How to Stitch a Printed Needlepoint Design

Stitching a printed needlepoint design is not a difficult task. It can be an effortless way to learn various needlepoint techniques and stitches. You don't need to know how to draw or design needlepoint. The color scheme and design elements have already been chosen. All you have to do is select matching needlepoint threads and stitch patterns that fit the design's theme. You can even personalize the printed needlepoint design to go with a decorating theme or for a special gift.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Needlepoint kit or printed canvas
• Beads or embellishments
• Permanent waterproof marking pen
• Assorted needlepoint threads
• Tapestry needles
• Lamp

1. Make any adaptations to the printed needlepoint design before starting to stitch. Change the color scheme to match your decor. Choose different threads to create texture, or add beads and other embellishments to highlight and accent.

2. Check for misprints or places that do not match or join properly due to mistakes in machine printing. Count the stitches to align with previously worked areas to correct any mistakes. Redraw the design with a permanent waterproof marking pen.

3. Thread several tapestry needles with each color of thread that will be used to stitch the printed needlepoint design; this will save time and make it easy to work color changes.

4. Stitch the design element that stands out or appears closest to you--this is usually the foreground motif in the center of the printed needlepoint design. Work any geometric or repetitive outline in the design entirely before filling in other elements.

5. Work the fine details and small accent places inside a motif before stitching the remaining areas of the motif. Stitch adjacent design elements and work the background area last.

6. Stitch with as many colors as possible to get an overall picture of how the design will look once completed. Work clockwise around the canvas instead of top to bottom to avoid a disjointed look and canvas distortion.

7. Use shading to give a softer look to the design and to round out design elements. Thread a tapestry needle with one strand of thread in the color of the adjacent area and the remainder the color of the motif. Work several stitches or rows, gradually adjusting the number of strands of the adjacent color before changing to it entirely.

8. Keep the design shape intact by stitching the most prominent of any two or more areas that border each other.

9. Check the completed needlepoint for missed stitches by holding it up to natural light or lamplight. Add stitches as needed and prepare for finishing and final assembly. Any beads or embellishments should be attached after blocking the needlepoint.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase extra thread if you decide to change the color scheme or type of thread used.

References

• "Working with Embroidery Kits"; Helen Perks; 1992
• "Needlepoint and Pattern: Themes and Variations"; Gloria Katzenberg; 1975

Resources

• Two Things to Remember When Designing Your Own Needlepoint