work.
Mistake 3: Needle Size and Yarn Don’t Match
If your yarn and needle aren’t compatible, you’ll struggle. Too thin or too thick yarn means loops won’t lock in.
Fix: Match them up. Follow the guidelines for punch needle sizes and yarn weight. Choose the yarn weight according to the punch needle size. Regular Point Oxford Punch Needles pair perfectly with rug yarn or even strips of fabric (but then again, choose the right size #10. Fine Point Oxford Punch Needles? Use finer yarns, like worsted-weight.
Mistake 4: Yarn Flow is Interrupted
If your yarn snags or pulls, it can pop loops right back out. Punching straight from a skein is a common culprit. You should not begin to punch right from the skein.
Fix: Rewind skeins into a center-pull ball before starting. Our Violet Jane Yarn Collection (hand-dyed 100% wool in solids and variegated shades) flows smoothly and grips perfectly.
Mistake 5: Punching Technique Needs Adjusting
This is where practice makes magic. If you lift the needle too high or pull the yarn, your loops won’t stay.
Fix: Keep your needle tip close to the fabric surface, gliding just underneath. Punch with rhythm, keep your direction steady, and let the yarn feed freely.
Word from Oxford Instructors
If your loops are falling out, don’t feel discouraged; every single punch needle artist has been there. With the right punch needle tool, right foundation fabric, yarn, and technique, your loops will stay neat and secure. Even if things go south, there’s always a way to fix it. Remember, every project is part of the learning process, and you’ll gain confidence with every punch.
Happy punching!
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