How to Needlepoint

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.

- DMC soft cotton threads are non-divisible. I.e, you don't need to split the strands to start stitching.

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.