14 Gorgeous Ways To Get In On The Coziest New Home Trend
Photo, Erik Putz. Tattoo, Inkbox.
The latest way to get a cozy dose of texture is, in fact, centuries old. Punch-needle embroidery—those graphic textile pieces pinned and posted all over social media—had its initial heyday in 15th-century Europe, when it was used as a way to bedazzle religious vestments. Today, the freshest designs use modern patterns and a bright palette. A range of fibres, from rugged yarn to fine thread, translates to pieces with amazing texture and oomph. Here are some punchy examples:
A blend of mohair, yarn and wool in midcentury modern hues makes a splashy hang-up. $58, NIKKISTIXCo, Etsy.
Vancouver artist Shauna McGinnis, who runs the online shop Going Steady, loves to experiment with geometric patterns and colour combinations. She’s inspired by Bauhaus architecture and is always on the hunt for vintage, new wool and acrylic and cotton yarns with bold hues for her pillows, totes and wall hangings. Shauna started off weaving, embroidering, sewing and painting, but switched to punch needle after becoming captivated by the craft just over a year ago. Pillow, $70, goingsteady.bigcartel.com.
Lesley Hill, a modernist at heart, makes vibrant quilts and DIY punch-needle kits from her Homeday Studio in Guelph, Ont. Originally trained in industrial sewing and pattern drafting for fashion, Lesley, who also works as a public-health nurse, discovered punch needle online in 2017 and calls it, “the least frustrating craft I’ve ever tried.” Get touchy feely with the nubby bands of colour in this wool rainbow wall hanging. Beginner punch-needle kit with 55-page ebook, $95, homedaystudio.com.
With its exquisitely shaded leaves and perspective, this botanical hanging by Arounna Khounnoraj has a painterly quality. The Toronto textile designer has, since 2008, run the bricks-and-mortar store Bookhou with her husband John Booth. Here small-batch products showcase natural, handmade materials. Two years ago, after teaching herself how to punch needle by watching YouTube videos, she added punch pieces to the mix. Her fresh approach to the craft has made her a sensation in the maker community—an Instagram video of Khounnaraj in action has been viewed 500,000 times. In her book, Punch Needle: Master the Art of Punch Needle Accessories for you and your Home, published May 2019, she alluringly describes the art form as “an approach that feels like you’re drawing with yarn.” (This leaf hanging is not for sale.) bookhou.com.
A cute pink-and-gold wool grapefruit stuffie is a sweet addition to a nursery or an older kid’s bedroom. Beginner punch-needle kit with 55-page ebook, $95, and you can download the pattern for the stuffie for free. homedaystudio.com.
A cardinal in an autumnal setting has us excited for cooler temps. While Jamie Bennett's work is not available for sale, check out the website for lots of inspiration.
Hang a cushy pear or cherries from a doorknob for fun. $51, Laetitia Dalbies.
A magnificent woodland wreath recalls a forest floor, crags and all. Nice for a nursery or seasonal décor. $55, Midnight Creative, Etsy.
punch-needle zebra Mind the Circle
Calling all beginners, this zebra pattern is your ticket to making this adorable guy, $10, Mind the Circle, Etsy.
Punch needle is a serious art form, as seen in this piece inspired by the Mexican citrus industry, $435, ShopLivStudio, Etsy.
punch-needle bag Rue Nilla Creative
A large zippered pouch, made of cotton, wool yarn, linen and faux leather, is an earthy catchall for fall. $85, Rue Nilla Creative, Etsy.
Two hoops add up to one dashing dachshund in booties. Made of acrylic wool, fabric and felt, this duo is a conversation starter. $115, Cutie Pie Punch, Etsy.
Wool that Girl makes cute clutches and change purses. $38, Etsy.
Try this at home! Punch needle. $49, eweknit.co.
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