Starting with a kit
Lay out the kit's needle, fibre, fabric and template before starting. Check whether the printed fabric shows the working back or the finished front; do not mirror an already mirrored kit design. Follow that needle's instructions for threading and its loop setting, then use the practice line and filling sequence below.
If the kit supplies a different needle or replacement yarn, check their compatibility before filling the whole design. Keep the kit's fibre and fabric labels for finishing and care.
Set up your first project
- Choose the 100 mm heart template or a 100 mm coaster. Cut foundation fabric with at least 50 mm extra on every side for mounting.
- Match yarn to a yarn punch needle, or floss to a fine embroidery punch needle. Choose foundation cloth for that combination.
- Print the template at actual size. Measure its 50 mm ruler before transferring it.
- For a looped front, trace the mirrored working template on the back of the fabric. Tighten the hoop until the fabric stays taut under the needle.
Make the first loops
Thread the tool and leave enough loose yarn to feed freely. Insert the needle to its working stop, bring the tail to the loop side, then lift only until the tip reaches the cloth surface. Slide forward to place the next punch.
Work a short line in the spare cloth first. Turn it over: loops should remain in the fabric when you move on. If they pull out, check yarn flow and fabric tension before filling the design.
Outline, fill and change colour
- Follow the outer line of the heart, with the tool opening facing your travel direction.
- Fill in parallel rows. Look at the front after a few rows and move the next row closer if cloth shows through.
- At a corner, keep the tip in the cloth while you change direction.
- To end a colour, hold the last loop while cutting a tail. Start the next colour with fresh slack rather than carrying yarn across a large gap.
Take it out of the hoop
Even out misplaced loops with a blunt tool. Trim loose tails without cutting the loop tops. Fold the spare foundation towards the back and sew it down. Add felt backing for a coaster, or gather the spare cloth inside a display hoop.