These are the basics you should know to begin your first needlepoint project.
1. Basic Supplies
- Canvas
- Thread or yarn
- Tapestry Needle in appropriate size for canvas mesh
- Needle threader
- Small Scissors
- Frame (Though not necessary for tiny projects, a frame is crucial to achieving even stitching and in keeping the stitches from warping in larger projects.)
2. Thread
Though most people use wool, you can basically needlepoint with anything that will fit through the eye of a needle.
Thread lengths should generally be cut to 18". If you are working with metallic threads, you might want to cut it a little shorter.
3. Canvas
Bind your canvas either with masking tape or seam binding before beginning.
4. Frame
Mount your canvas in a scrollframe or stretcher bars. Hoops are not recommended because they pull and distort the canvas.
5. Begin Stitching
Feed thread onto needle. When starting, make a knot (waste knot) at the end of the thread. Pull the needle through the canvas with knot on the top side of the canvas and about 8 stitches from where you will begin. As you stitch, move toward it, covering the tail. When you reach the knot, snip it off.
6. Basic Stitches
There are three basic needlepoint stitches that you should become acquainted with. They are the Continental, Basketweave stitch and Half Cross Stitch.
These are all very easy, and the remainder of stitches build upon these basic three.
7. Ending a Thread
To end a thread, simply run your threaded needle under a few stitches on the back side of your work and clip the thread. Remember to give yourself enough room here...you don't want to finish a project only to have a tail come loose!
8. Watch Your Tension
Needlepoint requires that you keep an even tension while you work. It takes practice and patience to acheive the neat and even stitches that come with consistent tension. You do not want your stitches to be so lose that they are bulky, nor so tight that they do not cover the canvas.
9. Blocking and Finishing
Once finished, you will need to block your work to get it back to it's original shape and prepare it for finishing.
**Remember that your comfort is really important to achieving optimal results! Choose a comfortable place to work with good lighting! If you wear glasses, it's always a good idea to clean them before you begin.
