Beginner Mistakes When Starting Punch Needle & How to Avoid Them

Beginner Mistakes When Starting Punch Needle & How to Avoid Them

Punch needle embroidery is one of the most relaxing, beginner-friendly crafts you can start — but like every new hobby, the first steps come with a few common mistakes.
The good news? They’re all easy to fix.
If you’re just starting punch needle (or thinking about it), here are the beginner mistakes most people make and how you can avoid them so your first project turns out beautifully.

1. Choosing the Wrong Fabric

One of the biggest beginner struggles is using fabric that’s too tightly woven or too stretchy. Your needle won’t glide in smoothly, the loops won’t form, and everything will feel frustrating.

What to use instead:
✔ canvas for most projects
✔ linen blends or other punch-needle-friendly fabrics

✔ monk’s cloth
✔ fabric with a visible weave that grips the yarn

Tip: If you’re using my digital patterns, each guide lists the recommended fabric and backing so you don’t have to guess.

2. Not Tightening the Hoop Enough

Loose fabric = loops popping out.
Punch needle needs a drum-tight surface, and a regular embroidery hoop often slips.

How to fix:

• Use a non-slip hoop or no-slip frame
• Tighten the fabric as much as possible before starting
• Re-tighten every few minutes if needed

Investing once in a good-quality hoop will make every project easier — especially if you’re following detailed coaster designs like my Yummy Sweets Collection or Spring Flower Coasters.

3. Using the Wrong Yarn Size for the Needle

Every punch needle works best with a specific yarn thickness. Too thin and the loops fall out. Too thick and it won’t fit through the needle.

Easy rule:
Match the needle to the yarn, not the other way around.

To avoid confusion:
My digital punch needle patterns always include a yarn thickness guide and clear recommendations.

4. Lifting the Needle Too Much While Punching

Beginners often “pull up” the needle between stitches, which makes loops come out uneven or too short.

What to do instead:

• Keep the needle touching the fabric at all times
• Glide across the surface, don’t lift
• Make small, even punches to keep loops consistent

It feels strange at first, but once you find the rhythm, it becomes almost meditative.

5. Not Keeping Enough Tension on the Yarn

If your yarn isn’t flowing smoothly, loops may pull out or become inconsistent.

How to avoid it:

• Make sure the yarn isn’t catching on anything
• Pull gently to keep the tension steady
• Use a yarn bowl or place the skein in a container

No tugging, no pulling — just a soft, smooth flow.

6. Forgetting to Glue the Backing

A punch needle piece may look finished, but without securing the loops, they can loosen over time — especially with items like coasters, bags, or ornaments.

Fix:
Use textile glue or a hot glue gun (kits never include these!) on the backside to secure the loops and make the project long-lasting.

Every pattern I offer includes detailed glue instructions tailored for the specific design.

7. Not Trimming or Cleaning the Loops

Beginners sometimes skip loop correction, which is what gives your piece a clean and polished look.

How to do it:

• Trim long loops
• Even out uneven spots
• Gently adjust loops with a needle tip

It takes only a few minutes, but it transforms the final result.

8. Starting With a Project That’s Too Complicated

Going straight into a large, detailed design can be overwhelming. Beginners often feel discouraged because they didn’t start simple.

Start small:

• coasters
• ornaments
• small wall pieces
• simple shapes and color blocks

This is why many of my collections — like the Easter Collection or Mushroom Collection — are beginner-friendly with step-by-step instructions.

Avoid These Mistakes & Enjoy Every Stitch

Punch needle is meant to be fun, calming, and creative. When you avoid these beginner mistakes, you’ll enjoy the process so much more — and your first project will look amazing.

If you want easy, clear guidance, my digital punch needle patterns include:
✔ recommended tools & materials
✔ yarn thickness recommendation
✔ step-by-step instructions

✔ colour charts
✔ glue & finishing tips
✔ reference photo of finished project

Whether you're just starting or returning to the craft, a good pattern makes all the difference.