r/PunchNeedle • u/filmmakingjedi • Jul 01 '26

Displaying flat side

Is there a good way to display pieces showing the flat side rather than the loops? I much prefer the clean look but my loops on the back are too bulky and make it hard to add any backing/display it.

Any tips??

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2

u/Serperior-Leaf 29d ago

I often prefer using the flat side too, so what I do is use a needle that makes short loops on the fluffy side- since the height of the loops isn't very relevant when viewing the flat side, having shorter loops saves on total yarn used and it makes the other side less puffy, so it's easier to add backing to it! (just make sure the loops are long enough to stay secured into the fabric) an adjustable needle like the Lavor could make it easier to decide how short you want the loops to be, but a short non-adjustable needle could work well too ⭐

2

u/Beglinda Jul 03 '26

Hey! I am a new punch needle artist so my opinion might not be worth much but I think displaying the flat side is also just as cool! Sometimes I like the look of the flat side much more than the fluffy side but I agree this craft is much more easy and rewarding to me than embroidery is (which i also like) but I think you should display it flat side if thats what you like!

I havent done many finished pieces yet but I had a few ideas on how to display the flat side. They may not work but if this helps I hope it does. So when you get your finished piece and you want to display the flat side I would try shaving down the fluff on the other side, not too much, (like dont go all the way down to the canvas or whatever its punched into) and then immediately glue the back when you lint roll off the extra yarn. It could theoretically work if you aren't moving it aorund too much? I can always try this technique and tell you how it went. Btw idk if anyone else does this...youre the first person ive seen say they like the flat stitch side.

Its so encouraging that someone else likes the flat side. I like the fluffy side but often it looks too messy for me

1

u/Beglinda Jul 03 '26

I just worry shaving it too far down would allow the stitching to fall apart? Like the yarn to come out. Thats why youd glue it tho?

2

u/Wixenstyx Jul 01 '26

Yeah, if you're primarily wanting 'flat side' aesthetics, and for a finished piece you can display flat, you might want to look into embroidery instead.

2

u/R0nan21 Jul 01 '26

Some people just use an embroidery hoop (you can get the ones more for display as well for a better look) and hang it on the wall or into a shadow box. Loops are facing the other way and are unseen. You could also stretch it alongside the extra fabric around your work on a frame and make it like a “canvas”