Beginner's Guide
What Is Needlepoint?
Needlepoint is a form of embroidery traditionally worked on an open-weave canvas using wool, cotton, or silk thread. Unlike cross-stitch, needlepoint uses a stiffer canvas and can include a wide variety of stitches — from simple to decorative. It’s relaxing, portable, and perfect for creating heirlooms, gifts, pillows, ornaments, and framed artwork.
1. What You Need to Get Started
✔ Canvas
Most beginners start with 13-mesh (bigger holes, easier to see).
18-mesh is finer and allows for more detail.
Your canvas may come painted/printed with a design — just stitch directly over the colors.
✔ Needles
Use a tapestry needle with a blunt tip.
Size 18 needle → 13-mesh canvas
Size 22 needle → 18-mesh canvas
✔ Thread / Yarn
Common thread types:
Wool – the classic choice; durable and beginner-friendly.
Cotton (Perle Cotton) – smooth, shiny, consistent.
Silk – luxurious and vibrant, more advanced.
Blends – silk/wool blends offer great color and texture.
Your canvas seller may recommend exact quantities per color.
✔ Scissors
Small, sharp embroidery scissors work best.
✔ Optional Tools
Needle minder (so you don’t lose your needle)
Stretcher bars or frame (keeps canvas tight)
Project bag
Thread organizer / bobbins
2. Preparing Your Canvas
Trim & Tape the Edges
Cut excess canvas to ~2" around your design.
Use artist’s tape or masking tape along the raw edges to prevent fraying.
Mount Your Canvas (Optional but recommended)
Stitching on a taut canvas keeps your work even.
Use stretcher bars and thumbtacks.
Or a scroll frame if you prefer flexibility.
3. Starting to Stitch
Threading the Needle
Cut thread to an arm’s length (about 18”).
Too long = tangles. Too short = constant rethreading.
The First Stitch: The Tent Stitch
This is the foundational needlepoint stitch. If you master this one, you can complete most canvases.
How to Do a Tent Stitch
There are three variations:
Half-cross stitch – slants bottom-left to top-right.
Continental stitch – same slant, but stitches wrap the back for strength.
Basketweave stitch – most durable and prevents canvas from warping.
For beginners, continental is the best mix of ease + neatness.
Basic Technique
Bring the needle up from the back at the lower-left corner of a square.
Insert the needle down at the upper-right corner.
Repeat along the row or diagonal, following the design’s color boundaries.
Your stitches will create consistent diagonal slants: ///
4. Managing Your Thread
Starting a New Thread
Leave a small tail on the back and stitch over it to secure.
Or use a waste knot (begin with a knot on top, trim it later).
Ending a Thread
Run your thread under 4–6 stitches on the back.
Trim cleanly — never knot on the back of the canvas.
5. Stitch Direction Matters
Always make your stitches slant the same way
This keeps your piece looking smooth and polished.
Pick one direction (/// or \\\) and stay consistent across every color.
Basketweave vs Continental
Continental is good for straight rows.
Basketweave is best for large filled areas (prevents diagonal warping).
A beginner can do an entire piece in continental, but learning basketweave is worth it.
6. Changing Colors
Most hand-painted or printed canvases have clear boundaries.
To switch colors:
Finish your current thread.
Secure the end on the back.
Thread a new color.
Begin in the nearest open area, minimizing long thread floats on the back.
Long floats can show through or snag, so keep them short.
7. Decorative Stitches (Optional Enhancements)
Once you’re comfortable, explore stitches that add texture and dimension:
Brick stitch
Cashmere stitch
Mosaic stitch
French knots
Turkey work (fuzzy texture)
Woven stitches for backgrounds
For your beginner’s guide, you can include a few diagrams later if you'd like.
8. Finishing Your Canvas
After stitching, you have several finishing options:
Blocking
A professional finisher will block the canvas (wet + stretch) to square it.
Common Finished Products
Pillows
Ornaments
Stand-ups
Coasters
Eyeglass cases
Belts
Hinged boxes
Framings
Tote inserts
Because finishing can be complex, most stitchers send completed canvases to a professional needlepoint finisher.
9. Tips for Beginners
Start with a small design.
Ornaments, coasters, or small squares build confidence.
Work in good light.
Daylight bulbs help you see mesh clearly.
Keep your tension consistent.
Not too tight, not too loose.
Take breaks.
Needlepoint is relaxing — don’t rush, enjoy the process.
Don’t worry about mistakes.
It’s easy to pull stitches out and redo them.
