Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-1
Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-1 with Laura Berlage
Explore the beauty and process of Oxford style punch needle rug hooking with a fine point punch (the “Mini” #14), which uses wool yarn in worsted to aran weight to create a delightful zinnia motif. For this technique, we stretch a monk’s cloth backing over a frame, then use our punch needle to form the loops. The process is fun and fluid, transforming basic shapes into vivid color and texture. Finished dimensions of the piece are 11x11 inches, and there are many ways you can use it to brighten your home, which we’ll cover in class. Jump in start your punch needle adventures! No previous experience necessary.
What makes this different from traditional rug hooking? Traditional rug hooking (developed in New England and southeastern Canada in fishing villages) is worked using a hooked tool from the front of the textile. Each loop is pulled upwards. Punch needle techniques came later, working from the back of the textile while leaving loops behind on the opposite (front) side. While many methods came before Amy Oxford’s tool, she built upon the tradition to create a comfortable and user-friendly tool that makes the process move swiftly and smoothly—transforming a tedious artform into a real joy. The punches I source are directly from her studio.
This small group class is presented in collaboration with John C. Campbell Folk School and Lessonface. Participants should enroll at least two weeks before start to ensure materials kits arrive in time. If registering after this point, your kit may arrive after the first session. Students are invited to attend an optional Orientation and Closing Ceremony to connect with various online Folk School classes.
Class Materials
Your class registration fee includes a materials kit with a value of $190 shipped to your door. Residents outside the USA will pay the difference in shipping.
The kit includes:
• 17x17 inch Q Snap embroidery frame, ready to assemble
• Oxford “mini” (#14) punch needle
• Bent applique scissors
• Monk’s cloth backing with zinnia design
• Wool yarn from our sheep to complete the project
In addition to the physical elements of the kit, students will receive digital access to an extensive photo essay and pre-recorded tutorials for this course.
Students will also want to provide:
• 12 large safety pins
• Fabric scissors
• Needle and thread (upholstery thread is best or sewing thread doubled, cream).
• Sewing pins
• Steam iron, ironing board, and damp cloth
• Sweater pillerator
Age Range
All Ages
Skill Level
Beginner
Contact the Teacher
Send a direct message from the teacher's profile page with any questions you might have about the class.
About the John C. Campbell Folk School & Lessonface
Since 1925, the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina has transformed lives, and brought people together in a nurturing environment for experiences in learning and community life that spark self-discovery. Since 2012, Lessonface has connected more than 30,000 students with over 2,500 great teachers for live music, language, and arts lessons online, delivering on our mission to help students achieve their goals while treating teachers equitably.
When
The class will meet for four weekly 2-hour live online sessions on Wednesdays at 6 pm ET | 3 pm PT on the schedule below. The first session is on September 4.
Enrolled students receive 30-day access to the video recordings of the classes.
How It Works
Enroll above to save your spot in the class. Lessonface will send you a confirmation right away, and a Zoom link 24 hours before the class start time. You can log into your Lessonface dashboard to access class materials, communicate with your instructor, join the live Zoom session, and access the class recordings and chat transcript afterward.
Refund Policy: To cancel an enrollment or request a refund, contact support@lessonface.com. For 30+ days before, we refund 95%. Between 30 and 5 days, receive a 75% refund. No refunds within 5 days of class start date. Materials kit fees are non-refundable.
Students Say
⬆️ Back to top
Laura R. on July 17, 2024
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
Excellent instructor. Good use of camera for detailed demonstration. Easy to follow. Well organized.
½
Verified Student on July 16, 2024
Class: Shepherding the Full Experience: Transforming the Wool from Our Sheep to Fiber Arts Education Online
Very interesting ..
T-Claw on July 16, 2024
Class: Shepherding the Full Experience: Transforming the Wool from Our Sheep to Fiber Arts Education Online
Fabulous presentation. What a cool fibershed you are fostering.
Cathy G. on July 14, 2024
Class: Shepherding the Full Experience: Transforming the Wool from Our Sheep to Fiber Arts Education Online
Laura is the best of the best! She has a passion for every aspect of her farming and her craft! What a DELIGHT!!!
