Learn Needlepoint
From About.com
Needlepoint is one of the oldest forms of needlework. It is both beautiful, and functional. Some stitches can seem intimidating at first, but if you can sew a simple seam, you can learn needlepoint. This site is where you will find simple step-by-step instructions to have you well on your way to finishing your first project. Whether you are looking to learn what needlepoint is, find a basic list of supplies, learn a new stitch, or scroll through tips from readers just like you, you have come to the right place. You'll find your experience with needlepoint will be fun and as individual as the person who stitches.
What is Needlepoint?
Needlepoint has been stitched through history. It's beauty can be seen in family rooms, gracing the halls of churches, and hanging on museum walls. Not to be confused with tapestry, needlepoint is a type of canvas work made with yarn or thread being stitched by hand, into canvas mesh to form a design. The types of stitching, threads and canvas used for needlepoint, make it useful and more durable than many other needlecrafts. You might be surprised that needlepoint is not limited to women, but is also enjoyed my many men. It's artistic qualities reach both young and old, the contemporary and the traditional.
Stitch Library
There is nothing like adding a new stitch to your skills to add interest and excitement to your needlework. Some needlepoint stitches can look complicated and a bit frightening at first glance, but taken one step at a time, are very easily learned and mastered. Whether you are looking to learn a new stitch or two, or brush up on an old one- the stitch library, here on the needlepoint site, is a great place to start. The graphs and simple steps will walk you through creating beautiful new stitches for your needlework projects.
Tools and Supplies
Laying tools, scroll frames, canvas size, mesh (what is mesh?!?), and tapestry needles- the terms, tools and supplies needed for needlepoint can be a mystery for someone just beginning. In truth, it doesn't take many supplies, and not a lot of cost to start a needlepoint project. When I first started, it would have saved a bundle to have known the simple supplies that I really needed to start. Choosing supplies, learning to use them, and even caring for your hands are all important. These lists and links will help you decide on the specific tools and supplies you will need to complete your projects.
Tips and Tricks
If you really want the best tips for your stitching projects, there is nothing like going to the source. Stitchers really do have great advice for making projects more efficient, correcting techniques, organizing supplies, and all other things needlework. If you are looking for some tips to improve your stitching, browse our helpful tips library. If you are an experienced stitcher who has a tip or two of your own to share, we would love to hear from you. Please consider sharing with other readers using the quick submission form. The voice of experience is always a good thing for someone just beginning.