The History of Punch Needle: An Interview with Micah Clasper-Torch


Micah Clasper-Torch, “Marfa Coat,” 2019

Micah Clasper-Torch, “McAdoo Shoe Rug,” 2021

Hooked rug, circa 1885, Maine, Colonial Williamsburg

Hooked rug, circa 1860, New England, Colonial Williamsburg

Marguerite Zurich, “The Black Pig” rug, 1944

Lillian Mills-Mosseller’s “Coffee & Cream” rug on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, photo courtesy of Micah Clasper-Torch

Bunka, photo courtesy of Micah Clasper-Torch

Old Believers Miniature Punch Needle Embroidery (from Miranda’s Stewart’s book Punchneedle: The Complete Guide), photo courtesy of Micah Clasper-Torch

Photo outside The Madison Rugmaking Studio from the 1920s, photo courtesy of Micah Clasper-Torch


Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman, hooked rug, for sale on 1stdibs.com

Bisa Butler, The Safety Patrol, 2018, Art Institute of Chicago