Start with Basic Shapes

Once you learn how to punch simple shapes, it becomes much easier to create more complex patterns. In this tutorial, I only punched each shape twice instead of filling them completely—just to show you how to get started and how to turn corners so you can continue punching until the shape is filled.

1. Start with the outline.

2. Test on an empty area to see how tall you want your yarn loops to be (I have videos that show different yarn heights and how they pop out).

3. Always keep your yarn free and loose while you punch—it helps the stitches flow better.

4. Don’t worry about making perfectly straight lines.

5. Focus on the shapes—rotate or move your hoop whenever it’s easier to continue punching (I even do this with larger wooden frames).

6. Punch your stitches close to each other in each row, but not too tightly.

7. Most importantly—have fun! 🎉

Heads up: my cat decided she’s the star of these videos. I’d already been filming for an hour, so I just let her join in—sorry for the furry cameo! 🐱✨

Line and circle:
I usually punch along the line twice. Some lines are part of the pattern details, so to make them stand out, I punch over them twice.