punch needle hoop on coffee table

Leaning into the New Year with a new skill – how to make 2025 your most creative year yet

I’m not really one for New Year’s resolutions but one new thing that I have decided to engage with is a picking a word of the year for 2025. I’m sure I could have created a fancy Pinterest vision board or gone old school with some paper and pens in order to brainstorm, but I’ve decided not to overthink it.
Sara Moore
punch needle gripper strip frame for punch needle

What is a punch needle gripper strip frame?

Superior to their carpet tack and canvas stretcher bar counterparts, the punch needle gripper strip frames make stretching your fabric and moving projects a breeze. Find out more about what is a gripper strip frame and why are they popular frame choice for punch needle.
Sara Moore
Whole Punching 2024 roundup

Whole Punching 2024 roundup

I’m pleased (and a little surprised!) at all of the wonderful things I feel I have accomplished this year. None of these would have been possible without my own support system of incredible family and friends who have all gone above and beyond. And of course, my wonderful customers.
Sara Moore
Lavor punch needle tools

Lavor punch needle tools

Lavor are one of the most popular producers of punch needle tools. Their punch needles are easy to use, great for beginners, affordable and come in a range of different sizes.
Sara Moore
Punch needle rug by Sara Moore of Whole Punching, Certified Oxford Punch Needle teacher

The Good, the Bad and the Rugly: What to consider when making a punch needle rug

We’re moving into the colder months here in the UK, which is the perfect moment to think about starting a rug. While your first rug will most likely take you the longest, there is still plenty of time to overcome challenges and get it finished before winter properly sets in!
Sara Moore
Morgan no slip gripper hoops for punch needle

How to choose a frame or hoop for your punch needle project

One of the core components needed for punch needle is a suitable frame or hoop on which to make your project. What project you are making will impact the frame...
Sara Moore
Oxford punch needle tools

A guide to punch needle tools in 2024: Which punch needle tool should you use

In the last five years the range of punch needle tools available to buy has broadened hugely and I decided it was time for an update. The rise in popularity of punch needle has meant that there is now a much wider variety of tools to choose from, but with increased choice it can sometimes be harder to pick the right one. Here I discuss the benefits of each tool and I’ll also give you some ideas of what materials are best to be used with them.
Sara Moore
punch needle gripper frame, monks cloth, oxford punch needle and wool rug yarn

Materials you need to get started with punch needle

Punch needle is a fantastic, accessible craft that is suitable for anyone, from the experienced maker to someone getting started with crafting for the first time. You don’t need too much kit to get going – there are just four key components required to start your first project.
Sara Moore
What is the difference between monks cloth and aida?

What is the difference between monks cloth and aida?

Monks cloth and aida are both two types of fabric used for crafting. Traditionally monks cloth is used for rug making crafts such as punch needle and rug hooking whereas aida is used for cross-stitch embroidery.
Sara Moore
100% wool chunky punch needle rug yarn in a tumbling pile

Which yarn should you use for punch needle?

To get started with punch needle you will need four key materials; a punch needle tool, fabric, a frame or hoop for stretching your fabric and yarn to punch with. Choosing yarn for your punch needle project can definitely be one of the most fun parts of your planning. However, it’s helpful to keep a few useful tips in mind when you pick the yarn for your next project.

Sara Moore
Four top tips for making your own punch needle rugs

Four top tips for making your own punch needle rugs

There are so many lovely rugs available in shops but if you want to put a more personal stamp on your home, making your own punch needle rug is a great way to do it. With four simple supplies, some time and a little patience, you could have a new rug for your home. Here are my four top tips for making your own punch needle rugs.

Sara Moore
What to make when it’s warm: Five punch needle projects to keep you crafting through the summer months

What to make when it’s warm: Five punch needle projects to keep you crafting through the summer months

Part of me wants to embrace the warmer months that are coming and make summery projects. The other still wants to hunker down and make rugs. Whichever way you’re leaning, there...
Sara Moore