Count openings correctly
Oxford's rug-punching guidance uses 12–14 holes per inch. Cloth described as 6–7 holes per inch is a different weave for that setup. Some labels count individual threads rather than holes, so read how the number is defined.
Look at a close view with a ruler. Count a full inch of openings and check whether the warp and weft are grouped into pairs.
Guidelines and visible backgrounds
Rug-punching monk's cloth commonly has paired cotton threads. Some products include woven alignment lines: keep those lines straight when stretching the cloth so the design stays square.
Choose plain cloth when part of the foundation will remain visible. Alignment lines remain visible in unpunched background areas; check the cloth itself before transferring an open design.
Prepare the cloth
- Buy a sample before committing to a rug-sized cut.
- Keep the weave square while transferring the design.
- Leave at least enough spare cloth to fit the hoop or frame and complete the chosen edge finish.
- Mount firmly, punch a small filled area and recheck tension before starting the main pattern.
When loops will not stay
First check loose yarn feed and full insertion depth. If those are correct, compare the tool bore, fibre thickness and cloth openings. Do not try to repair the wrong foundation pairing by covering an unfinished design in glue.