Embroidered Pennant in Punch Needle

- 1 cotton flag

- A Punch Needle (use the largest needle of the 3 included in the set)

- Colored skeins 100% cotton

- 1 embroidery hoop

- Heart rivets

- 1 ghost felt

Here are some embroidery patterns that you can print.

Place your print under the banner, and by transparency, reproduce the drawings and write the first name of your choice on the banner using a phantom marker. The marker will magically disappear a few days later. 

Use a window or a computer screen as a light source to see through. 

Turn the flag over and draw on the back side as well, because the embroidery will be done on both sides to vary the effects of relief!

Return to the front and position the hoop. It helps to tension the fabric when you "punch" with the needle. As you progress with the embroidery, you will reposition the hoop where you need it. 

The tighter the fabric, the easier it is to "punch"!

To load the thread into the punch needle, it's very simple. Use the threader (included with the punch needle), insert it through the tip of the needle, then pull it up until the thread comes out the other side of the punch. Next, pass the skein through, then pull the threader. The skein will come out of the needle; now repeat the process by passing the skein through the eye of the needle (the small hole located at the tip of the needle).

Position the needle on the smallest setting (follow the markings noted on the needle's body). Pierce the fabric with the punch needle (see diagram beside). In short, you punch forward, keeping the needle's tip towards the back (so the slant is forward). To turn, simply rotate your hoop ;-)

Tip: Ensure that the thread is always well relaxed. To do this, remember to unwind the thread from the skeins or ball as you progress to avoid any tension. 

Turn the work over and cut the excess threads, this will prevent you from accidentally pulling on them!

For designs where you want more volume, simply punch the fabric from the backside:

Turn the banner over, and position the needle at a higher number (the further the needle is out, the bigger the loop created will be). Then punch from the backside. 

Once all the patterns and the embroidered name are completed, position the metal rivets. Simply push them into the pennant, and fold the 3 prongs of the rivet on the back.

The work is finished, you can display it!

Tip: to prevent the threads from moving over time, you can secure your creation on the back with a heat-adhesive fabric or a layer of glue varnish.