NEEDLE PUNCHING
Machine needle punching uses the same principles
as free-motion stitching but is much easier because
there are no stitches or threads to consider.
TIPS:
Sew a little faster than usual as you move
the fabric. Don’t push or pull the fabric. Most
importantly, relax and have fun!
JACKET PREPARATION
The Haiku Two jacket pattern is perfect for needle
punching. The lapel and jacket
front are cut in one piece with the
center front edges of the jacket
folded back to form the lapels.
The folded lapel is then stitched
into the shoulder seam. After
punching the flowers along the
front of the jacket, you will trim
the fabric from around the outer
edges of the flowers and leaves.
With this in mind, extend the cutting line for the
outer lapel edge by 2”. This gives enough fabric
to hold on to while needle punching the flowers.
DESIGNING THE FLOWERS
The flowers shown on the jacket are freeform and
created as they are punched. General directions
are given for shaping and punching flowers. Keep
in mind that the floral designs on the two lapels
should complement each other and work as one
design down the front of the jacket.
DESIGN TIPS:
Use a variety of shapes and an
interesting mix of colors as you design the front
of the jacket.
Make a combination of large and small flowers.
Add leaves to some and stems to others.
Make some flowers round and some with petals
like daisies. They don’t have to be perfect to look
natural.
PUNCHING THE FLOWERS
After punching flowers along the
lapel line of both jacket fronts,
trim the excess fabric away. Fold
the lapel back and construct the
jacket as the pattern directs.
After punching the flowers on
the front, turn the fabric over
and punch from the wrong
side. Turn back to the front
and punch a final time.
Continue shaping and punching
flowers as desired along the
lapel line of the jacket fronts.
Add a different color for the
center or for the lower portion
of the bud; punch.
Continue shaping the yarn or rov-
ing until you have the petals of
the first flower completely
shaped and punched.
Loop a piece of yarn or roving
into a flower petal shape. Put it
under the presser foot and
“punch” it with the needles to
mesh the yarn and background
fabric together.
19
ISSUE 18
