Needlepoint Kit

If you’re new to the craft of needlepoint you'll want to start with a needlepoint kit. Needlepoint kits, like kits developed for almost every other craft under the sun, give you all the tools you need to make a needlepoint item quickly and easily.

Needlepoint kits can be purchased online or at your local craft store and usually have the following supplies in them:

• Canvas on which to stitch the design. Canvas may be stamped, which means it is printed with a color picture of the pattern for you to follow, or unstamped.
• Thread to complete the project. Some kits come with thread or can be purchased without. If you have a large stash, or simply want to pick your own colors,a kit without thread is for you. Needlepoint can be stitched with regular thread or yarn.
• Complete instructions and a picture of the finished piece. If your needlepoint kit is unstamped, there will also be a chart for you to follow.
• A needle. Not always included.

If you’re a rank beginner, you’ll want to pick a kit that is not very complex. That means a small design using only a handful of colors. Save yourself some frustration and don’t pick out a giant wall hanging using 30 different colors for your first project.

Pick a kit with a design you like, of course, and one that makes something you will find useful such as a pillow. Don’t plan to give your first needlepoint project as a gift, just in case it doesn’t turn out.

Beyond your local crafts store, which should stock kits with or near the cross stitch kits, here are some places to look for your kit.

• Beth Russell Needlepoint offers kits for pillows, rugs, cushions, stool tops, miniatures and more. Many are inspired by William Morris designs and feature natural motifs.
• Spin a Yarn has a wonderful collection of colorful pillows and even a needlepoint purse kit.
• Ehrman Tapestry features gorgeous, but pricey, needlepoint kits for pillows, cushions, rugs, wall hangings, miniatures and “exotics.”
• Stitchability sells beautiful wall hanging needlepoint kits.
• And if you don’t have one in your area, JoAnn offers a wide selection of kits.

Working with a kit really couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is follow the instructions coming with the kit. They will tell you how many strands of thread to use at a time and how to make any special stitches that may be required.

It’s usually helpful on any kind of needlepoint or cross stitch project to start stitching in the middle and work your way out. Since needlepoint uses up the whole canvas, it’s especially important to make sure you place those first stitches properly or your design might run off the canvas.

Depending on how you are going to use your finished needlepoint, you may need to block the project when you are done stitching. Blocking refers to the process used to make the piece square.

It’s really quite simple. You’ll need to get the piece wet, but not soaking. Gently rubbing it with a wet washcloth may be sufficient. Start at the top and tack the piece down to a board or mat (you can also tape it to the floor). Stretch it gently so that you can make that side straight.

You’ll work all the way around the piece, stretching it square and securing it in place. When the piece dries, it will stay square. Then you can finish it however the instructions suggest.

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