OXFORD PUNCH NEEDLE CERTIFIED INSTRUCTO

Qualifying as an Oxford Punch Needle Certified Instructor was such a great experience!  I feel so very privileged and excited to now be able to share with you what I have learned by offering different punch needle courses throughout Wales, at Studio 3 in Cardigan, Tecstiliau in Caernarfon, local village halls and presentation at Women’s Institute meetings.  I am also happy to provide private tutoring or host punch needle parties.  I am a member of the Oxford Certified Punch Needle Instructors Guild, Pembrokeshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers and a craft volunteer at the National Wool Museum.  It is so wonderful to be part of theses groups as there is so much to learn and glean from other artists and creative people.

Because of my background in mental health, I want to continue to promote mental wellbeing through the medium of craft.  This provides me with a platform to inform/educate others about how the traditional craft of punch needle rug hooking can be linked to a type of mindful practice, while taking time to make a space for yourself and your creative spirit.

 

 

 

OXFORD PUNCH NEEDLE

The Oxford Punch Needle, in my opinion, it is the “Rolls Royce” of punch needles.   It was designed in 1995, by Amy Oxford, a well known rug hooker from Vermont, USA.  (for more information about please read “Birth of a Punch Needle” — https://amyoxford.com/pages/birth-of-a-punch-needle).  Because of the design and functionality, the loops created by the Oxford Punch Needle are more consistent and even than other punch needles which makes it easier to use.  Another great aspect of its design is that it is easy on the hand and your hand, and who better to understand this and develop a tool than someone who is making rugs for a living.

Reasons the Oxford Punch Needle is valued and loved

• Ergonomically Designed for Comfort and Speed
• Maple Handle
• Electro Polished Stainless Steel Needle
• Lifetime Money Back Guarantee
• Designed by Punch Needle Expert Amy Oxford
• Works Beautifully With Many Different Weights and Varieties of Yarn
• Make Quality Hooked Rugs With the Punch Needle Method of Rug Hooking
• Excellent for Use With Yarn, Cut Strips of Wool and Other Fabrics
• Made in the USA

The Oxford Punch Needle comes in two different widths (Regular and Fine) and 8 different sizes listed below.

• #8 (1/2″ loop) regular
• #8 (1/2″ loop) fine
• #9 (3/8″ loop) regular
• #9 (3/8″ loop) fine
• #10 (1/4″ loop) regular
• #10 (1/4″ loop) fine
• #14 “The Mini” (1/8″ loop) fine only
• #13 “The Mini With Heels” (3/16″ loop) – fine only

Regular -The regular needle can be used with chunky 3-ply rug yarn and bulky weight knitting yarn. You can also double, triple, and quadruple finer yarns and thread them together through the punch needle at the same time. ¼” wide strip of fabric also work beautifully in the regular needle. (1/4” wide strips are the same as 8/32” strips, and these are known as a #8 cut in the rug hooking world).

Fine – The fine needle can be used with worsted weight, DK, Aran, tapestry, needlepoint yarns, and some chunky yarns that are not too bulky. Narrow strips of fabric can also be used (3/32” strips, also known as a #3 cut in the rug hooking world).