How to Work a Needlepoint Project

Keep these guidelines in mind when you work any needlepoint project.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Embroidery Scissors
• Embroidery Yarns
• Needlepoint Canvases
• Needlepoint Kit
• Needlepoint Patterns
• Embroidery Floss
• Embroidery Frames
• Embroidery Hoops
• Rug Yarns
• Tapestry Needles
• Tapestry Yarns
• Highlighter Pens
• Pencils Or Pens
• White Or Brown Kraft Papers

1. Read your needlepoint chart and pattern instructions completely before you begin to stitch.

2. Become familiar with the symbols used for each type of stitch.

3. Trace the outline of your canvas onto a piece of brown or white kraft paper.

4. Use a pen or pencil to mark the center point of each side. You will need this paper pattern to block your work after you complete it.

5. 

   Secure your fabric in an embroidery hoop or frame.

6. Make sure you are relaxed and sitting in a comfortable, well-lit area.

7. Stitch your needlepoint design from the center outward.

8. Work one color block or area at a time. If there is a background to be worked, stitch this portion after you complete all other areas.

9. 

   Position the threaded needle at the back of your canvas and bring the needle up all the way through at your starting point, leaving about 1 inch of floss or yarn at the back of your work.

10. 

    Hold this thread at the back of the fabric and work your first few stitches over it to secure the thread.

11. 

    End a floss or yarn strand by weaving it through a few stitches on the back of the work. Trim the excess with scissors.

12. Move from area to area by either ending the floss or yarn strand or by carrying the strand behind the canvas to the new area.

13. End the strand if moving to an area that is more than 1 inch away. (Otherwise, dark colors that are carried over may show on the front of your work.)

14. Unwind taut, twisted floss strands by allowing the threaded needle to drop away from the fabric. Do this as often as needed.

15. 

    Remove incorrect stitches by gently pulling them out with a needle. Don't cut threads unless the incorrect stitches are in the middle of a finished area. In that case, carefully clip the threads and use the eyed end of a tapestry needle to remove them.

Tips & Warnings

• Refer to your needlepoint pattern or kit for any special stitching instructions.
• Keep track of stitched areas by highlighting them on your pattern sheet with a marker as you complete them. (This is unnecessary if your needlepoint design is printed on your canvas.)
• Remove your canvas from the embroidery hoop or frame whenever you are not stitching. This will help prevent distortion and staining of the fabric.
• Keep your hands clean when stitching to avoid soiling your work.