Punch needle embroidery is the quarantine craft you didn't know you needed

When it comes to ways to pass the time during quarantine, sometimes watching TV or reading a good book just doesn't cut it anymore. If you've found yourself in that situation, it might be time to take up a few arts and crafts projects.

We've seen diamond painting kits become everyone's go-to quarantine craft, but now it looks like punch needling is stealing the crafting spotlight. If you're unfamiliar with punch needling, it's essentially a form of embroidery where you push the thread or yarn into your hooped fabric using a special tool, which will help create a more textured design. Because it takes slightly less time than traditional embroidery, it might be a great place to start for beginners.

Round DIY Punch Needle Kit

Round DIY Punch Needle kit

Round DIY Punch Needle kit
Round DIY Punch Needle kit

Round DIY Punch Needle kit $13.99 at Zulily

Online retailer Zulily told Shop TODAY that they are seeing a huge increase in interest from their customers for this easy and relaxing project.

"I love projects like this because you can put them down, walk away and come back to them — so they could become a long project," Zulily's brand program manager and trend expert Savannah Scofield told Shop TODAY. "It's something that you can do while you're watching television or when you just need some quiet time."

If you're looking for a great place to start, we found a few punch needling kits that are worth checking out.

Bestselling punch needle kits

1. Aofeiya Punch Needle Starter Kit

Aofeiya Punch Needle Starter Kit

Aofeiya Punch Needle Starter Kit (Amazon / Amazon)
Aofeiya Punch Needle Starter Kit (Amazon / Amazon)

Aofeiya Punch Needle Starter Kit $24.97 at Amazon

This punch needle kit has everything you need to get started, including a hoop for your fabric.

2. Green & Beige Mountains DIY Punch Needle Kit

Green & Beige Mountains DIY Punch Needle Kit

Green & Beige Mountains Round DIY Punch Needle Kit
Green & Beige Mountains Round DIY Punch Needle Kit

Green & Beige Mountains DIY Punch Needle Kit $13.99 at Zulily

Take an escape to the mountains with this punch needle kit. You can choose from three different designs that feature various mountainous landscapes.

3. Navy Night Sky DIY Punch Needle Kit

Navy Night Sky DIY Punch Needle Kit

Navy Night Sky Round DIY Punch Needle Kit
Navy Night Sky Round DIY Punch Needle Kit

Navy Night Sky DIY Punch Needle Kit $13.99 at Zulily

It's a starry, serene night with this punch needle kit. This three-piece set comes with canvas, a punch needle and all of the yarn you'll need to create this tranquil scene.

4. Pink & Blue Sunset DIY Punch Needle Kit

Pink & Blue Sunset DIY Punch Needle Kit

Pink & Blue Sunset DIY Punch Needle Kit
Pink & Blue Sunset DIY Punch Needle Kit

Pink & Blue Sunset DIY Punch Needle Kit $19.99 at Zulily

For a larger design, this punch needle kit comes with an embroidery frame rather than a typical cloth. This set includes a wooden punch needle, yarn and the canvas needed to create this unique sunset.

5. Sofie's Sweet Ride Punch Needle Kit

Sofie's Sweet Ride Punch Needle Kit

Sofie's Sweet Ride Punch Needle Kit $14.00 at Etsy

If you've already got the yarn, this kit has everything you need to amp up your embroidery game. It comes with the instructions, reusable paper pattern, canvas and adorable flower-shaped buttons for the finishing touch.

6. Fern Beginner Punch Needle Kit

Fern Beginner Punch Needle Kit

Fern Beginner Punch Needle Kit $29.24 at Etsy

Just looking to start out? This beginner kit comes with everything you need to complete your first project. It includes a template, needle, canvas, embroidery hoop and four balls of wool.

7. The Sweet Smell of Spring Punch Needle Kit

The Sweet Smell of Spring Punch Needle Kit

The Sweet Smell of Spring Punch Needle Kit $12.00 at Etsy

Relax as you create this punch needle lavender wreath. A bestseller on Etsy, this kit comes with everything you need to prepare your punch needle creation. This one doesn't include the yarn, but it comes with suggested colors to create your artwork.

8. Leaves Punch Needle Kit

Leaves Punch Needle Kit

Leaves Punch Needle Kit $14.99 at Joann

Dreaming of the tropics? This kit will help take you there. It includes the canvas fabric and yarn, but requires the punch needle and embroidery hoop before you start.

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