Tips

How to Punch a Punchcard (The Right Way)

July 7, 2025
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New to punchcards? Punching your own designs is easier than you think—and it all starts with one tiny pin. Here’s how to punch your punchcard accurately so your machine can read it without a hitch.

The Basics

First, it takes a specialized tool. Your punch tool has a small metal pin that aligns with the tiny guide holes along your blank punchcard. Line up the pin with the hole - and punch. That’s it.

It may feel too easy to be true, but accuracy matters. If your holes are slightly off, the card might not be “read” correctly by your machine’s punchcard reader.

I'm showing a vintage Brother tool, but new tools are availble here

Animated GIF showing the small alignment (guide) pin on a punchcard punch tool moving in and out for hole positioning — *Watch the tiny alignment (guide) pin in action—it’s the key to accurate punching*

Punchcard punch tool and blank cards for machine knitting

Need the Right Tool for the Job?

Grab a punchcard punch and a set of blank cards—everything you need to start creating custom stitch patterns on your machine.

View Product Details

My Favorite Tracing Tip

If you’re copying a full size stitch pattern diagram (like one produced with DesignaKnit), here's a trick that works like a charm:

Tape your diagram to a window.
Place the blank punchcard on top.
The light behind will help you see the design clearly.
Use a pen to mark where the holes go, then punch with confidence!

Tracing a stitch diagram onto a punchcard using a window for light — *Use a window to trace your stitch diagram—it makes hole placement easy and accurate*

Tip: If your punch doesn’t cut cleanly or you get partial holes, double-check your alignment and try punching on a firm surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special tool to punch cards?

Yes, a punchcard punch is designed specifically to align with the card’s guide holes. It ensures the spacing is just right for your knitting machine to read the pattern accurately.

Can I use any pen to mark the holes?

Yes—any fine-tip pen or pencil will work for marking. Just be sure to mark lightly so you can still see your guidelines after punching.

Is this just for Brother machines?

Nope! This method works for any 24-stitch punchcard machine, including Brother, Silver Reed, Studio, and others. Just make sure you’re using compatible cards and punch tools.

Where can I find a punchcard punch?

You can find a punchcard punch and blank cards in our store. We offer a complete set to help you get started with custom stitch patterns.
View the Punch and Cards Set

Classroom: Punchcards