One of the most appreciated features of the Oxford Punch Needle is the exceptionally quick and easy threading that it offers, allowing you to maintain the satisfying flow and rhythm of working on your punch needle projects!
In fact, as Amy Oxford herself often says, the Oxford Punch Needle was designed to make the craft simple and accessible for everyone!
“My greatest reward for designing my tools has been the unexpected letters of thanks that I receive from customers. Many arthritis sufferers have written to say that our punch has allowed them to continue with the craft they love! We have also heard from patients recovering from strokes and other ailments who are especially pleased with the Oxford Punch Needle because, unlike other punches, it can be threaded with one hand.”
Some other brands require awkward threaders, multiple complicated steps, and extra parts that are easy to lose or break.
The Oxford Punch Needle is stream lined and beautifully simplistic; its ease of use is exactly what makes it so beloved among fiber artists around the world. So, let’s go over how to thread both the Regular Point and Fine Point version, just the way we teach in class.
Watch this video as Amy demonstrates how to thread the punch needle
Step 1: Hold Your Needle the Right Way
Start by holding your Oxford Punch Needle so that the side with the groove or “channel” running up the handle is facing you. This channel is where your yarn will sit once threaded.
Step 2: Thread Through the Eye
For the Regular Point Oxford Punch Needles, take the end of your yarn and pass it through the small eye near the tip of the needle. You can do this with your fingers. Twisting the end of the yarn slightly to make a pointy tip can make it easier to pass through the punch needle eye. If you are working with fabric, snip off the edge to make a pointy edge that you can thread through.
Once the yarn is through the eye, pull it through further to create a long tail of yarn. Let go of the yarn, and proceed to the next step.
To thread the Fine Point Oxford Punch Needle, pass the tip of the yarn upward through the metal screw-eye on the end of the wood handle, then poke it through the eye of the needle tip, just as you do for the Regular punch needle, and pull a long tail through. The yarn should be resting along the top of the channel in the punch needle handle. No need to have it down in the needle just yet; that will happen in the next step!
Step 3: Place the Yarn Along the Channel
Now comes the fun part. Lay your yarn along the channel (that groove on the front of your needle), and from the end opposite the needle tip, pull the yarn backward and down. The yarn will naturally settle into the slot!
Give it a gentle pull back and forth a couple of times, as this can help smooth the fibres of the yarn and helps it find its happy place. Once it’s resting smoothly in the groove, you’re ready to start punching!
Regular Point Oxford Punch Needle
If you’re working with rug yarn, bulky yarns, or fabric strips, this is your go-to needle. The loops created are thick and plush, giving your finished work that cozy, handcrafted feel. Perfect for making rugs, cushions, or wall hangings that have bold, chunky textures.
For beginners, we often recommend starting with a #10 Regular Point Oxford Punch Needle because it gives you immediate, satisfying results; you can quickly see your progress loop by loop!
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Fine Point Oxford Punch Needle
The Fine Point version is designed for lighter-weight yarns,; a DK, worsted weight, or Aran weight yarn is ideal for detailed or delicate work, like fine shading, fine lettering, or small designs and details. It produces finer loops that give your project a smoother, more intricate surface design. Many artists love using the Fine Point for decorative wall art or detailed motifs on smaller pieces.
Both Fine Point and Regular Point Oxford Punch Needles feature the same ergonomic wooden handle (made from natural maple or colorful Symfonie wood) and electro polished stainless steel needle tip, designed for comfort, precision, and longevity.
You can punch for hours without hand fatigue, and trust me,s so many of us do!
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Choosing the Right Yarn
Matching your yarn to your punch needle size makes all the difference between frustration and flow.
For Regular Point Oxford Punch Needles, use rug yarn, bulky yarn, or strips of fabric. These thicker fibers create robust, luscious loops that fill out beautifully and work best with the wider regular punch needle tip.
For Fine Point Punch Needles, use DK, sport, worsted-weight, or aran yarns if you’re going for fine detail.
Instructor tip: Never try to “force” a thick yarn through a Fine Point Oxford Punch Needle. It’s tempting, but it can block the shaft or damage your tool. Your yarn should glide easily; i. If it doesn’t, switch to a larger punch needle or a finer yarn.
If you’re looking for yarn inspiration, check out the Violet Jane Yarn Collection, known for its smooth texture and gorgeous color range of hand-dyed solid and variegated shades, perfect for both Fine and Regular Point punch needle projects.
Why Threading Matters So Much
Proper threading sets you up for success. Once threaded correctly, you can focus on what really matters; - enjoying the meditative rhythm of the craft.
So enjoy threading your Oxford Punch Needle with ease, and join the growing community of punch needle rug hooking makers around the world.
Happy punching!
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