Supplies

Beyond the core tools (a punch needle, monk's cloth, frame, and yarn), the main accessories that improve your experience are small, sharp pointed scissors for trimming loops and finishing yarn ends, a wooden stitch gauge to check loop heights, and a threader or threading needle to load yarn through your punch needle (included with every individual Oxford Punch Needle purchase). A frame cover is also a worthwhile addition if you plan to work on a gripper frame for extended sessions, as it prevents yarn from snagging on the metal teeth and cushions your arms.

Foundation backing is the base fabric through which you punch. Monk's cloth and primitive linen are the two most common options offered by Oxford. Yes, you absolutely need foundation backing because, without a fabric stretched on a frame, there is nothing to punch into. For beginners, Oxford 100% cotton monk's cloth is the recommended choice, while experienced makers may prefer Oxford primitive linen as an alternative.

Small, sharp scissors are the best choice, rather than fabric shears or large craft scissors. Precision is important for trimming yarn tails flush with the loop surface and snipping any loops that sit slightly higher than the rest. Oxford offers carefully selected scissors in its supplies collection, and scissors are also included in all Oxford Punch Needle Sets. Regardless of the brand, sharp blades are more important than size, as dull scissors can drag and fray yarn instead of making clean cuts.

In addition to punch needles, yarn, frames, monk's cloth, and patterns, The Oxford Company also offers foundation backing (monk's cloth and primitive linen), scissors, the Oxford Punch Needle Handbook, frame covers, a cleaner brush for removing fibers from gripper frames, stitch gauges, zippered tool cases, yarn sample color cards, and gift cards. The collection is intentionally curated with products that Amy Oxford personally uses and recommends, rather than being a general craft supply catalog.

Yes. The Oxford Punch Needle Handbook is available as a free download and serves as an excellent reference guide written by Amy Oxford. It covers punch needle rug hooking basics, tool use, yarn selection, pattern transfer, finishing techniques, and troubleshooting. A printed copy of the handbook is also included with Oxford Punch Needle Sets. In addition, Amy Oxford has written two comprehensive hardcover books: Punch Needle Rug Hooking – Your Complete Resource to Learn & Love the Craft and Intermediate and Advanced Punch Needle Rug Hooking – Techniques, Projects, and Inspirations, along with other publications available through the Supplies section.

The Oxford Company's supplies are specifically tested to work together and with Oxford Punch Needles. The monk's cloth is woven with the correct thread count for all Oxford needle sizes, Violet Jane yarn is designed to glide smoothly through the fabric and needles, and the gripper frames are built to match the recommended materials. General craft stores often carry products with varying quality and compatibility, which can make learning more difficult. Purchasing Oxford products, or buying from authorized Oxford retailers, removes the guesswork and provides a more reliable experience, especially for beginners.

Yes. The Oxford Company offers a wholesale program for craft shops and instructors. Retailers can create a wholesale account, while Oxford Certified Instructors can register for an instructor account to access bulk pricing on punch needles, yarn, monk's cloth, and other supplies. This program is ideal for instructors who regularly purchase materials for classes or retailers who want to stock Oxford products. For larger orders or additional information, you can also contact the Oxford General Manager directly.