Getting Started with Needlepoint

Needlepoint is a fun, classic craft, and you can use it to produce beautiful works of art from fabric and thread. For inexperienced crafters, however, there can be some confusion about what needlepoint is and how exactly it differs from other needlework. For instance, what's the difference between needlepoint, cross stitch, and embroidery?

What Is Needlepoint?

The American Needlepoint Guild has an inclusive definition of the craft: "Any counted or free stitchery worked by hand with a threaded needle on a readily countable ground."

This definition would include cross stitch in the world of needlepoint, but not embroidery. To make things more confusing, people often use "embroidery" as a general term for stitching, but it can also define a specific decorative thread art.

Embroidery vs. Needlepoint

Embroidery doesn't have much at all to do with needlepoint. They both involve fabric, thread, and a needle, but that's where the similarities end. You create embroidery on plain fabric and in a freehand style. Stitches like the blanket stitch, outline stitch, running stitch, and chain stitch are combined with decorative knots to make designs such as flowers and to outline shapes in the fabric.

Cross Stitch vs. Needlepoint

The differences between cross stitch and needlepoint are a little harder to spot. Both crafts use a fabric, which is also known as a canvas, with little squares and holes. In cross stitch, the stitches are formed by making a certain number of x's across the squares to make a pattern.

Needlepoint does not use x's. It uses several different stitches. The other major difference between cross stitch and needlepoint is that a needlepoint design fills up the entire fabric, while cross stitch can be large or small but almost always has blank canvas around the stitched image.

Needlepoint Stitches

Crafter use several different stitches in needlepoint. These are some of the most popular.

Basketweave Stitch

One of the most popular needle point stitches is known as basketweave, also called tent, continental, or half-cross. These are like the first stitch in a cross stitch x. Different names are given to the stitch depending on which direction the stitch is made.

Slanted Gobelin

When the needllepoint artist makes a long, diagonal stitch across two squares, it is known as a slanted gobelin. This may be used to fill up large areas that are the same color.

Byzantine

The Byzantine stitch creates a ripple effect when worked in two colors. Each row is the same thickness.

Jacquard

The Jacquard is similar to the Byzantine stitch. It also creates a ripple effect when worked in two colors; however, one row is worked over just one square while the other row is worked over two.

Straight Stitches

Straight stitches include bargello, gobelin, and Parisien. You can also make these stitches into boxes and crosses.

Great Needlepoint Sites

To learn more about needlepoint, check out these great sites dedicated to the craft:

Needlepoint.org, the site of the American Needlepoint Guild, offers education and resources for crafters, including a stitch of the month. Start at the beginning, in February 1998, to see the most basic stitches.
Stitching.com has a great free online needlepoint guide, which shows how to work stitches on different kinds of canvas, how to work a project, and some of the basic stitches.
Needlepoint Now is a magazine for needlepoint crafters. The online classroom and free projects sections are great places to look for ideas and inspiration.

Where to Buy Supplies

Most local craft stores will carry all of the supplies that you need for your next needlepoint project. If you prefer online convenience, there are thousands of resources to choose from.

Jo-Ann Fabrics

With both brick and mortar stores and an Internet website, Jo-Ann Fabrics is a great resource for any sewing or craft need. They carry a large variety of needlepoint supplies, projects, kits, and books.

Discount Needlework

Discount Needlework has a large selection of needlepoint supplies. You'll find frames, special lamps, yarn, and more.

The Needlepointer

The Needlepointer specializes in needlepoint and carries nothing else. The also offer a finishing service so that you can move on to your next project more quickly.

Needlepoint Tool Time

Needlepoint Tool Time carries everything for the needlepoint enthusiast. Canvas, yarn, needles, project,s and even great storage solutions fill this online store.

The Perfect Gift

Needlepoint is a beautiful craft that you can use for pillows, wall hangings, and other items to decorate your home. From Christmas stockings to eyeglass cases, this ancient craft makes a wonderful gift for any occasion.