How to Stitch a Needlepoint Curve

 Needlepoint is easiest when you are stitching straight lines. But sometimes it throws you a curve. Here are three great ways to stitch a needlepoint curve. 

1. Stitch A Needlepoint Curve - Zig Zag

Use a tent stitch to follow the curved line as closely as you can, in a step-wise or zig-zag fashion. This is the most common way of stitching a curve or diagonal line in needlepoint.

The zig-zag approach creates a strong-looking line, but it is not a very smooth curve as the stitches are laid down in steps.

2. Stitch A Needlepoint Curve - Backstitch

Using a backstitch is a great way to stitch a needlepoint curve. Use a long stitch over two or more stitch intersections to follow the arc of the curve.

You can see in this photo (where we have stitched white thread on a green curve so you can see the stitches), that we have used stitches of different lengths and directions to hug the curve. You can find directions on our website for how to do a needlepoint backstitch. It can be done as surface embroidery (stitched on in a finer thread after the canvas is completed), or you can do what I have done here and stitch it directly onto the canvas. See how much smoother the arc of the curve is when you stitch a needlepoint curve using a backstitch?

3. Stitch A Needlepoint Curve - Wrapped Backstitch

If you decide to use a backstitch to stitch a needlepoint curve, you can get a thicker, smoother, more defined line by wrapping the stitches. This is called a Wrapped Backstitch. When you have placed the last backstitch on the curve, go back and wrap the thread around each stitch.

To do this, bring the needle up at the start of the last backstitch you placed and then slide the needle under this last stitch, working from the outside of the curve toward the inside. The needle stays on top of the canvas and just slides under the stitches. You can see in this photo how I am sliding the needle under the stitch.

Wrapping the backstitch forms a thick, ridged curve, and it gives the curve a nice curvy shape! You can imagine that when all the other tent stitches come in around it that this curve will be standing out nicely. Using a wrapped backstitch is a very effective and easy way to stitch a needlepoint curve.

Contact us with questions about how to stitch a needlepoint curve.


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