Verified Student on July 12, 2024
Class: Shepherding the Full Experience: Transforming the Wool from Our Sheep to Fiber Arts Education Online
Verified Student on July 12, 2024
Class: Shepherding the Full Experience: Transforming the Wool from Our Sheep to Fiber Arts Education Online
Great presentation! An interesting inside view of a hard-working, multi-tasking, creative farm with environmental and community scruples that's making a real go of it. Thank you!
Caprice P. on July 12, 2024
Class: Shepherding the Full Experience: Transforming the Wool from Our Sheep to Fiber Arts Education Online
I was only able to see a bit of it, and will finish it soon. But, we should all appreciate important roll farmers play in all our lives.
Verified Student on July 12, 2024
Class: Shepherding the Full Experience: Transforming the Wool from Our Sheep to Fiber Arts Education Online
EXCELLENT!!!! Very interesting & thorough presentation. Presenter was extremely knowledgeable & has vast experience on the topic. Wonderful discussion at the end as well-plenty of time given to answer all questions.
Verified Student on July 11, 2024
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Great. I enjoyed the class. Laura is a good teacher
Verified Student on July 11, 2024
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
The class was fun - I would have appreciated more time spent making shapes and needle-felting, but overall the pace was good, and my little soap is very pretty :)
Susan B. on July 11, 2024
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
Thoroughly enjoyed
Verified Student on July 11, 2024
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
dELIGHTFUL WITH CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS. RATE 10.
Kelly A. on July 11, 2024
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
It was fun to get together with other creatives this evening. I would have had a wee bit more success if I had been instructed to cut out two circles in advance of class. Still, I was able to complete the project successfully after the class concluded. I think I'll make a few more pin cushions. I enjoyed the teacher's story and song as well as the photos of sheep. Because of this teaser class, I'll sign up for another class with the instructor. 😊
Verified Student on July 11, 2024
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
It was fine. I'll watch the recording and sew along as I watch.
½
Verified Student on July 11, 2024
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
Great. Enjoyed the class
½
Jody on July 10, 2024
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
great fun!!! have tried to do this before and now I know what I was doing wrong!! thank you so much
Verified Student on July 9, 2024
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
All steps were well demonstrated and clearly explained. Instructor took the time to answer questions, troubleshoot concerns and celebrate completed work
Verified Student on July 9, 2024
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Project, content and teaching style were excellent. One improvement that could be made would be the focus of the camera shot during the process. It wasn't a big problem for this particular craft, but best clarity is always preferred when learning to do a new skill.
JoAnn Z. on July 9, 2024
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Laura was such fun, friendly encouraging and a pleasure.
Tess S. on July 9, 2024
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Excellent
ANNA B. on July 9, 2024
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
WONDERFUL, I LEARNED NEW SKILLS AND WILL BE ABLE TO COMPLETE MY PROJECTS WITH CONFIDENCE. THANK YOU LESSONFACE.
Caprice P. on July 9, 2024
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
It was excellent. I wasn’t able to get to the class, as it was happening, but watched the entire class from the video. I’ve felted soap and done wet felting, but learned some different techniques. So thank you, Martha!
Barbara F. on July 9, 2024
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Excellent . Well paced, upbeat style of teaching, enjoyable encouraging
Martha G. on March 5, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-2"
It was informative, supportive, and entertaining. I especially enjoyed Laura as an instructor. She is knowledgeable and gave a lot of information about the history of the design work.
Verified Student on March 5, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-2"
Great class. Great instructor
Verified Student on March 4, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (January 2024)"
i had a fantastic time. Laura is an excellent teacher. Went way beyond my expectations
Sara N. on March 4, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-2"
Fabulous. I learned so much.
Verified Student on March 4, 2024
Class: "Wool Embroidery, Level 1"
fantastic. Laura is an excellent teacher. went beyond my expectations
Cathy J. on March 3, 2024
Class: "Wool Embroidery, Level 1"
It was wonderful. Laura is a masterful embroiderer and teacher and enthusiastically shared her skills and passion. The sampler project was perfect for beginners - practical and pretty - and Laura’s live demos, plus clear, written/illustrated instructions, PLUS video stitch library were amazing resources. Laura also sang to us and shared a story! All that was missing was a fire on the hearth and a cold winter’s night.
Wendy K. on February 27, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (January 2024)"
Verified Student on February 24, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (January 2024)"
The class was excellent and the teacher was so very knowledgeable about the history of tapestry weaving and the process of tapestry weaving. She was very organized and well prepared for class. Her tutorials and instructive videos were excellent!
