What Is Needlepoint? A Simple Guide for Beginners
Needlepoint is a kind of embroidery that you stitch on a stiff, open-weave canvas. You pass yarn or thread through the holes of the canvas, one small stitch at a time, until the stitches cover it. People also call it canvas work. This guide explains what needlepoint is, what you need for it, and what you can make.
How needlepoint works
A needlepoint canvas is a grid of threads with evenly spaced holes. You follow a design, and you fill each area with stitches in the right color. Most designs cover the whole canvas, so the stitches form a new, sturdy fabric.
Most needlepoint uses one basic stitch, the tent stitch. It is a small slanted stitch that crosses one intersection of the canvas. Color changes, not different stitches, create the picture. Learn more in the tent stitch guide.
What makes needlepoint different
- The canvas is stiff. Most other embroidery decorates soft cloth.
- The stitches cover the canvas. In most embroidery and cross stitch, the fabric shows around the design.
- The result is sturdy. That is why people use needlepoint for pillows, belts, and seat covers.
For a closer look, read needlepoint vs cross stitch and needlepoint vs embroidery.
What you need
Canvas
Canvas size is called mesh. The mesh number tells you how many threads the canvas has per inch. A higher number means smaller stitches and more detail. Common sizes include 10, 12, 14, and 18.
| Canvas type | What it is | Often used for |
|---|---|---|
| Mono | A simple weave of single threads | Hand-painted canvases |
| Interlock | Threads locked together at each crossing, so it is very stable | Printed canvases |
| Penelope | Pairs of threads, so its size has two numbers, such as 10/20 | Traditional designs and kits |
| Plastic | Stiff plastic sold in pre-cut pieces | Small projects and beginners |
Thread
Stitchers use wool, cotton, silk, and blends. The thread needs to be thick enough to cover the canvas.
A tapestry needle
A tapestry needle has a blunt tip and a long eye. Use size 20 for 13 mesh canvas and size 22 for 18 mesh canvas.
A frame, if you want one
Many stitchers mount the canvas on a scroll frame or a wooden frame to keep it flat. A small piece does not need one.
What you can make
- Pillows
- Christmas ornaments and stockings
- Belts and key fobs
- Eyeglass cases and purses
- Wall hangings and framed pictures
- Seat covers and other upholstery
A little history
Needlepoint in tent stitch was a popular craft at home in the 16th century. In the United Kingdom, many people call needlepoint “tapestry,” although true tapestry is woven on a loom. You may also see the term petit point, which means needlepoint worked in tent stitch on fine canvas.
Is needlepoint hard?
No. You can learn the basic stitch in one sitting. With a painted canvas, you do not count anything. You stitch each area in the color you see. Keeping your stitches even takes a little practice.
How to start
- Read how to do needlepoint for the steps and a diagram.
- Pick a small first project. See needlepoint kits for beginners.
- Learn the basic stitch well before you try decorative needlepoint stitches.
Common questions
Is needlepoint the same as embroidery?
Needlepoint is one type of embroidery. It uses a stiff canvas, and most other embroidery uses soft cloth.
Is needlepoint the same as tapestry?
No. True tapestry is woven on a loom. Needlepoint is stitched with a needle. In the United Kingdom, people often use the word tapestry for needlepoint.
Is needlepoint expensive?
It can be. Hand-painted canvases cost more than printed ones, and many projects need finishing. A small kit keeps the cost down.
