How to Needlepoint
Learning a new hobby or a new craft might be daunting, if we don't have the right learning materials. The practice might be easy (and it is, trust us!), but we all need some instructions to get us started and we are here to help you!
Below are the stitching instructions you need to get started! Watch our video tutorial, where we show you each step in detail.
"HOW TO NEEDLEPOINT" VIDEO TUTORIAL
Step 1: Cutting some thread
Cut a piece of thread not longer than 50cm (20’’). Due to the continual backwards and forwards movement through the canvas, the thread will wear gradually until it is much thinner than it was originally. If you are working with a small stitch (like tent stitch) it is advisable to use a shorter length.
TIP: Always pull the DMC skein thread from the end where the color number is located.
Step 2: Threading the needle
Fold a bit of one of the ends of the piece of thread over the eye end of your needle and holding it tightly between thumb and first finger, extract the needle. Insert the resulting small fold through the needle’s eye and pull the thread through the eye.
TIP: Use a small piece of paper to help you thread the needle. Watch the video above!
Step 3: Starting a piece of thread
If you are starting off a new piece of thread on an empty part of the canvas, a good method is to hold about 2cm (¾’’) of thread on the back of the canvas and sew over it until it is firmly held down. Do not leave any loose ends which may get pulled through to the front with another stitch.
TIP: You can also start by using a waste knot. Learn how to do this by watching our tutorial here.
Step 4: Stitching
Always “under − over, under − over” − i.e, your stitches come from under the canvas and then plunge back in over.
Your stitches should be worked firmly to produce an even tension, otherwise the finished work won’t look good. The needle and the thread should be taken right through to the back or front of the canvas each stitch before being inserted again for the start of the next stitch. This facilitates an even tension and results in less wear on the thread.
Share a square! As you add more rows of stitches to your work, new stitches are always worked into the same square as the stitches directly above or below it.
Step 5: Ending a piece of thread
Stop stitching when there’s about 8cm (3’’) of thread left. On the back of the canvas, run the needle under the last stitches you worked for about 5cm (2’’), then cut the thread tail.
Best Needlepoint Tips & Tricks for a smoother stitching
If you're new to needlepoint, or if you want to learn more about the process, check out these tips & tricks we have for you!
MOST COMMON NEEDLEPOINT STITCHES
Now that you know the basics of how to needlepoint, let's see some of the most common needlepoint stitches. If you are new to this craft, you can start by experimenting with these stitches, before moving up to more complex ones.
Basic Needlepoint Tent Stitch
Everything you need to know about the Tent Stitch, the most common stitch in needlepoint!
Favourite Needlepoint Decorative Stitches
Here you can find everything about our favorite decorative needlepoint stitches, how to do them, and some stitched examples.
Needlepoint Stitches Video Tutorials
If you are a visual learner, our tutorials are perfect to get you started with the most common stitches!
WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR NEEDLEPOINT
Find out all you need to know about the materials necessary for needlepoint, like needles, threads, canvas, and other tools and accessories.
Materials you need for needlepoint
READ MORE
Needlepoint Accessories Collection
SHOP NEEDLEPOINT ACCESSORIES
WHAT IS NEEDLEPOINT
For anyone who isn't familiar with it, here is an history lesson! In this blog you can discover more about the origins of needlepoint, how it was originally used and how it's seen nowadays, as well as other interesting information about this craft!
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEEDLEPOINT BOOKLET
Our booklet contains easy instructions on how to start with needlepoint, key takeaways on how to select stitches, and a library of our favorite stitches, with the respective instructions on how to stitch them!
