Punch Needle vs Punch Needle Embroidery vs Embroidery: What's the Difference?

Have you heard discussions about “Punch Needle”, “Embroidery” or “Punch Needle Embroidery” and wondered how these are all connected or how to tell them apart?

Confusion and comparisons between the crafts of punch needle and embroidery and punch needle embroidery are surprisingly common, especially when you’re reading online chats or watching Instagram reels. To add to the confusion, special embroidery-style techniques can be done with punch needle rug hooking and punch needle embroidery tools. So how do you know which is which or how to start?

Our editorial team of Oxford Certified Instructors is here to explain what it all means!

What is the Difference Between Punch Needle, Punch Needle Rug Hooking and Punch Needle Embroidery?

‘Punch needle’ may refer to either punch needle rug hooking or punch needle embroidery. Both punch needle crafts use a punch needle tool to poke fiber through a foundation fabric creating loops on the opposite side. While the method and techniques are similar, differences are found in the size of the punch needle tool and the fibers and foundation fabric that are usually used.

What’s in a Name?

‘Punch needle rug hooking’ isn’t just for making rugs! The name comes from the craft's origin; rugs were the primary project made with this size of tool; however, the craft has evolved in amazing ways. Now, everything from rugs to coasters, chair pads to wall hangings, furniture to wearables is being made! 

There is no limit to the project type, artistry or creativity that can be explored– the term ‘punch needle rug hooking’ is now used to simply differentiate it from other punch needle crafts. It may also be referred to as just ‘Punch Needle’. Oxford Punch Needles, with two widths and different heights, are perfect examples of the ideal tools for this scale of work.

Punch needle embroidery uses the exact same principles as punch needle rug hooking to make loops of fiber in a foundation fabric. The difference is in the size of the punch needle point. Embroidery-type punch needles are much thinner and finer than rug-type punch needles, and the fibers that are used in them are thinner as well.

These two tools both make loops; however the difference in the weight and type of fiber used in them dictates the final look and use of the end project.

Punch Needle Rug Hooking vs. Punch Needle Embroidery: The Crafts at a Glance

Is there a Crossover of Traditional Embroidery Stitches and Punch Needle Techniques?

Yes! Sometimes, when you hear someone talking about punch needle embroidery it isn’t the size of the punch needle tool or fibers being used, but the stitches they are making with their punch needle tool! 

There are many creative makers who use a punch needle tool, including Oxford Punch Needles, to create works of art that mimic the look of some embroidery stitches. In the punch needle world these are often referred to as ‘fancy’ or ‘creative’ stitches and they are considered an advanced technique. They are used primarily in decorative projects as most of these stitches are not as robust as standard punch needle loops and do not stand up to wear and tear.

How Does Punch Needle Relate to Traditional Embroidery?

They are related, in that they are both fiber art, but they are not the same. Both use yarn or thread to create decorative designs in fabric, but the tools, techniques, textures, and finished results can be quite different.

The process of how the stitch is made differs drastically between the two. Punch needle uses a punch needle tool to poke yarn into a foundation fabric creating textured loops on the opposite side. Embroidery uses a needle to pull thread completely through a fabric base creating a variety of stitches on the surface.

Punch Needle vs. Embroidery: The Crafts at a Glance

Is Punch Needle Easier than Embroidery?

For many beginners, punch needle may feel easier than embroidery. Punching is wonderfully repetitive: punch, lift, move, repeat. Your hands ‘learn’ the rhythm surprisingly quickly. Embroidery projects often require mastering a list of individual stitches to get started.

Here's another great aspect: if you make a mistake while punching you can easily pull out the problematic section and punch it again. Embroidery mistakes often involve the slow unpicking of stitches or plucking out fine threads from your cloth.

That said, like embroidery, punch needle has techniques to learn, from basic skills like maintaining a consistent stitch gauge to advanced methods for tackling complex patterns.

Is Punch Needle Beginner Friendly?

Yes. Punch needle is beginner-friendly, particularly when you start with a simple design, the correct materials, and a little bit of guidance.

The relatively short learning curve makes it a good introduction to fiber art. You can begin seeing results quickly, which is a real confidence booster when you're new to fiber crafts.

A punch needle starter kit for beginners can make things even easier because the pattern, foundation fabric, yarn, and instructions are already coordinated.

What Punch Needle Supplies and Tools Do You Need?

Your basic punch needle supplies are refreshingly simple:

• A punch needle tool

• Monk’s cloth or another suitable foundation fabric

• Yarn that matches your needle

• A gripper frame or no-slip hoop

• Sharp scissors

Having the best punch needle tool matters, too. Your punch needle needs to be of good quality and compatible with your yarn and foundation fabric. When you have the best of those three, punching becomes a satisfying experience. Oxford Punch Needles are the gold standard and work perfectly with Violet Jane Yarns and Oxford Monk’s Cloth.

Is Punch Needle an Easy Hobby to Start?

In our experience, punch needle is an easy hobby to start—and offers plenty of room for creativity and growth.

Begin with a small wall hanging, coaster, mug rug or trivet featuring a simple motif. Once you've mastered the basics, you can move onto more ambitious punch needle projects, experiment with yarn weights and loop heights or play with color and texture.

Want to have a little extra guidance? Check out Oxford's Youtube tutorials or take a class! The Oxford Rug Hooking School has many online courses from beginner to advanced, where an Oxford Certified Instructor will guide you through every step so you can complete your project successfully.

Let’s Stitch This Up

The many shared terms and similarities between these crafts and techniques might be confusing at times, but the overarching theme is creativity and enjoyment.

Embroidery isn't going anywhere, and neither is punch needle in any form. All are wonderful, satisfying and creative types of fiber art. Think of them as crafty cousins: related, occasionally confused for one another (especially in terminology), but each with its own personality.

How do you choose where to start? If you like the idea of making something tactile, colorful, and satisfyingly rhythmic, punch needle might just be your next favorite obsession.

Fair warning: “I’ll just make one little project” is how craft obsessions and stashes start; it is easy to become hooked on punch needle!

Related Blogs:
How Long Does it Take to Make a Punch Needle Rug?
Where Do You Punch? Inside, Outside, or On the Pattern Line?
How Punch Needle Supports Mindfulness and Stress Relief

Written by: The Oxford Company Editorial Team

Reviewed by: Simone Vojvodin

Dean of the School (Oxford Rug Hooking School)

Overseer of Oxford Certification, and Advanced Certified Oxford Instructor

Simone Vojvodin is an Advanced Certified Oxford Instructor, who is incredibly passionate about teaching Punch Needle rug hooking, sharing her love of the craft with students since 2011. A nature and animal lover, she resides on her farm near Dutton, Ontario where she has her studio, Red Maple Ruggery.