Deborah W. on February 23, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (January 2024)"
The class was well paced, with a new technique or two introduced each session. Laura is very knowledgeable and she was always cordial and helpful. She is very open minded and encourages exploration. She is a great storyteller and always kept the class interesting.
Lori on February 23, 2024
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (January 2024)"
It was an exceptional class. Laura is a fabulous instructor and her videos are incredibly helpful when we are not in person working.
Susan S. on February 14, 2024
Class: "Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-2"
Terrific I’m now working on my own.
Andrea on February 7, 2024
Class: "Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-2"
I really enjoyed the class-- the instructor provides great pacing, fosters a community atmosphere, and good support materials as well.
Frances B. on February 6, 2024
Class: "Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-2"
Note that while I didn't attend the Orientation, I did review the video of the Orientation. The class, as usual for a class with Lura, was EXCELLENT.
Verified Student on February 5, 2024
Class: "Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-2"
Verified Student on February 5, 2024
Class: "Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-2"
Very enjoyable. The teacher's written guide and videos were excellent
Elizabeth on December 20, 2023
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (November 2023)"
Laura is an outstanding instructor. She clearly loves what she does, has a tremendous depth of experience and knowledge, and is very skilled and creative. She uses multiple approaches for teaching the material so students can use what works best for them as individuals. She knows what challenges will arise for those who are new to tapestry and she provides practical solutions to help. She also brings a multicultural perspective to the class as she shares her detailed knowledge of the folklore, history, songs, and weaving techniques of centuries of tapestry around the world. Wonderful class for an introduction to the artistry, technical skills, and history of tapestry...and, you end up with a very nice landscape tapestry.
Stephanie . on December 19, 2023
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (November 2023)"
Good! The best part, however, were the recorded tutorials that Laura provided on her website. Laura is an excellent teacher and very comfortable with the technology, which really helps. If you can’t have an inperson experience with learning a craft, the next best thing are the tutorials that this instructor provided on her webpage. I felt like I was getting one-on-one help when I’d sit down with her on my computer!
Susan S. on December 18, 2023
Class: "Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-1"
Terrific!
Verified Student on December 18, 2023
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (November 2023)"
Great! Laura was very encouraging and engaging. Her knowledge of the technical issues with online viewing made it really easy to be able to see. Her demonstrations were awesome. The folk tales she shared were interesting. I feel confident in the tips she shared to be able to use my tapestry in making a pillow.
Sara N. on December 18, 2023
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (November 2023)"
Fabulous. I learned so much. Clear and concise instructions backed by tutorial videos available on demand.
Verified Student on December 17, 2023
Class: "Introduction to Tapestry Weaving, Level-1 (November 2023)"
Just fabulous. Laura is a great instructor and the content was fabulous. Bring her back for more classes!
Deborah A. on December 15, 2023
Class: "Fine Point Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Level-1"
This was an excellent class, and I have taken (and taught) many online classes and trainings over the past several decades. It was a small group from distantly scattered locations, but we had much in common, especially concerning our interests. I LOVED the instructor. She was extremely well-prepared and polished, relaxed and present, and flexible. She has mastered several fiber arts and demonstrated great independence and expertise with her examples. While we were working together on our projects online, she shared folk tales from Northern Europe, and playfully sang a few seasonal songs with us, too. She has a lovely voice and is not shy but a bit playful and fun. This seemed right in line with the JCCFS in-person culture! The kit she provided was beautiful and fully functional, and I like her designs and the thoughtful effort she put into using them in teaching the techniques. It was wonderful to be working with wool from her own sheep, and I appreciated the tools (especially the scissors!) being included with the materials. It seemed like an excellent value for the tuition/fee. I also really appreciated the online resources she had for us, particularly the videos, which greatly enhanced my experience. It works well to stay at home, have time between class sessions to work on the project(s), access the videos and the handouts, and not feel any of the stress and rush to finish that's always there with weekend or weeklong in-person classes. In many of the latter that I've taken in person at JCCFS and elsewhere, the classes became so rushed and stressful that my classmates and I made more mistakes, leaving us frustrated and without really finishing or even learning how to finish the projects. Not this class! We had time to correct our mistakes or make adjustments between classes, and we ended well with a whole class session devoted to the finishing techniques. I hope to be able to take more classes with Laura to keep advancing in my punch needle and other fiber arts techniques, including tapestry.
