How To Needlepoint
The Fun & Easy Way

Are you ready for some fun-filled instructions on how to needlepoint? We will show you all you really need to know.

By now you hopefully have a design you want to stitch. If not, your local needlepoint store is bound to have a ton of designs you can choose from. We have some excellent needlepoint kits right here on our site. A needlepoint kit is a great way to start because all the threads are included for you. Needlepoint Kits.

Now what?

Read on for how-to-needlepoint instructions that won't confuse, fluster or stress you out.......

The Canvas.

If you want to learn more about the different types of needlepoint canvas, click here. Chances are though you already have a canvas with the design printed on it. In that case....

The first thing you need to do is bind the edges with masking tape.

Use 1 inch wide tape or smaller. Instead of masking tape you can hem the edges with your sewing machine. This will avoid any frustration further down the track with the masking tape pulling off. It especially likes to do this in hot and humid weather!

Before you start your needlepoint stitches, lay your canvas onto some paper (thick paper or cardboard is best) and draw around the edge of the canvas. We will use this drawing later when we come to "block" your canvas once it has been stitched.

Should I Use a Needlepoint Frame?

The short answer is yes. A frame will keep your needlepoint taut and make it easier to work, and it will also prevent it from distorting. Although you can work the project on your lap, it is easier to work with a frame. (Unless you are working a small piece, in which case just go for it!)

We told you this how-to-needlepoint tutorial would always show you the easy route, didn't we?

Follow this link now to see a needlepoint instructions for mounting your canvas onto a frame. and then return here.

How To Choose A Needle

When learning how to needlepoint, you will need a tapestry needle.

A tapestry needle has a blunt end and a large eye so it is easy (sort of) to thread the yarn through.

You might want to buy a small package of assorted sizes as they are not expensive and you will need different sizes for different projects.

The following is a general guide for needle size for each canvas mesh size:

Size 16 needle - 8-mesh canvas

Size 18 needle - 10-mesh canvas

Size 20 needle - 12 - 14-mesh canvas

Size 22 needle - 16 - 18-mesh canvas

For some reason the larger the number, the smaller the needle (don't ask us, we just work here!). If the needle fits through the hole without distorting the canvas mesh and you are not having to tug at it like a dog on a leash, then your needle size is probably OK. And that's all you really need to know.

Needlepoint Stitches

Now we are getting to the fun part - how to make a stitch. Learning how to needlepoint is easy so far, huh?

Click on the link below to learn the basic needlepoint stitches. There will be a link to bring you back when you are finished.

Basic Needlepoint Stitches.

How To Block Your Needlepoint Canvas

Once you have finished stitching your project, you can bet your last dollar that it will have distorted into a diamond shape. This happens regardless of how perfectly you have made your stitch tension, or even whether or not you used a frame.

You will need to know how to block needlepoint, which really means stretch it back into shape.

Finishing Ideas

Once you have stitched your masterpiece, you will want to do something with it. We have instructions for framing needlepoint and for making up a pillow.

Some General How To Needlepoint Instructions

A good set of instructions for how to needlepoint is not complete without some general tips.

As you stitch, your thread will probably become twisted. It will knot up if you don't attend to it. Every few stitches, let the needle dangle so it can unwind.
When learning how to needlepoint, pay attention to the tension of the stitch. In other words don't pull the thread through too tightly. The stitch should sit relaxed, "zen-like", on the canvas. If you pull too tightly the canvas will buckle and become misshapen. if you do not pull the thread through securely enough then the stitches will sit up and you won't have an even look to your needlepoint. This will all come with practice so don't sweat it too much.

This is the end of your how-to-needlepoint tutorial. How was it?

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How To Needlepoint The Fun & Easy Way