Paint with Wool: Punch Needle Rug Hooking with Christie Beniston
Learn the basics or explore some of the finer points of punch needle rug hooking with artist Christie Beniston
Christie Beniston has been a public artist for over 35 years with commissions including Rady Children’s Hospital and the San Diego Airport. Always a student of design and craft, Christie was formally certified as an Oxford Punch Needle Instructor in 2018 by Amy Oxford, a renowned rug hooker and founder of the Oxford Rug Hooking School in Vermont.
This course is designed for beginners who want to learn the basics and for intermediate students who would like to delve into some of the finer points of punch needle rug hooking.
In the morning you will work with a #10 Oxford Punch Needle to make a “mug rug” (a.k.a. A fancy coaster) and in the process learn how to use a punch needle, how to create the correct size stitch with the needle, and how to hem your finished project. These basic skills will allow you to complete your coaster and move on to larger projects such as pillow covers and rugs with confidence.
In the afternoon after lunch, Christie will demonstrate using the #14 Oxford “mini” (her personal favorite!) which creates a short, ⅛” loop that mimics needlepoint and is delightfully fast and easy. The “mini” can be used with 3-ply tapestry yarn, worsted weight knitting yarn, sock yarn and many other yarns of similar sizes. And because the #14 Oxford “mini” punch needle makes a smaller loop, it allows you to punch into vintage wool and other fabrics, allowing for endless future projects.
Students have the option of purchasing a bundle from the instructor, which is $75. This is non-refundable and includes both Oxford punch needles (the #10 and the #14) and the 7” Morgan No-slip hoop. Bundle will only be an option until 1/26 so the instructor has time to source materials.
For those who elect to source their own materials, you can use the following resources:
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2027
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm with a break for lunch
Location: VMOTA, 2825 Dewey Road, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92116
VMOTA Members Workshop Fee: $115. Non-Members Workshop Fee: $135. Save the date, registration is coming soon!
This workshop is limited to 15 participants. Please use our contact page to be put on a waiting list.
Materials
A #10 Regular Oxford Punch Needle (required)
#14 Fine Point (Optional but highly recommended to fully maximize your punch needle crafting)
7” Morgan No-Slip Hoop (required) NOTE: A standard embroidery hoop will not hold the fabric tight enough
Embroidery scissors
Monk’s cloth and yarn will be provided.
