If you want to experience what it would be to paint with thread, then you need to give punch needle embroidery a try. This technique dates back to thousands of years and has remained popular even today. The punch needle simply pushes the yarn or thread into the fabric instead of stitching through it. Easy as pie!
So, what yarns are best to use with a punch needle? A 3-ply, medium to bulky weight wool yarn is a traditional and optimal choice, although modern punch needlers like wool-acrylic blends. Other thicker yarns of softer materials may substitute if the yarn can flow easily through the shaft of the punch needle that you are using.
In this guide, you will learn how to pick the best yarns while working with punch needles. We have some tips below to help you choose, and we have included a handy guide to some of our top choices complete with reviews!
Punch Needle Yarns: 3 Things To Look For
If you’re not looking to do punch needle with embroidery thread and you aren’t looking for an easy punch needle kit to do the work (or need to replace your materials after your first project!), you’ll need to choose the right yarn.
After all, yarn has a lovely, textured look to it that can really set your project off right.
But there are a few key factors that you need to consider while planning to purchase the best yarns for your punch needle embroidery project. Let’s look into them:
1. Go for bulky weight yarns.
Wool, acrylic yarns, cotton yarns, and any other yarn that is medium to bulky weight will work well with a punch needle. You should avoid yarns that are lumpy and slippery (such as those shiny, satin-like blends). While using thinner yarns, you will have to use two strands of yarn together.
Most punch needle crafters report preferring 3-ply yarns made of wool-acrylic blends, but you can feel free to experiment or adapt to your equipment (see #2).
2. The thickness should be equal to the punch needle.
Whichever yarn you choose for the purpose, you need to make sure that it is as thick as the punch needle you are using. If you have thinner yarns, you may have to double or even triple the yarn to adjust.
3. Determine yarn based on the purpose.
You need to decide the kind of yarn you would be using based on the item you are designing. For instance, if you are designing rugs, then you should opt for 100% wool yarn as it will last for a longer time and make for a thicker feel under your toes.
The 5 Best Yarns For Punch Needles
We did thorough research to find the best yarns available for working with punch needles in the market.
| Rank | Product | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Red Heart Soft Yarn | Acrylic, 3-ply, medium weight, 256 yd |
| 2. | Tehete Merino Wool 3-ply Yarn | Wool-acrylic blend, sport weight, 273 yd |
| 3. | Lion Brand Yarn Feels Like Butta | Polyester, medium weight, 218 yd |
| 4. | Lion Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn | Wool-acrylic blend, super bulky weight, 106 yd |
| 5. | Caron Simply Soft Yarn | Acrylic, worsted weight, 315 yd |
We have listed our top 5 picks in more detail below. We’re sure any one of these will set you up for success.
1. Red Heart Soft Yarn
This all-purpose soft yarn features a subtle luster and an ultra-soft hand. It promises an elegant drape and is made from 100% acrylic material.
This is a versatile worsted yarn and is suitable for working with various projects ranging from hats to garments, accessories to throws. A special spinning process renders a silky feel to this yarn.
Cleaning and care will increase the durability of this soft yarn. You can wash it and dry it but make sure not to bleach or iron it. Made in the USA, this product is available in 48 beautiful colors. With endless color possibilities available, you will be able to find something suitable for your project.
Key Features
- 5-ounce ball is sport weight and has 256-yard in length.
- Made from 100 percent acrylic materials.
- Made in the USA.
- Easy to care for.
- Is ultra-soft and features a subtle luster.
Pros
- Has an elegant drape.
- Available in 48 different colors.
- Suitable for use in various projects.
- The special spinning process renders a silky feel to this yarn.
Cons
- Frays a little if not managed appropriately.
2. Tehete Merino Wool 3-ply Yarn
This yarn has been made from 35% merino wool, 20 acrylic, 25% nylon, and 20% viscose. It is more of a merino wool blend and is extremely soft.
It has fantastic shine and breathability, but without sacrificing all of the texture of a wool. The fibers of merino wool are finer, softer, and more sensitive than any other fabrics. It’s really the best of both worlds!
You can create unique, elegant, and fashionable products with this yarn. This 3-ply wool yarn is perfect for your punch needle embroidery project. This ultra-fine yarn is soft and easy to work with. The colors are deep and rich and will render a beautiful touch to your amazing project.
