How to Needle Point

Create unique designs with a needlepoint kit

Needlepoint is the art of using a needle and fine yarn to create a design or pattern on a mesh piece of fabric. Completed stitched patterns can be applied to decorative pillows, bags and framed as pictures to add flare to your home decor or personal style. Learning this craft is best practiced with a beginner's needlepoint kit. Once you have mastered the stitches you can move on to other patterns and even create your own designs on blank mesh fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Needlepoint kit
• Yarn
• Tapestry needles of various sizes
• Scissors
• Mesh canvas
• 1 inch masking tape
• Needlepoint frame (optional)

Instructions

1. Purchase a beginner's needlepoint kit. These are available online and also at most craft, fabric and sewing supply stores. Select a kit designed for new learners that includes the needles, thread and pattern you will need to get started, as well as detailed instructions on how to complete the project.

2. Read the instructions for the needlepoint project thoroughly before beginning your stitches. Needlepoint uses small stitches to make a big picture, so understanding how the overall pattern works before beginning will prevent unnecessary mistakes.

3. Cover the edges of the mesh canvas with your one inch masking tape. Fold the tape over so it covers both the front and back of the canvas. Do this to all sides of the canvas.

4. Place your canvas in the needlepoint frame, if you choose to use one. Needlepoint frames help keep the canvas taut and can make it easier for you to see the pattern as you make the stitches. But, even a beginner can needlepoint fairly easily without using a frame.

5. Cut a length of yarn about 18 inches. Create a knot at the bottom of the yarn, then thread the yarn through the tapestry needle of the size recommended by the pattern. Starting a few holes before the upper right corner of the color section you are starting with, pull the yarn through the hole so that it sits on the front of the canvas. As you stitch, the stitches will then cover up the knot, allowing for a seamless design.

6. Begin stitching your needlepoint project following the directions included in the kit. Most will have you start with stitching the smallest areas of color first, as it is easier to complete the details when there are not large chunks of color hindering you. Stitch all the small areas of color according to the kit pattern, using the stitches and stitch instructions included the kit. If you are unsure about a stitch, consult the stitch guide in the resource list at the end of this article.

7. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 according to the pattern and instructions included in your kit. Most patterns will have you start in the upper right hand corner of any color group and then stitch across and down, until all color groups have been completed on the pattern. Be sure to use the stitches, color and needle sizes indicated by the pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• Use light stitches when completing your needlepoint project. Pulling the yarn too tightly can cause the canvas to pucker.

• Yarn has a tendency to twist as it is being threaded into the canvas. Untangle any twists before you complete a stitch to make the stitches more even.

References

• Needlepoint For Fun; How to Nedlepoint
• Needlepoint For Fun; Basic Needlepoint Stitches

Resources

• Needlepoint For Fun; Basic Needlepoint Stitches