Punch Needle Embroidery: From Pictures to Portraits

Embroidery takes on a whole new meaning with the unique touch that Sara Luna brings to the sewing table. She elegantly combines embroidery portraiture with striking color scales to create depth in her creations, which brings them life.

Learn to create stunning embroidered portraits from pictures that convey warmth and emotion. Discover the endless possibilities when playing with different types of yarn, needle sizes, and color patterns to create beautiful textile pieces.

Begin with getting to know Sara. As a textile artist with a background in digital illustration and visual arts, she brings together the best of both worlds in her work. With very diverse influences, she has come to develop a distinct style of her own.

Learn the difference between the various sizes of needles, and how to choose the best yarn to work with. Sara explores different color palettes and plays with cold and warm tones to create a color gradient, which makes the different shades of yarn color compliment each other.

Sara shares her tips for selecting the perfect portrait photo. Using the digital format of your photo, work with an online editor to create a tonal pattern. Then, prepare your frame and map out your pattern on the fabric. Sara also reveals her secrets about how to ensure that the different tones of wool work well together.

Now the fun begins. Learn the different techniques to give your embroidered portrait heart and depth. The key is in the specific directions your needle should follow to achieve the desired effect. Start with the darker tones, where there is more detail, and work your way through to the lighter tones. Finish your portrait by filling in the background. Though it might seem simple, it has its own tricks.

A creation is only as good as its presentation. Discover the best way to frame your embroidery in a round frame. Make it more durable and resistant, and center it properly. Now your embroidered portrait is ready to be hung and light up the room.

Create a color pattern from a photograph and make an embroidered portrait with a punch needle.

Anyone who wants to learn about embroidery color palettes or create embroidered portraits with a punch needle.

Basic knowledge of the punch needle technique is required for this course.

For this course, you need a punch needle, 4 shades of wool or thread, a hoop and fabric, a second smaller hoop for framing, parchment paper, permanent markers, access to a printer, and a large stapler.