How to do punch needle embroidery with two colors yarn
After learning the basics of punch needle embroidery a world of creative options opens. In this blog you can read how to create depth in your work using two colors of yarn simultaneously. You will learn how to thread your punch needle with two colors yarn and tips for punch needle embroidery with multiple threads.
Punch Needle Embroidery is a great technique for painting with yarn. With finer needles you can add tiny details, with bigger punch needles you can cover large surfaces quikly, and with two threads you get nicely blending colors.
When you are new to punch needle embroidery you may want to read our tutorial for beginners to get step by step instructions for all punch needle basics.
How to thread your punch needle with two colors yarn
When threading with two threads you follow the same steps as threading with a single thread. To get your yarn or floss into your punch needle, a threading tool is essential.
Each punch needle has slightly different methods for threading the tool. Below pictures explain how to thread the 3 size punch needle with two threads. You can read our earlier blogs to learn how to thread the clover punch needle or adjustable punch needle.
Independent the needle you use, it is important to keep your two (or more) yarn ends closely together when threading. You may prefer to slightly twist the tails of the two yarns to ensure they stay paired. You thread your needle at the same time with both threads.
Step 1
Put your needle threader in the long end of your needle. Enter your needle from the sharp end of your needle, the side that you will poke into your punch fabric.
Step 2
Pull your thread through the metalic threader that comes out at the backside of your punch needle
Step 3
Pull your needle threader from the front side of the punch needle all the way through your needle. Your yarn is no threaded through the large end of your needle as shown on the picture.
Step 4
You will now need to thread your yarn through the opening in the needle (the eye of your needle). First bring your needle threader through the eye and put your yarn in between the metalic threads of your threader.
Step 5
Pull the needle threader. This will make your thread come through the opening. Be carefull, the threader can easily break if your yarn is too thick for your needle.
Step 6.
Voila! This is how your threaded needle looks like.
Kits to practice punch needle embroidery with two threads
Our 3 size punch needle kits are perfect for learning to punch with multiple threads.
The kits contain both Lanita and Gordita yarn and 3 sizes punch needles.
In the thickest refill needle you can stitch with either one thread of Gordita yarn, or mix two threads of Lanita yarn.
You can find different color combinations in our shop.
How to punch with multiple colors yarn
The basics of punch needle embroidery with two or more threads is similar as punching with a single thread. Ensure you master the basic techniques as explained in our instructions for beginners , before you get started with multiple threads.
Ensure that both your threads flow freely while punching.
Your yarn should not get stuck, otherwise your loops will not stay in your fabric. When using a wool unwinder, consider using two!
Choose the right needle for your yarn and visa versa.
This might seem very obvious but it’s also very crucial to ensure your yarn can flow freely.
If your needle can punch 6 strands of embroidery floss, you can use two x 3 strands, or 3 x 2 strands of embroidery floss.
If your needle can punch with chunky wool like our gordita wool, you can use two threads of Medium/fine yarn like our Lanita wool.
Take it calm!
With two threads you have double the chance that one of your threads does not stay in your fabric. No need to worry though! As soon as you see that one thread did not punch well, take out your punched threads (both of them) and simply redo the part. It’s much quicker to redo a part then trying to fixing the threads later.
Experiment!
Once you get familiar with punching with multiple threads you can go wild with creativity!
Combine multiple type of threads. What about glitter and regular yarn? Or Glossy Silk and Soft mohair? Try embroidery floss in combi with thin wool..
Make different color combinations. Go bold with a yellow-pink or keep it neutral with different shades of green.
How to finish your punch needle project
Punching with two or more threads is suitable for making decorative pieces.
As your threads cross eachother it is not as secure as punching with one thread in rows.
When you intent to use your work intensivly we advise to add a layer of textile glue on the flat side of your embroidery work to secure your loops. Using the right glue you will even be able to hand wash your completed piece.
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