How to Do Needlepoint Basket-Weave Stitches

The basketweave stitch is the most popular variation of the tent stitch, the most basic stitch used in needlepoint. It is worked diagonally downward, then upward and causes minimal canvas distortion when used to stitch large design areas.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Thread the tapestry needle with the indicated color and number of yarn or floss strands. Make threading easier by gently twisting the strand ends together.

2. Pull 3-4 inches of yarn or floss through the eye of your tapestry needle. Leave this tail the same length while you work on your project.

3. 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.

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

5. Start a basketweave stitch in the upper right portion of the canvas area that is to be stitched.

6. Bring your needle up through the hole at your starting point and down through the hole that is diagonally up and to the right of your starting point.

7. Bring your needle back up again through the hole that is diagonally down and to the right of your starting point. There will be one canvas hole in between your first and second stitches. MY QUESTION IS: WHERE/HOW/IN WHAT DIRECTION DO YOU BEGIN THE NEXT STITCH?

8. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 and work diagonally until you come to the end of your stitching row. At the end of your row, place a diagonal stitch just under the last stitch made. This is the first stitch of your upward row.

9. Reverse your stitching direction and work a row of stitches upward, next to the row just completed. With each new stitch, you will bring the needle down through the canvas hole that lies between each stitch in your first row.

10. Work diagonally up and down until the design area is completely stitched.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the yarn, canvas and stitches recommended in your needlepoint pattern or kit.
• Make sure that the tapestry needle you use is large enough to easily accommodate the thickness of your yarn and slips easily through the holes in your canvas.
• End a floss strand by weaving it through a few stitches on the back of the work. Trim the excess with scissors.
• Use the basketweave stitch in large or small areas, wherever stitch durability is required.