I do punch needle. I haven't done any in a while, but I LOVE it! I made the mistake of too many punches. It looks better on the back (flat) side and wants to bow instead of lying flat. It wouldn't bow if I put it in a hoop or project, but it still would've looked better without so many stitches.
Make sure you have the woven fabric. It will pull out of regular muslin.
Some of the needles have different settings to make the loops bigger or smaller. I usually use a medium setting. I can't remember what number. It's been a while since I've "punched".