Textile technique

Punch needle: the magic needle that hooks you

Punch needle is an embroidery technique you use to create textures and designs with yarn on a special fabric. It is rhythmic, tactile and very satisfying: the result has a unique raised texture. At Borrissol you can learn and practise it in Mataró, 30 minutes from Barcelona.

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Primer plano de un bordado de punch needle (aguja mágica) hecho en el taller Borrissol, Mataró

What is punch needle?

Punch needle is an embroidery technique that uses a special hollow needle. You "punch" the yarn through a stretched fabric and, with each stitch, a loop is left on the other side: this builds up a plush, raised texture. It is surprisingly fast —in a timelapse it looks like magic— and very easy to learn.

What can you create?

With punch needle you can embroider tote bags, cushions, wall pieces and textured decorative items. You choose a simple design and fill it in with coloured yarn; the result is a raised piece, soft to the touch and full of personality.

Tote bag bordada con la técnica de punch needle en Borrissol, Mataró

Punch needle in action

This is how the technique looks up close: from the timelapse to the finished pieces.

Sped up, it looks like magic: a punch needle timelapse.
Belén with a cushion embroidered with punch needle.
Belén explains the punch needle technique while embroidering a tote bag.

Why it hooks you

Rhythmic and addictive

The repetitive motion of the needle is hypnotic; it is hard to stop once you start.

For beginners

It takes minutes to learn, with no drawing or embroidery skills needed. Striking results from day one.

Full of texture

The raised loops give each piece a plush, unique finish that flat embroidery cannot achieve.

Where to practise it at Borrissol

At Borrissol you can devote yourself to punch needle at Borla, our monthly textile workshop: come at your own pace to embroider your tote bag, cushion or whatever project you imagine.

See the Borla workshop

Frequently asked questions

Do I need prior experience?

No. Punch needle is one of the quickest techniques to learn; the instructor guides you from the very first stitch.

How is it different from traditional embroidery?

Traditional embroidery is done stitch by stitch with thread and a regular needle. Punch needle uses a hollow needle that creates yarn loops, adding texture and volume much faster.

What can I embroider?

Tote bags, cushions, wall pieces and decorative items. You choose a simple design and fill it in with colour.

Fancy trying the magic needle?

Message us on WhatsApp and we will tell you how to get started at Borrissol.

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