This year Ali Strebel and I will be teaching a rug hooking class called techniques. One of the things that I will be talking about is the fact that quite a few of the rugs that I create are actually punch hooked.
One of my latest designs, Jane Austen, is an example of a punch hooked rug. You can see from this photo that there are no design lines on the front.
That is because to punch hook a rug, you are working on the wrong side. I often use longer strips than is typically used for rug hooking, but this is not necessary. You can use strips that are much shorter.
I think that you might be quite surprised at which designs I hooked traditionally from the front versus punch hooked from the back. This is a close up of my punch hooked pillow called Gazing Ball.
The rug in the center, Summer Basket, has been punch hooked. The look is slightly different, and if you know what to look for you may be able to tell the difference.
The truth is I love both techniques and it gives me more options to create.
Here is the back of my design Madame Odier which is punch hooked with the rug crafters speed tufting tool.
One of the things I love about punch hooking is the antique, textural look.
I like rug hooking to be my own personal vision of beauty. Since I love vintage textiles it pleases me to create something that has mystery and seems to have a history built into it.
Thanks for stopping by today ~ Karen
primitivespirit 
Karen, You crate the most beautiful colors of wool I have ever seen, especially for the autumn time of year. Your Jane Austen pattern is my favorite – is it available in a smaller form? enjoy the sunshine! Kerry
LikeLike
not yet. i sometimes make different sizes. suggestions will be considered. what size do you see as ideal?
LikeLike
I enjoyed your tutorial on punch hooking and I love the way it looks. Your colors are always inspirational to me. What size is the Jane Austen rug? Patricia
LikeLike
patricia, thanks for commenting. The Jane Austen rug is 29″ X 45″ and it can be seen on my Etsy shop here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/223169565/jane-austen-rug-hooking-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_1
LikeLike
very interesting to know that you utilize three different techniques! I like to punch hook too, meaning, punch my motifs with my oxford, then traditional-hook my backgrounds ~ thanks for letting us know your creative ways!
L
LikeLike
thanks Lori! how interesting that you use the Oxford punch to do your motifs. do you think the traditional hook is easier on the hand/wrist/arm? thank you for sharing, karen
LikeLike
Hi Karen, is punch hooking something I could teach myself to do? Is the tool you mentioned readily available? Thanks … I love your rugs!
holly gleason
LikeLike
hi holly! i think you certainly could teach yourself. look for the tool on ebay, making sure you get the instruction booklet, threader and gauge. put the tool on the shortest setting it will go. experiment and practice! check out amyoxford.com for other helpful hints.
LikeLike
Hi Karen – I like the Oxford punch, too. I agree that the punching looks great when combined with traditional rug hooking, Mixing wool strips and yarn is fab! Where are you teaching your class?
LikeLike
robin, the class is in tipp city ohio. thanks for the comment!
LikeLike
Hi Karen, I have done both hook and punch, I do like the look of a punched rug. I do think that for those who have trouble keeping their hooked loops even and consistent, punch hooking might help them. Great post!!
LikeLike
thanks tedder for commenting today and sharing your thoughts, karen
LikeLike
I’ve made a rug using an Oxford needle but had a hard time keeping the foundation taut enough to work well – what’s your secret?
LikeLike
you need carpet tack strips on the frame, or gripper strips. gripper strips are not all alike — some are for finer fabrics. also, your frame should not be too large. fabric in a larger frame may stretch out more easily.
LikeLike
I have punched a mat using the oxford punch needle ,,,, enjoyed it very much,,,, but still go back to the traditional way,,,,, love your mats , and colors u use,,,,
Thanks karen,,,, enjoy your posts and pictures very much,,,
LikeLike
thanks for the comment elaine, great to hear from you!
LikeLike
Karen, thanks for verifying what I was thinking of trying. My Mother gave me a rug speed hook, thinking I would never use it; I got rid of it. Feeling stupid.
LikeLike
I find it difficult to get details working from the back with the punch needle. It does go quicker. So far, I have just used yarn for the punch needle.
LikeLike
try using a thinner cut of wool strip. when you turn the work over you will probably need to move individual loops into place. this is true for using the oxford punch tool.
LikeLike
how high is your rug frame for the rug crafters tool? how do you determine what the height should be? Thank you
LikeLike
it is about 3 3/4″ tall measuring from the top of the frame to the tabletop. the tool should not touch the table as you punch it down through the fabric. your fabric will give a little, so this should be taken into account.
LikeLike