Bunka: Japanese Punch Needle

Bunka Shishu, also known as surface punch embroidery, is the Japanese form of punch needle. The loops are on the back and the right side faces you as you work, just the opposite of Russian punch needle.

I first saw this beautiful embroidery method at the home of an elderly family friend. She demonstrated it to me. I couldn't believe how fast it went.

It is SO beautiful. The photos you see on the internet don't do it justice. The rayon threads catch the light in a special way, and there's a subtle dimension to the layered threads.

You can use other threads such as embroidery floss, but the rayon is preferred because it has a little spring which helps it stay in place. The rayon comes knitted into a cord. The cord is pulled out and unraveled to the desired thickness. It's the kinks from unraveling that make the thread somewhat springy and stretchy.

I think Russian punch needle tends to look like a miniature latch hook rug. The Japanese method of bunka looks like detailed crewelwork that took hours upon hours. Only you will know how long it really took you!