Learn How to Needlepoint

Let’s learn how to needlepoint!  This page is for those interested in learning how to needlepoint for beginners as well as for those needlepointers who need a refresher.

Here you will find out how to learn to needlepoint!  We’ve included links to needlepoint books, beginning stitches, how to begin and end the needlepoint piece, and so much more.

What is needlepoint?

Needlepoint is a type of embroidery, but it is stitched through an open weave canvas with wool yarn. Most often, needlepoint designs will cover the canvas completely.  There are three basic tent stitches that all needlepointers will need to learn before beginning.

It is possible to work needlepoint in just one of the basic tent stitches relying on the color changes of the wool yarn to make the patterns.  The basic tent stitches are the continental, basketweave, and half-cross.

However, there are many more stitches in needlepoint that can be used. These other stitches are a combination of two or more of the basic tent stitches.

Be sure to check out our needlepoint stitch library to see wonderful tutorials showing how to make these combination stitches!

What is the history of needlepoint?

This will be brief, but the interesting fact is that needlepoint is the oldest canvas work. It goes back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians who used the stitches to hold together their canvas tents.  Hence the name of the basic tent stitches!

The earliest work was found in a cave of a pharaoh who had lived in approximately 1500 BC.

The needlepoint that we work today is a descendant of the slanted tent stitches of the ancient Egyptians. It became a popular household craft in the 16th century.

In the 17th century, needlepoint was greatly influenced by Bargello, which can be found on our free needlepoint project page. In the 19th century brightly colored and shaded Berlin wool work made it popular.

During this time period, upholstered furniture was popular, and needlepoint, with its sturdy canvas backing, was a popular choice for upholstery.

In the 18th century, Americans used this needlepoint to train young girls to sew clothing.

On this page are wonderful and very useful links to books and tutorials that will show how to learn needlepoint.

Stitchers will learn the supplies and materials needed for needlepoint, as well as how to choose the needle and yarn for the projects, anchor stitches to begin and end the project, and many more tips and tricks of needlepoint.

Please scroll down to browse through all of the resources to use to get started in needlepoint!