Plan a name
- Start with simple block letters. Keep the holes in A, B, D, O, P and R large enough to remain open after loops spread.
- Leave a visible gap between neighbouring letters. Avoid a single thin line as a yarn-filled stroke.
- Print the name at its actual finished width. Compare the smallest feature with a looped sample made using your chosen needle.
- Mirror the paper before tracing the back. Keep an unmirrored front copy beside the frame.
Punch the letter boundaries
Work the inner holes and letter edges before filling the stroke. Fill the background next, checking that its loops do not cover the letter. Lift or separate crowded loops with a blunt tool instead of cutting into the outline.
For a very small initial, use flat stitches or a fine floss setup. Add a name to a stocking cuff or keychain only after checking the size of that finished object.
Make your own alphabet
Start with a blank pattern in the maker and draw one letter at a time. Reuse the same stroke width and spacing for the whole word. Download the front view and mirrored transfer before beginning.