Foundation cloth - just what does it have to do with monks?

Like many crafts, punch needle has a few quirks. One of these is the name given to the most popular foundation (backing) cloth called Monks Cloth, probably because it was originally used for making monks habits.

There are a few cloth options for punch needle, but they can be tricky to find in Australia. Here are some of the most popular options.

Monks Cloth

Monks Cloth is a soft 100% cotton cloth, usually woven in a beige colour with parallel cream lines. This cloth has a loose, even weave that allows the needle to pass through easily without tearing the cloth. Monks Cloth is not the same as Aida cloth, which is used for embroidery. There are only a few stockists of Monks Cloth in Australia so you won’t find it at a large chain craft shop. We import our monks cloth direct from the manufacturer in New England, USA.

Premium Linen

Some linen can be used for punch needle, particularly if the linen is a blend and the weave is loose. It is not as smooth as monks cloth, and it will produce holes if you change your mind and re-punch frequently. But it is stunning as a finished product, particularly if you want some of the fabric to remain visible. We stock a beautiful linen suitable for punch needle, made in Germany.

Burlap/Hessian

Punch needle can also be used on burlap or hessian. This is a cheaper option which is ideal for large projects. The downside is the texture, which is rough on your hands and messy! But it is easier to find in the curtain/upholstery section of large craft stores.

Polyester/synthetic monks cloth

Have you seen those rug tufting guns in action? They have been going viral on Tic Tok and Instagram which has led to increased demand for durable, inexpensive cloth options for rug tufting. There are a few suppliers who now offer a synthetic monks cloth that is white, with a red or blue selvedge.

If you are new to punch needle, we recommend starting with monks cloth so you can feel how the needle should work and the punching action. Once you have made a few projects, then you can try different fabrics.

How do I know if a cloth will work for punch needle?

Try the Scratch Test

The easiest way to determine if a fabric will work for punch needle is THE SCRATCH TEST. Take your punch needle and punch a little hole near the edge of the fabric. Remove the needle and see if you can scratch the hole away. If the fabric has the right tension, the warp and weft threads should move to allow the needle to pass through and then return to their original spot when ‘scratched’ back into place. If the hole remains, quietly put that fabric back on the shelf and walk away.

Anna MartinJuly 19, 2021