Personally, I always use 100% cotton monk's cloth for all my punch needle projects. Although I prepare my designs and color plan my rugs ahead of time, once I start punching I don't always get it "just right" the first time. Sometimes a color doesn't work or I want to alter my design a bit... Many times I just can't tell what something's going to look like until I actually start punching. If you're like me (and most punchers!) you will often be challenged by the “three P's" meaning you will choose to "Punch, un-Punch and re-Punch" until you’re satisfied with your results! On one boat rug I made I had to fit the 8 lettered name of the boat on it's tiny 2" x 1" stern! I finally got it right on the 7th try and the cotton monk's didn't rip! Needless to say, I punched carefully while I did this but what I'm trying to say is - cotton monk's cloth is the most durable, forgiving foundation cloth I've ever tried! Tip: If you're using our #13 or #14 fine point Oxford Punch Needles with "slippery" fibers such as cotton and you find that your loops aren't staying in... try washing and drying your monk's cloth to shrink the holes. (Note that this isn't necessary with most yarns.)
