I gave up on my needle punch yesterday...I got so frustrated after 4 attempts and my loops were all different lengths, bare spots, kept pulling the thread out...I said enough!! So this is what I did...I stitched the design into a little pillow... I may try needle punching it again...who knows ?? How do you talented ladies do it ??
this prim pillow is soo cute. I want to try needle punch sometime...I love the way it looks
ReplyDeleteI've done a bunch of punch needle... my only tips (without seeing you 'in action') are:
ReplyDelete- hold the punch as straight up and down (vertical) as possible (like a pen)
and
- when pulling the needle out of the fabric to move onto the next loop, (gently and lightly) drag the point of the needle (of the punch) along the fabric to the next place you're going to punch.
I hope this makes sense (as it does in my head) and I hope you don't give up!!
oh, and use the shortest needle length setting, and try (when possible) to use a hoop big enough so you don't have to move/squish your work....
ReplyDeletealso helpful for me was working in the direction as if I was writing a letter...left to right... filling in the background first, then doing the details....
who knew I had so much to say?!
last thing - I swear!!
ReplyDeletekeep the 'punches' as close together as possible without breaking the fabric with the needle...ok, thats it!!
I've never attempted needle punching....I think I would have a hard time too. But I simple ADORE how your pillow turned out!! How cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment on my pillow....and wow....the tips !! I WILL try again !!! Thank you !!! .. :)
ReplyDeleteRobin
OMGosh Robin I can feel for you...I have a couple of them in the closet upstairs where I won't see them for some time! I've got the same problem as you...LOL
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish I could go to a HANDS ON CLASS to learn the RIGHT WAY.
Your pillow is adorable.
Karen
I love your kitty pillow...I have the stuff to needle punch and have never tried it yet..:)
ReplyDeleteRobin I had the same problem when I first did it then I got advise from a friend to get the frame with the needle strip edges like rug hookers use. OMGosh it makes it so mush easier cause you can get the fabric a lot more tight. I also got a bigger tipped punch so I could punch with 6 strands and your piece comes together so much faster. You don't get the tiny details but for something like your kitty pattern it works great.
ReplyDeleteI like your kitty the way you did it, though, but do try again, it's fun.
The pillow turned out cute :)
ReplyDeleteThis is the reason I am so scared to try it myself. I don't want to fumble. But your work is always wonderful.
I agree that punchneedle can be frustrating. I didn't like it until I got a gripper frame. (the same thing susiedele recommended) I really like your pillow, though!
ReplyDeleteRobin ~
ReplyDeleteTry using the suggestions you've been given, but do try again. After the first piece, it is SO EASY and one of those mindless things you can do while in the car (NOT if you're the driver...lol!) or sitting waiting for an appointment. I do the six strand method with not a whole lot of detail. PN really is easy and fun to do!
Pug hugs :)
Lauren
And one more thing...Susie is correct in that the more taut the fabric, the easier it is. That can make a HUGE difference!!!
ReplyDeletei've got a kit but haven't tried it yet. i'll let you know when i do,LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteOne row by itself looks pitiful, but once you get several rows done, it begins to look wonderful. Must have the hoop with the lip and have fabric very taut, also be sure you are using a poly / cotton blend not all cotton.
ReplyDeleteJust love it! Sew prim and cute! I have your spring patterns and will try this one out using embroidery and then with wool! Thanks
ReplyDeleteYour pillow is adorable. When I get frustrated with something I just put it down for the day and go to something else (makes liking multiple hobbies a good thing). Then usually the next day everything goes right! Hope it does for you, but you made excellent use out of your time!
ReplyDeleteThat pillow is absolutely adorable - wanted to thank you for your free doodles - hooked the rooster and now am planning on starting on one of the bunnies!
ReplyDeleteDon't give up on PN - it just takes some time. I took a class at a local needlework shop. That got me started, but some has been trial and error. Setting a very slightly longer loop (Cameo #3) will help to fill in any bare spots). The move back down to #2. Work from right to left, in small sections. Make sure the pn is threaded correctly, the hoop is drum tight. I like to work at a table, with part of the hoop on the table. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteLaura
I have made a million or so (kidding) punch needle pcs and love it. I could never keep my weavers cloth tight enough on a hoop to keep my loops even. My suggestion is that you use a frame with the metal strips if you have one. I have made some of your patterns and would show them to you but couldn't find an address. I have a couple on e-bay now.
ReplyDeleteRobin, Im in the same sinking boat as you are concerning PN...I am so envious of some of the delightful pieces I see in blog land. I am so happy Im not alone. I too now have the courage to make yet another attempt...If you have the willingness to try it again, then so am I...so many great tips...hmmm wonder if they sell gift cards for Betty Ford...LOL
ReplyDeleteGood luck.