Key Features
- Made from 35% merino wool, 20% acrylic, 25% nylon and 20% viscose.
- This merino wool blend and is extremely soft.
- Has fantastic shine and breathability.
- The fibers are finer and softer.
- 3-ply wool yarn is perfect for punch needle embroidery project.
Pros
- Ultra-fine yarn is soft and easy to work with.
- Comes in deep and rich colors.
- Merino wool is renowned for its exceptional qualities.
- Can be machine washed and dried.
- A great alternative for people who are too allergic to use 100% wool.
Cons
- Is quite thinner and you have may have to double the thread while working with the punch needles.
3. Lion Brand Yarn Feels Like Butta
This yarn has a velvety feel of chenille and is available in pastel shades as well as in other shades. Made from 100% polyester, this yarn has an extremely lightweight feel, despite being a medium-weight yarn.
You can use it for your punch needle project as it is extremely easy to work with. You will barely encounter any knots in the skein, if any.
This yarn has the perfect amount of stretch and will help you create exceptional punch needle embroidery designs. Plus, it is the perfect balance of thickness for your embroidery and thinness for your ease. Plus, look at those colors – this one even looks like butta’!
Key Features
- Made from 100% polyester.
- Has a velvety feel of chenille.
- Is available in both pastel shades and other bold shades.
- Made in the USA.
Pros
- Has the perfect amount of stretch.
- Suitable for use in a variety of projects.
- Can be machine washed and dried.
- Is lightweight and easy to work with.
Cons
- Need to manage it carefully if you don’t want the strands to stick to each other.
4. Lion Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn
This 2-ply lamb wool blend is super bulky in weight which makes it suitable for your punch needle embroidery project, particularly if you want to add a little variety in texture to your work.
It is perfect for making extra warm sweaters, hats, slippers, vests, and more. You can also use it in your punch needle embroidery project.
This yarn has been made from 82% acrylic, 10% wool, and 8% rayon. Thanks to the acrylic content it is easy to work with, especially for beginners.
Made in the USA, this yarn is super easy to work with. It can also be machine washed and dried which adds to your convenience. The quality is exceptional and your punch needle embroidery work is going to turn out to be great.
Key Features
- 2-ply wool blend yarn.
- Made from 82% acrylic, 10% wool and 8% rayon
- Super bulky in weight.
- Perfect for making hats, slippers, vests, and more.
- Made in the USA.
Pros
- One of the best yarns available for beginners.
- Is quite easy to work with.
- Can be machine washed and dried.
- The quality is simply exceptional.
- Is quite thick which makes it suitable for working with punch needles.
Cons
- Separating the strands is quite a hassle.
5. Caron Simply Soft Yarn
Caron Simply Soft yarn is one of the most popular worsted weight yarns that you will find in the market. It is incredibly soft to touch and can be used in a variety of projects.
You can make baby products or use the yarn for your punch needle embroidery project. Though you may be sad to “waste” this softness on anything you won’t be wearing or snuggling up with.
This yarn is available in a variety of colors ranging from pastels to brights. You will easily find the color shade you are looking for so as to incorporate into your project. It has a unique shine and a fabulous luster. The drape is quite beautiful. You can machine wash and dry it with ease.
Made from 100% acrylic, this yarn has a rich shine which will highlight your punch needle embroidery. This durable yarn is quite versatile and can be used in different projects. Caron yarns are manufactured in North Carolina, USA and you will barely encounter any quality issues while working with this yarn.
Key Features
- Multipurpose, worsted weight yarn.
- Made from 100% acrylic.
- Exceptionally soft to touch.
- Can be used in a variety of projects.
- Made in North Carolina, USA.
Pros
- Available in a plethora of colors ranging from pastels to brights.
- Has a unique shine and a fabulous luster.
- The drape is quite beautiful.
- Can be machine washed and dried.
- Yarn is durable and a premium quality product.
Cons
- The color may vary slightly than what is has been shown in the picture.
- Slick yarn can be difficult to work with.
Conclusion
There are a plethora of options available when it comes to finding the perfect yarn for working with punch needles.
We did extensive research to study all the options available. We have listed the top 5 yarns along with their key features, pros, and cons.
You can weigh the options in order to make an educated choice while shopping for yarns for your punch needle embroidery project. Have fun “punching”!
Up Next: The Best Fabric For Punch Needle
