Tools
Details on the tools I use and love…
Weaving Tools
Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom - The 32'“ loom is the perfect size for wraps, shawls and scarves
Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom Stand - The loom stand stores compact when not in use and the angle is adjustable for comfortable weaving
The loom came with the 7.5 dent heddle, which is for worsted yarn. I also have the 10 and 12.5 dent heddles for finer yarns:
Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom Reed 32 inch 10dpi - For sport weight yarns
Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom Reed 32 inch 12.5dpi - For fingering weight yarns
A clean, professional way to finish a piece is with twisted fringe. I use a quad fringe twister and count the number of rotations to get the perfect tension on each fringe:
Quad Fringe Twister - Quick and easy way to make twisted fringe
Rug Making Tools
The #10 regular is my favorite punch needle. It’s versatile and can be used to punch almost anything. I also have the #9 fine, which is great for more detailed designs and finer yarns.
I love this tack kit! I prefer to use tacks because they’re reusable and work great on mini stretcher bars; For larger pieces that will stay on the frame, like a wall hanging, I use a staple gun.
If you’re low on tacks, Clover Thumb Tacks are strong and fit in the Lacis Corjac push tool.
These mini stretcher bars are great for smaller projects. I bought an assorted set of different sizes and mix and match them for various projects.
For large rugs, I use Heavy Duty Stretcher Bars. These are great because they don’t warp and are strong enough to take the pressure I put on them while punch needling.
You can punch any yarn or fabric! But I’ve been using Lion Brand's wool-ease because it’s so soft and has a beautiful sheen to it. It's also more affordable than 100% wool yarn. My favorite color is Fisherman which I use in most of my projects.
There are a few types of foundation fabrics you can use. Monk’s Cloth is a solid choice for most projects.
If you want to have exposed backing in your design, Primitive Linen is beautiful and doesn’t have lines.
You’ll need a large tapestry needle if you want to whip-stitch the edges of your rug. I prefer stainless steel since it's stronger.
Other miscellaneous tools
Aleene's Permanent Fabric Glue - Sometimes you need a little fabric glue to hold the edges together… my go-to fabric glue is Aleene’s Permanent Fabric Glue.
Prym Crochet Hooks - They have a great handle and feel and I love the ergonomic design. They’re also very light compared to metal hooks which can be tiring to work with after a while.
Waxed Thread - Great for sewing punch needled pieces together. This thread is strong and the wax allows you to easily tighten your stitches.
Quick-Grip Clamps - Great for holding large frames off the floor so you can punch while sitting on the floor. I have 2 sets of these (8 total) and use them for my large rug projects.
Heavy Duty Stretcher Bars - For large rugs, I use heavy-duty stretcher bars. These are great because they don’t warp and are strong enough to take the pressure I put on them while punch needling. I have them in 16”, 20”, 40”, 60”, and 90”. I mix and match them for various projects.
Fabric Scissors - These are my current set of fabric scissors, they’ve been great so far! The mini detail scissors have been great for poking yarn loops back into place.