Get started with needlepoint

• Get started with needlepoint
• Get started with embroidery
• Learn the basics of cross-stitch
• How to start quilting
• The best needlework kits
• A beginner's guide to... patchwork and quilting
• Getting started with appliqué

Needlepoint is the craft of stitching onto an open-weave canvas to create illustrative or geometric designs, where most designs completely cover the surface of the canvas. It is also often known as tapestry or canvas work, although ‘real’ tapestries are woven on a loom rather than stitched.

The great thing about trying needlepoint is that it’s very simple to learn and doesn’t require expensive start-up materials, so it’s really easy to get started.

All you will need to start with is a few basic materials and tools.

Basic materials

Canvas – blank needlepoint canvas is open, even-weave mesh with spaces to allow heavier threads to pass through. It comes in a variety of mesh sizes, referred to in terms of thread count per inch/2.5cm. The smaller the count, the coarser the canvas. The best canvas for beginners is ‘Interlock canvas’ as it is stable and less likely to distort whilst stitching. It is most commonly available in white or beige.
Tip: Choose white canvas for pale yarns and beige for darker yarns.

Fabric You can embroider onto lots of different woven fabric bases, but simple woven cotton or linen are the best choices to start with.

Basic tools

Needlepoint frame this is a wooden frame that holds your canvas taut keeping even tension so that stitches are even.

Tapestry needles – these have a large eye for easy threading and blunt point to pass between the canvas weave.

Scissors A small pair of sharp scissors are best to get a really close cut.

Design you can draw or paint your own design directly onto your canvas, or buy a simple needlepoint kit containing a design and everything you need to get started.
Tip: Choose a design that has solid blocks of colour as an easy starting point.

All the materials and tools mentioned above should be available in your local sewing and craft shops. You can also order all these items online.

Basic stitches

The basic needlepoint stitches are plain stitches called ‘tent’ stitches, which rely on colour changes to create a design. The three most commonly used stitches are illustrated and explained on page 2. With just these basic stitches you can create endless designs.

Three easy steps to follow

Prepare canvas:
Tape the edge of the canvas with masking tape to prevent fraying or the thread catching and fix into a needlepoint frame.

Prepare needle and thread:
Sew with a length of yarn no longer than 45cm to prevent the yarn knotting or getting tangled when stitching.

Begin stitching:
Stitch the detail of the design first, followed by the larger areas of colour.
Tip: Practice makes perfect. Try stitches on a spare piece of canvas to get the tension correct. Pulling too tight will distort the canvas. Leaving the stitches too loose will make them appear uneven.

Easy ideas for beginners

To start with, keep to small and simple. You can buy beginners needlepoint/tapestry kits with everything you need as a great way to start you off. Once you have mastered the basic stitches you can progress onto more advanced needlepoint stitches and designs.

Get inspiration from...

Books:
'The Needlecraft Book' from Dorling Kindersley
'Stitch!' by Cath Kidston
'Needlepoint Stitches: 52 Stitches Explained & Illustrated' by Susan Higginson
'Embroider Everything Workshop: The Beginner's Guide to Cross-stitch, Needlepoint, Appliqué, and More' by Diana Rupp'.

Classes

There are needlepoint classes running throughout the country. To find your nearest class search online: www.hotcourses.com lists classes in your area. Alternatively, ask at your local fabric or craft shop – they may even run classes themselves.

Shops

Local fabric, sewing and craft shops are good sources of supplies. Visit:
Hobbycraft (www.hobbycraft.co.uk) for everything you could possibly need
C&H Fabrics (www.candh.co.uk) for canvas, needlepoint supplies and kits
John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com) for canvas & needlepoint supplies

Websites

There are many websites selling needlepoint supplies and kits so it is definitely worth having a search around for the best prices. Try:
www.sewandso.co.uk
www.qualityneedlecraft.co.uk
www.lucywinter.co.uk
www.oneoffneedlework.co.uk

See the next page for how to do three basic needlepoint stitches: half cross stitch, continental stitch and basketweave stitch