How to Do Needlepoint

Needlepoint is a beautiful art form when stitched carefully and correctly. It's a hobby that's enjoyed by many people, both women and men. Traditional needlepoint is seen in wall art and pillows. However, many things are covered in needlepoint such as wallets, glass cases and even furniture. Use the following to learn the basics of needlepoint so you can get started on your own masterpiece.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Needlepoint canvas
• Tapestry or crewel needle
• Needlepoint yarns
• Scissors
• Needlepoint beginner's kit (optional)

1. Learn how to needlepoint by using a prepackaged kit. Some of these are very quick and easy, which is perfect for a beginner to learn.

2. Separate your yarns and thread your needle according to the kit directions. Your kit may have two shades of green, light green and olive green. It may say to use two threads of the olive green yarn to stitch an area on your pre-stamped canvas. Take a piece of the yarn and twist it open to separate the individual threads. Pull two of those threads to thread your needle.

3. Decide to either knot your yarn at the bottom or hold a small length, about two inches, while you make the first stitch.

4. Make that first stitch by inserting the needle from the backside up through the front side. Pull the yarn or threads all the way through. Now, cross diagonally over the criss-cross of the canvas and insert the needle back down through the canvas. Reach under the canvas, take the needle and pull the threads all the way through. You've made a "half-cross stitch."

5. Start the next stitch again from the back. The space in the canvas to the direct left of where your first stitch came up through the canvas is where your second beginning stitch will come up through. Pull the thread all the way through and out on the front side of the canvas. Insert the needle in the space directly over the space where your very first stitch was made. This will also be in the space to the direct left of the first stitch that was inserted downward toward to back side of the canvas. By making your continuing stitches in this manner, you've made the standard and traditional "continental stitch." This is the most common needlepoint stitch.

6. Experiment with the stitches to get the right tension of how firm you should pull the yarn threads. Don't pull them too tightly or your canvas will pull in strange angles. Practice your needlepoint to make all your stitches clean and even.

Tips & Warnings

• Needlepoint kits come in a variety of skill levels. Some come on colored plastic canvases with larger holes. Others come with very tiny intricate canvases that require many blending of the colors of yarn to produce a finished tapestry that's a work of art.
• Needlepoint make a great hobby as it's easy to pack up and take with you work on in waiting rooms or on vacations.
• To some individuals, needlepoint is quite therapeutic; that's why you can see men as well as women doing needlepoint.