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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!

Learn How to Needlepoint

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 Needlepoint Basics eBook

Needlepoint Basics eBook #ad

Welcome to the wonderful world of needlepoint! Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this leaflet is designed to help you understand the basic techniques that make the difference between a piece of needlepoint that is just ordinary and one which is outstandingly beautiful! Affiliate Link to Leisure Arts

A Left-Handers Beginners Guide to Needlepoint

This simple guide will have all you lefties on your way to needlepointing in no time. Grey Stone Needlepoint

Anchor Thread or Yarn

In this post by Serendipity Needleworks learn two ways to anchor needlepoint thread or yarn - the waste knot or the pin stitch. Serendipity Needleworks

Beginner's Guide to Needlepoint

Here’s a complete post detailing my beginner’s guide to needlepoint: where to start, tips and tricks. Adored By Alex

Beginner's Guide To Needlepoint

Here is a beginner's guide to needlepoint - needlepoint stitches, free patterns and easy projects. Discover Hubpages

Beginner's Guide to Needlepointing

This post helps beginning needle-pointers figure out how to get started! So here’s your one-stop-shop for how to needlepoint! Claire Alison

Essential Needlepoint Supplies

Just a few easy-to-find needlepoint supplies are all you need to get started with this creative craft. Here is an article with tools and accessories for getting started with needlepoint. World of Needlepoint

Free Needlepoint Booklet

This free booklet contains easy instructions on how to start with needlepoint, how to select stitches, and a library of needlepoint stitches, with the respective instructions on how to stitch them. Unwind Studio

How to Select Needlepoint Needle & Fiber

This video tutorial has information on selecting a needle and selecting fiber for needlepoint projects. Monkey See on YouTube

How to Tape Needlepoint Canvas Edges

If you're stitching a needlepoint kit or other canvas that has not been taped, then binding the edges will stop them from fraying and catching on your threads. Here are some ways to bind the edges. Needlepoint For Fun

Learn How To Needlepoint

Simply Elegant shares resources on all the information a beginner needs to get started with needlepoint. Simply Elegant

Learn how to Needlepoint Tutorial

This how-to needlepoint video and tutorial is perfect if you are new to needlepoint, a needlepoint beginner, or maybe you just need a refresher. Needlepoint

Multi-Color Thread

An article on how to work with multi-color thread and starting a needlepoint project using a waste knot. Just String

Needle Threading Tip

Needle Threading Tip

If you have trouble threading a needle with floss or yarn, this method makes it easy. Needlepointers.com Associate

Needlepoint Basics

These instructions and tips will help you start your needlepoint project. Ziva Needlepoint Designs

Needlepoint Charts

Learn how to read a needlepoint chart pattern. Unwind Studio

New to Needlepoint

Here is a quick guide to getting started that is just what you need. Keep reading to uncover the basics of beginning a needlepoint project. Needlepoint

Painted Needlepoint Canvas

How to approach a hand-painted needlepoint canvas. This blog post has some guidelines for stitching them which make it easier to do. Nuts About Needlepoint

Plunge Thread

How to secure thread after couching. Needlepoint Teacher

Pre-Package Kits

You purchased a pre-packaged needlepoint kit. Now, what do you do? Here is an article to help you. Needlepoint Teacher

Stitch Tension

Ten tips for getting even needlepoint stitch tension. Needlepoint For Fun

Taping Needlepoint Canvas Edges

You have a new needlepoint canvas. Tape or Untape the edges. Create Needlepoint

Thread - Starting & Ending Thread

Learn how to start and end needlepoint threads. Needlepoint Teacher

Waste Knot

Waste knots are used to start and secure a new thread in needlepoint. Learn how to use a waste knot when needlepointing. Needlepoint For Fun

What is Needlepoint?

Learn about needlepoint - what it is, the thread, the canvas, the stitches and more. Abigail Cecile

Where Do I Start Stitching?

This post by Poppy Monk Needlepoint explains where to start stitching on a needlepoint canvas. Poppy Monk Needlepoint





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