Needlepoint Terms

Canvas: Where needlepoint all begins! The fabric, usually cotton, that has an open weave. Canvas can also refer to the painted or printed piece on the woven cotton fabric. 

Mesh or Count: Needlepoint canvas comes in various sizes. Most commonly are 13 or 18 mesh/count. This refers to the number of holes per inch on the canvas.

Tent stitch: The foundation of needlepoint stitching. A tent stitch covers the intersection point on the canvas. There are 3 tent stitches. Basketweave, continental and half-cross. Tent stitches are the best starting point.

WIP: Work in Progress. The canvas you’re currently working on.

Finishing: The process of taking your stitched piece and turning it into its final form. Ex. Ornament, Pillow, Brick etc. Take your piece for finishing to your LNS or learn to finish it yourself.

LNS: Local Needlepoint Shop

Skein: Pronounced “skane”. The bundle of thread for needlepoint. Different thread is used for different mesh count to achieve good coverage on the canvas.

Dye Lot: A batch of thread dyed at the same time. When selecting skeins of thread, check the dye lots to ensure a perfect color match throughout stitching.

 

Getting Started

- Start by learning basketweave and/or continental stitch. Guides for each are included in this booklet.

- Best practice is to start with your lightest color thread first. Why? When starting and ending threads they will be fed under stitches on the backside of the canvas. If a dark color is fed behind a lighter color, it may show through on the front. It also helps from getting stray dark threads accidentally stitched into lighter areas.

- Pick a canvas that you love and are excited to stitch. One that’s not too large is ideal. 13 mesh can be helpful for beginners as the holes are larger, but is not necessary.

- Tapestry needles come in different sizes. When purchasing a canvas, the appropriate size is usually included. Using the smallest needle that still gives a good stitching experience is the goal. Size 22 needle is often used on 18 mesh. Size 20 needle is often used on 13 mesh.

- Mistakes happen. Pulling out, cutting out or seam ripping is part of needlepointing. When possible, carefully pull the threads out one stitch at a time. If it’s a large area use the sharp end of your needlepoint scissors or a seam ripper to help the process along. Be careful not to cut the actual canvas!

- The goal is to enjoy the process, not rush. Learning the stitches takes a little getting used to but once learned, you can stitch any canvas with ease.