Claudia C. on November 30, 2023
Class: "Scandinavian Loom Beading, Level-1"
Informative, inclusive, paced so everyone could participate at their personal level and capability. The teacher was very clear and articulate, and the time just flew by. I enjoyed the experience.
Holly L. on November 30, 2023
Class: "Scandinavian Loom Beading, Level-1"
Comfortable and well paced. I was hesitant to take an online craft instruction class but it worked. I realize it lacks all the community aspects on site classes at John Campbell (which is unique and I love) but this worked Thanks for employee Laura she is a talented artist and teacher
Jean C. on November 30, 2023
Class: "Scandinavian Loom Beading, Level-1"
Laura is an excellent, generous instructor. She shared her expertise and enthusiasm in equal measure. I learned more than I had hoped to.
½
Amy L. on October 3, 2023
Class: Embroider a Corner Bookmark
Wonderful. Very thoroughly explained.
Jackie F. on October 2, 2023
Class: Embroider a Corner Bookmark
I loved the class and instructor. Very informative with discussion of other ideas for this project.
Donna M. on October 2, 2023
Class: Embroider a Corner Bookmark
Always lovely to learn a new skill, and Laura did an excellent job.
Jackie on September 30, 2023
Class: Embroider a Corner Bookmark
I just loved the class and Laura have such clear instructions. My bookmark came out very well and we had a great time. I look forward to more of her classes. Jackie
Libba P. on September 29, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Fabulous!!!
Verified Student on September 28, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
It was great, a lot of fun, and the presenter has a huge personality!
Verified Student on September 26, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Informative and fun!
Verified Student on September 26, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Thoroughly enjoyed the class! Great project for gifts. I had tried to make them myself years ago but they did not felt up. From Laura’s class I have been able to resolve my issues. It looks great!
Mary A. on September 26, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Laura did a great job teaching the class. I really enjoyed it.
Verified Student on September 26, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
It was delightful. A great group of people and Laura really kept everyone engaged. I love that she told a story and sang songs. Really gave me a feel for fiber arts of old and how just the practical part of fiber arts continued oral traditions (spoken and musical). The class also opened the door for simple gift making :)
Kelly W. on September 26, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Very fun and the instructor was knowledgable and very helpful.
Verified Student on September 26, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
I was very pleased with the content and presentation of this course. I was hoping that I would be able to make felted soap to give as gifts. My goal was achieved.
Joyce . on September 26, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
Laura was a great teacher, made us all feel welcome, stayed on task and was very entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed the class!
Mary P. on September 25, 2023
Class: Stash busters: Felt on a Bar of Soap
I really enjoyed the class. The instruction was clear and it was a lot of fun!
Debi B. on September 11, 2023
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
I enjoyed the class and learned so much. It was a lot of fun with all the participant’s input and Laura is an amazing instructor! I would definitely recommend to others.
Verified Student on September 11, 2023
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
Amy on September 11, 2023
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
It was lovely. Teacher was great. Highly recommend!!
Mrs. S. on September 11, 2023
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
Class was great! A nice project that participants took ahold of and made their own with many creative ideas to take to the next level.
Kathleen on September 11, 2023
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
Our class was excellent and fun to have comments and tips from across the US and Scotland. We were able to complete our projects in the time allotted and have ‘Show andTell’. I’m looking forward to more classes with JCFS LesdonFace.
Elizabeth B. on September 11, 2023
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
It was so much fun and doable! The instructor’s teaching style was very effective but relaxed and fun. And the project was perfect for the amount of time. A lot of other information was available as she interacted with students too. Thank you so much for this class I hope to take many more on zoom!
Danielle L. on September 10, 2023
Class: Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion
Excellent!! Good discourse with instructor and students alike. All our question were not only answered and we were given lots of options in which to move forward.
Book 1:1 online lessons with Laura Berlage on their Lessonface profile.
Laura Berlage
Laura is a contemporary Renaissance woman living and working on her family’s century-old homestead farm outside Hayward, WI. From fiber arts to creative writing, music to storytelling, she never tires of the magic of transforming idea into form and overlapping narrative and visual.