Punch Up Your Sales with Punch Needle -

Punch needle is one of those crafts that feels fresh and exciting while still being approachable for quilters and makers. It’s the perfect addition to your shop’s lineup—especially if you’re looking to diversify your offerings, increase impulse buys, and bring in new customers who might not yet be ready to quilt but still want something creative to make.

Here’s how to introduce punch needle into your shop in a way that feels seamless and profitable:

1. Stock the Essentials

When stocking punch needle supplies, keep it simple at first. The basics include:

Punch needles (different sizes for different projects)
Chunky thread or yarn (bold colors work especially well)
Patterns (ranging from beginner-friendly to more detailed designs)
Hoops and backing fabric
Accessories (threaders, scissors, storage pouches)

A small, well-curated display highlighting these essentials makes the craft less intimidating and sparks curiosity among customers.

2. Create Easy-to-Sell Kits

Kitting is a fantastic way to lower the barrier to entry for new makers. Instead of asking them to pick each item individually, give them everything they need in one package. A typical starter kit might include:

1 punch needle
1 hoop
Pre-cut backing fabric
A set of coordinating chunky threads
A simple pattern

Display these near your register or in a dedicated “New Craft to Try” section. Not only do kits increase your average sale, but they also make for perfect gifts.

For online shops, list these kits as all-in-one starter bundles with photos that show both the supplies and a finished project sample. Highlight phrases like “everything you need in one kit” and “great beginner project.” Online customers especially appreciate convenience and clarity.

3. Host a Punch Needle Class

Classes are a natural way to boost both sales and customer confidence. Plan a punch needle workshop where attendees leave with a completed project and the know-how to do more on their own. Here’s a simple roadmap:

Pick a date & time (weeknight or Saturday morning works best)
Choose a project (a small floral, geometric, or holiday design)
Bundle supplies into a class kit for attendees
Market your class (social media, website, flyers at the register, inserts in shopping bags)

During class, walk them through threading, punching, and finishing. By the end, they’ll be ready to keep going—and they’ll come back to your shop for more supplies.

For online shops, consider offering a virtual punch needle workshop. Record a beginner-friendly video tutorial or host a live Zoom session, then sell supply kits through your website.

Quick Action Checklist

✅ Order core punch needle supplies (needles, threads, backing fabric, hoops)
✅ Build beginner-friendly kits to sell in-store and online
✅ Set up a punch needle display near your register or in a “Try Something New” section
✅ Add kits and supplies to your online shop with clear product photos and beginner-friendly wording
✅ Schedule a punch needle class (in-store or online)
✅ Market it on social, your website, and with flyers/bag stuffers

Adding punch needle to your shop is an easy win: it’s beginner-friendly, trendy, and pairs perfectly with the creative energy your customers already bring through your doors. Start small with curated supplies, make it easy with kits, and spark engagement with a class. You’ll find that it not only increases sales but also creates a fresh buzz in your store.

Industry Insight

Gary Rurup – VP of Sales and former quilt shop owner

In my experience as a shop owner, introducing something new—whether a product line or a craft—was always about more than just putting it on the shelf. Customers often need a little education and encouragement before they’ll dive in. Hosting a class or demo gave them confidence, and once they saw how fun and doable it was, the sales followed naturally. The key is making the new feel approachable.

What really made a difference was layering the introduction: first displaying it in an inviting way, then offering a low‑commitment opportunity to try it out, and finally reinforcing with kits or bundles to make the next step easy. I found that the more I educated my customers—whether through signage, short demos, or workshops—the more likely they were to not only buy the new product but also come back for more. When your customers trust you to guide them into new territory, they’ll reward you with loyalty and repeat business.