MINIATURE PUNCH NEEDLE
HOOKED RUGS
Kits | Instructions
"Miniature punch needle" is an old craft, which mimics the appearance of hooked rugs--but in miniature doll house size! The design is punched from the back using a specialized punch needle tool, creating a series of tiny loops on the front surface. Using my HAND DYED WOOL YARNS makes all the difference in antique appearance and quality.
Because the stitches are so tiny, Miniature Punch Needle work is often referred to as embroidery, rather than rug hooking, although it was an outgrowth of the traditional rug hooking craft. Using the punch needle tool is fun and easy, and moves very quickly, making it easy to finish a project in several hours.
J. Conner Designs Miniature Punch Needle Kits contain:
- Instructions and Advice
- Miniature punch needle pattern printed on Weaver's Cloth from a hand drawn original.
- Little skeins of my HAND DYED 100% WOOL super-thin punch needle yarns in beautiful soft colors to complete your design.
Additional Tools:
YOU WILL NEED a non-slip 7" embroidery hoop and a Miniature Punch Needle with threader and directions, plus your own embroidery scissors.
I stock the following items, please order whatever you need, along with your choice of kits.
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MORGAN brand hoops give me the best, tightest hold. These are available from me in two sizes:
- 7" Locking Hoop $9 (plus $2 mail order)
- 5" and 10" Combination Lap Stand $40 (plus $5) - this is a clever, collapsible, self supporting unit with both 5" and 10" hoops.
- I have had best results with the CAMEO brand punch needle tool. I use the extra small size needle on the #1 slot setting. This needle comes with complete directions and two needle threaders, and I find it is the perfect size for using my hand dyed wool threads.
- Cameo Punch Needle size small $15 (plus$3 mail order)
How to Create a Punch Needle Hooked Rug |
| 1. Place the pre-printed fabric pattern in the non-slip hoop. It needs to be very taut. |
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| 2. Punch needle hooking is done from the BACK surface of the project, so the pattern is printed on the back of the fabric foundation. The looped pile accumulates underneath the hoop, on what will be the front. |
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| 3. I like to move the needle toward me, leading with the concave side of the point. As in regular rug hooking, you will do DETAILS first, then outlines, then fill in each space. Background is always filled last. |
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| 4. Finished projects may be framed, made into tiny pins and pendants, appliquéd into a penny rug or wool appliqué frame, or be installed in an antique reproduction doll house!! Enjoy! |
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Kits for Sale: (Each is $25, plus $5 shipping and handling.....)
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1. Newfoundland Antique Lion
A beautiful design inspired by a rare antique hooked rug, this whimsical lion in rich old colors makes a unique project.
3.5" x 5.75" inches |
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2. Folk Art Flower Basket
This design captures the antique spirit of early hooked rugs and folk art primitives.
3.5" x 5.75" inches |
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3. Rose Border Sheep
You will recognize this popular design from my Hooked Rug pattern collection. It is very similar, but TINY!
3" x 4.25" inches |
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4. Karen's Roosters
This was inspired by one of my hooked rugs, and beautifully punched by my friend Karen Tompson!
3" x 5.25" inches |
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5. Home Sweet Home
Another of my classic designs, this one was punch-hooked by my friend Kelly Labbe. She said it was fast and easy!
3" x 5.25" inches |
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6. Shepherd Santa
A quick little punch needle project that can be finished as a box cover, a Christmas tree ornament, greeting card, or center for a Penny Rug
border.
3" x 3.75" inches |
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7. Victorian Heart
Muted coral, violet and green look sweet on an ecru ground in this
round design. It would make a nice top for a wood or
papier mache craft box, or it could be mounted in a special
Valentine's card.
4.5" circle |
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8. Cat Couple
Inspired by one of the hooked rugs in my collection, this pair of
cat's could be punch-hooked in your choice of "fur" colors.
What a great doll house rug!
5.5" x 3" inches |
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9. Shepherd Angel
This design is the same size as the Shepherd Santa and the Shepherd Snowman, so they could be framed or mounted as a series.
This angel is a red head!
3.75" x 3" inches |
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10. Shepherd Snowman
My Shepherd Snowman is the third in the little Holiday series. I made attractive Penny Rug borders for each of them,
and you can email me for the pattern!
3" x 3.75" inches |
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11. Maine Chickadee
This 3"x3.5" image of a plump winter bird was designed by my talented daughter, Rachael Conner Hamadto.
She cleverly used the higher loop setting (slot #2 on the Cameo needle) to add a three dimensional effect
to the border pine cones and holly berries. Waldoboro style punch needle hooking!
3.5 x 4.5" inches |
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12. Springtime Bunny
This plump baby bunny is surrounded by delicate spring flowers, all in soft pastels.
The finished size is 3"x3.5", perfect for a very special card or frame. Designed and hooked by
my daughter, Rachael Conner Hamadto.
3.5 x 4.5" inches |
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13. Autumn Sunflower and Pumpkins
This warm design by Janet Conner was hooked by Rachael Conner Hamadto
in beautiful fall colors, with randomly spaced repeats in the
traditional "hit or miss" border.
2.75" x 5" inches |
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14. Summer Sandpiper
Beautiful hand dyed wool threads in soft summer colors highlight this
"beachy" pattern. Designed and punch hooked by Rachael Conner Hamadto.
4" x 5.5" inches |
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