How to Get Your Grandma or Grandpa Interested in Needlepoint

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By Althea DeBrule
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Needlepoint or Canvas Embroidery is done all over the world and has a long and rich history dating back to the 1600s when canvas backgrounds were first used to duplicate the expensive tapestries that were made on looms. In the 1700s, needlepoint had a practical purpose. Colonial American women would stitch needlepoint chair covers, pillows and other household items. From the 1800s to early in the 20th century, needlepoint was an essential part of the educational curriculum for young women. It was an honor to be considered an accomplished needlewoman. Since that time generations of grandmothers have embroidered wonderful designs on canvas which have been passed down as heirlooms or placed in museums. And today, needlepoint is done by men and women alike for pleasure and recreation. In fact, there are lots of grandpas and grandmas currently stitching away and even designing new needlepoint creations. Here are some tips for stimulating your Grand’s interest in this creative and rewarding needle art.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Grandma or Grandpa
Needlepoint Shop
Needlepoint Project
Needlepoint Threads and Supplies
Encouragement

Step 1

Threads

Find a local needlepoint shop and take your Grand to explore, touch and experience the beautiful designs and threads. Shop owners love to tell stories about going to market and selecting merchandise to meet the specific desires and needs of their customers. Your Grand will get to observe other stitchers who are taking classes or meeting for a stitching bee.
Step 2

Needlepointed Holiday Ornament

Help your Grand choose a simple painted design in keeping with their skill level to get started. Consider an eyeglass case, belt or holiday ornament.
Step 3

Show interest in your Grand’s progress; maybe even start a project yourself as an opportunity to bond.
Step 4

Encourage him/her to sign up for a class to work on the project. Most shop owners are more than willing to give basic instruction to jumpstart your Grand’s stitching.
Step 5

Introduce your Grand to various needle arts educational organizations like the American Needlepoint Guild (ANG) and The Embroiderers Guild of America. See the resources for more groups. If your Grand develops a consuming passion for needlepoint, he/she can attend seminars, workshops and download stitch primers and guides directly from these sites.
Step 6

Mary Queen of Scots

Tell your Grand about the many famous grandpas and grandmas that have learned how to needlepoint and express their creativity on canvas. Mary Queen of Scots stitched while in the Tower of London awaiting execution. Mary Martin, best known for her role as Peter in the Broadway show Peter Pan, needlepointed a family rug during rehearsals that won numerous awards in exhibits throughout the world. Loretta Swit, co-star of the TV series M*A*S*H, stitched during her free time between takes of each show. Rosie Grier, the 6ft. 5in. 230 lb. former American football player, designs and stitches needlepoint for sheer enjoyment and relaxation.
Step 7

Celebrate and take your Grand out for lunch when he/she has completed the project. Make sure you stop by the needlepoint shop to pick out a new one.

Comments

DorisK said

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on 10/29/2008 Needlepoint is also wonderful for children. They learn how to count and follow directions. There are canvases with big holes and children can use plastic needles. I have a needlepoint store and I have taught children as young as 4 years old how to needlepoint.

PammySuzie said

on 10/13/2008 If they have trouoble threading a needle get them a Spiral Eye Needle. Spiral eye needles have an opening on the side of the eye so they are easy to thread and they stay threaded. You can get them at www.spiraleyeneedles.com