How to outline and fill a shape

Close stitches on the edge, then a spiral of staggered rows inside.

Step by step

1. Punch the outline with stitches close together, just inside the drawn line.
2. At corners, keep the needle down and turn the hoop.
3. Fill by punching a spiral inwards, rows close and stitches staggered.
4. Check the loop side for gaps and fill them.
5. On the last stitch, hold the needle in the fabric and cut the thread level with the loops.

Pinny's tip
Shapes look like blobs at first; outlines sharpen as you work.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Marching North: Punch needle for beginners