Pretty Punch is a simple form of needlecraft, similar to embroidery without all the complicated stitches and knots.
I became interested in pretty punch for home projects and was so fascinated by it's simplicity, that I became a wholesaler.
Projects I have done are beautiful additions to the character of my home, throw pillows punched in a floral design, baby blankets, wall hangings
and more. It is so simple, a pattern is ironed on to fabric and then punched with a special needle that keeps the thread
running till another color is chosen.
One of pretty punches greatest assets is, once the entire pattern is punched, fabric glued applied to the back to keep loops permanent, the pattern can be cut out and glued
like an applique to just about anything. I refashioned an old jean jacket for a nephew appliqued with Ninja Turtle appliques, he wore that jacket for years. The same nephew had a baby blanket in ninja turtles, and till this day
it looks as if I had done it the day before. The second asset is that all projects are washable.
The hallway has tiger wall hangings, each tiger with a similar pattern is hung on a 2 foot piece of
driftwood. Total cost of each ...about $7.00 and driftwood was free. By exploring with different
colors and textures I created not only the average orange and black stripped tiger but also the rare white bengals,
with a few sprigs of bamboo in the foreground.
- General Instructions
- Patterns are full-size and color coded, and are transferred to backside of fabric with hot iron.
- Cut away the pattern leaving a 1/4 " margin where possible. Place the printed side of the pattern face-down on the
back of the fabric in the exact position you want, pin to secure. Place the iron over the pattern for about 10 seconds, then lift
pattern with the pin secure at one corner to check results. If the pattern is not clear reapply heat.Patterns can generally be used
more than once, though will lose intensity after each use. TIP Almost all xerox copies can be transferred in the same method, once only.
If you see a great pattern in say a coloring book, copy it and iron on as a transfer.
- Basic Contouring
- Basic contouring is the technique most often used, and I find the most tedious yet well worth the effort for the effect. It creates a shaped
dimensional effect by dialing the needle longer on each succeeding row. Dialing up is done while needle remains in the fabric.
- Outline area on setting A, including detail lines
- Punch the next row in A 1/2
- Finish filling in on B
- or higher
- I am currently working on flowers in a weaved baskets. Each block of the weaved basket is done individually in this technique, giving the overall
3d effect. The flowers will be done similar.Roses are very beautiful using this technique.
- Brushing Technique
- Punch outline in dial A or B and fill with C or higher, progressively dialing up 1/2 a dial in a circular pattern. After entire pattern is complete, fabric glue the backside and allow to dry. Turn project back over to front, clean up any loose strands, brush in one direction with pretty punch brush, till a fuzzy effect is desired. Animal patterns are generally best for this effect a puppy with fuzzy ears or a bunny with a fuzzy tail.
- Texturizing
- I accidentally came upon texturizing by starting with the brushing technique. When threads are snipped they become one tone darker, a great TIP for shadows and detailing
outlines. Further snipping of all loops creates a velvety finish. My boss and his wife have their custom pillows on display on their couch for all to see.
- Appliques
- Appliques are simply basic punching, the back is glued giving special attention to the edges. The pattern is cut closely out of the fabric and glued just like a store bought applique.I have a jean jacket with a dragon applique surrounded by
gemstones, rhinestones and sequins.
- Fabrics
- Any fabric with a tight weave similar to a tight cheese cloth will do, I am not a seamstress so can't give exact names of fabric weaves, however my favorite fabric is kona cotton which is available
in all the basic pastels. T-shirt and sweatshirt fabric is too loose but great for appliques.
- Framing
- Be creative in framing or mounting.Professional framing is very expensive and I utilize a framer for only my best pieces.Dowels or driftwood is excellent for a rustic countryish mounting.Stretch framing available
in most craft stores is simple to assemble, BUT be sure to buy the frame first, then cut fabric large enough to go around the frame. A simple box of 4 1x1's creates a great
stretching type of frame, when your project is complete, simply pull fabric around to the back and staple gun to frame. One of my favorite frames are the inexpensive embroidery hoops.
They run about 4 for a dollar here in Hawaii and the valve for tightening makes a perfect hook to hang.
- The humpback whales were so impressive that I eventually made a bunch and sold them at a craft fair (for $40 each!!)I captured a humpback on my computer and inverted and shrunk one as a baby printed, xeroxed and ironed on to fabric.
I used the embroidary hoop as a guide and drew a circle around the whales on the fabric.Punched whales in shades of blue and grays, filled in all around the whales (top half only), keeping to the very edge of the circle.
After glueing back, folded fabric in half with punched side out (remember the bottom was just plain fabric), placed it over hoop. Hot glue it to hoop, snipped excess in back, leaving the bottom of the hoop bare. Perfect as a towel holder.
The edge seemed bare after looking at the entire project, so I hot glued rope on a few and shells on others. The rope was purchased at hardware store, cheap rope nothing fancy.
- Another great holiday project utilizing embroidary hoops. Glue finished project on entire hoop, cut excess, fill with potpourri, glue netting over hoop, trapping potpourri in between punched project and netting. Turn back to the front
hot glue lace around to give that finished look.
- The Christmas ornaments were done in applique technique, a sound box (50 cents each and about the size of a quarter) was glued to back, then finished with red/green felt, glued to back of applique. Also a great idea to tie to gifts, they will be treasured by the receiver
every holiday season.
BIGGEST TIP -fabric glue everything!! Only the inside, the side you have punched.The glue does not harm the finished product and it prevents any of your work from becoming unraveled.
My Other Pretty Punch Projects
- Indian Head - all techniques 3x5
- Humpback Whales Towel Holder
- Christmas Ornaments - Applique
- Some day they will be available as a gif
Pretty Punch Exclusive Links
Gold Punchers
Pretty Punch Home Page
Betty's Pretty Punch
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