How to Choose the Perfect Needlepoint Project

The first needlepoint project should be considered a learning piece with a simple design and little color shading or blending. Background areas should be larger than the design itself to give you a chance to master basic stitches. However, advanced stitchers usually opt for more elaborate designs that offer challenging stitch possibilities. But, regardless of the skill level, needlepoint projects usually fall into 7 categories. There are differences and similarities; so when selecting your needlepoint pattern or design, choose one that best fits your expertise and interest.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Good lighting
• Time to consider each project category
• Interest in stitching needlepoint

1. 
   Stamped Design

   Stamped Designs. A stamped project is a needlepoint design that has been machine pressed onto a piece of blank canvas. When the design is transferred correctly, this type of project is great for beginners. However, if the design has been improperly transferred you will have to compensate for the errors when stitching. This could irritate, discourage and dull a beginner's stitching enjoyment.

2. 
   Hand Painted Designs

   Hand-Painted Designs. These designs are painted by an artist who needlepoints or is familiar with needlework. They are more expensive than stamped ones but are easier for the beginning needlepointer because of their accuracy. Each canvas thread is painted exactly the way it is to be stitched.

3. 
   Charted Design

   Charted Designs. If you're familiar with counted cross stitch or good at keeping your place when counting, a charted design might appeal to you. The design is usually charted on graph paper with symbols representing the different stitches you will use.

4. 
   Glorafilia Needlepoint Kit

   Needlepoint Kits. For the busy stitcher, needlepoint kits can be very attractive indeed. At a minimum they will contain canvas and chart or instructions. Complete kits include thread and some finishing materials.

5. 
   Pre-Worked Design

   Pre-Worked Designs. This is stress-free stitching. The design motif has already been stitched and all you have to do is complete the background. Great for airplane trips and commuter train rides, and they make an excellent introductory piece for beginners.

6. 
   Pre-Finished Wallet

   Pre-Finished Articles. Projects in this category have already been finished into pillows, purses, wallets, eye-glass cases and more. All you have to do is complete a needlepoint insert that can be removed for easy stitching. When you work projects in this category, choose stitches that do not distort the canvas or impact the finished product.

7. 
   Inspiration

   Design It Yourself. This is the ultimate of self-expression and usually the preferred category of advanced stitchers. A needlepointer is either motivated to personally design a project when he/she cannot find designs that are of interest or that suit the taste; or when inspired by an event, person or thing to create art on canvas.

Resources

• Glorafilia Needlepoint Kits
• A Guide to Needlepoint
• American Needlepoint Guild
• Embroiderer’s Guild of America
• Get Your Copy of The Bargello Needlepoint Christmas Ornament Series eBook

[Limowreck]

on 6/28/2008 Thanks for the great info on how to start. The last time I tried, I got in way over my head!