Blog Page
Needlepoint Stitches: Basic Stitches for Beginners

Needlepoint Stitches: Basic Stitches for Beginners

Starting a new hobby means picking up new skills. When you pick up needlepoint, there are always new types of stitches to learn. The basic needlepoint stitches for beginners sound more complicated than they are, so once you learn them, they’re a breeze. After you master a few techniques, you can decide which stitches are your favorites.

Embracing needlepoint provides you with lifelong learning opportunities you’ll value forever. Whether you’re in it for the community or because you like to make things with your hands, you’ll have endless opportunities to practice your needlepoint skills once you learn a few simple stitches. Check them out:

Tent Stitch

The most basic type of needlepoint stitch is the tent stitch. You create a tent stitch by bringing the thread over the diagonal cross of your canvas. Lines of tent stitches look excellent when you use them to fill in a design. Rows of tent stitches lay flat and don’t offer many variations. Still, there are several different types of tent stitches, some of which provide more coverage, durability, and versatility than others.

Continental Stitch

For a similar design as the half-cross stitch with more thread on the back, use the continental stitch. This stitch type makes the canvas more durable and requires more thread. It’s still best for smaller areas, though. To create a continental stitch, stitch consecutive tent stitches next to one another, effectively wrapping the thread around the canvas. This stitching style creates a strong hold for your pattern.

Basketweave Stitch

Considered the sturdiest stitch style, the basketweave stitch uses the most amount of thread. Though it looks like the continental stitch from the front, the technique and the pattern it produces on the back of the canvas are different. This style offers the most coverage without distorting the image, so it’s the best one to use when filling in a large area. You can only do basketweave stitch in a diagonal.

Gobelin Stitch

To create some texture on your canvas, you might use a Gobelin stitch. It is a straight stitch that you can work in different layers and angles to create various effects. With this technique, you’ll bring the needle through the last hole of the previous row. It’s a common stitch to use for landscaping and storytelling.

Mosaic Stitch

Another fun stitch style that’s easy for beginners is the mosaic stitch. This technique consists of three stitches and is easy to master once you’ve learned a tent stitch. To create a mosaic stitch, create two half-cross stitches that cover one canvas intersection with a longer cross stitch in between.

How To Start a Stitch

To start your stitch:

  • Cut a piece of thread 18 inches long. (Or, if you don’t need to be exact, measure the thread from your elbow to your finger.)
  • Thread your needle.
  • Tie a knot at the opposite end of the thread from the needle. The knot should be big enough that it won’t fall through the canvas. This is called a “waste knot.”
  • Place the waste knot on top of the canvas by pulling the thread down into the canvas from the top.

Where To Start Stitching

About an inch from the “waste knot,” begin stitching your design. You’ll stitch over the “tail” of the knot before cutting it away. It’s the only knot you’ll tie to start a thread for your piece. Subsequent threads will lock into your canvas from the existing fabric.

How to End a Stitch

Once you run out of thread or need to switch, you’ll need to end your stitch so that it doesn’t come undone. To end a stitch, flip the canvas over to look at the back. Run the needle through the most recent threads you stitched to tie up the end. Make sure it’s secure, and carefully cut the needle loose.

Things To Know Before You Begin

When you’re starting with your first needlepoint project, it helps to have a few tips and tricks up your sleeve. Many people make beginner mistakes that you can avoid. First, start small; stitch the smallest areas of color first. When you get to larger areas, you can use the basketweave stitch. You can also carry thread that’s the same color to other areas of the canvas if you’re moving less than half an inch.

For a successful project, secure the edges of your canvas so that it doesn’t warp. Further, make sure you have enough thread. You might consult with a store to determine how much you need or buy a kit. Kits come with everything you need, including thread, needles, the canvas, and the design. Still, even if you’re using a needlepoint brick doorstop kit, make sure you’re following the design to ensure you have enough thread to complete it.

Your canvases won’t look amateur once you have the basic supplies and master basic needlepoint stitches for beginners. It takes more than the tent stitch to be a needlepoint legend. Try using needlepoint kits and taking lessons from experts to develop your style and craft. The more you practice what you’re passionate about, the better you’ll become.

Latest Blog Posts

Stitching the Santa Stars: Knitting Stitch

Stitching the Santa Stars: Knitting Stitch

We're back with another addition to our Santa Stars Series! Our newest release is our adorable Trees on Red PJ Santa. Each month, we release a new stitch guide for...

All About Needlework System 4

All About Needlework System 4

Needlework System 4 accessories are the perfect addition to any stitching set-up and allow for comfort and ease while stitching. Read more to find out which is best for you!

Stitching the Santa Stars: Rhodes Circle

Stitching the Santa Stars: Rhodes Circle

Take a behind the scenes look at the stitching of our Santa Star Collection from Associated Talents.

All About Needle Point Rewards!

All About Needle Point Rewards!

Read to take a closer look at Needlepoint.Com's rewards program, exploring the perks and benefits that make it a standout in the needlepoint community.

Embarking on a Creative Journey: A Beginner's Guide to Needlepoint

Embarking on a Creative Journey: A Beginner's G...

If you're a beginner eager to explore the craft of needlepoint, you're in for a delightful and rewarding journey. In this guide, we'll walk you through the basics, offer some...

Favorite Stitches for Wheels

Favorite Stitches for Wheels

Using decorative stitches for wheels is a great way to add character and dimension to your project! Read more for our favorites.

A Look at How our Needlepoint.com Community Decorates for the Holidays with their Needlepoint!

A Look at How our Needlepoint.com Community Dec...

We love our needlepoint community! Check out everything you have created this year!

Thread Talks - All About Vineyard Wool!

Thread Talks - All About Vineyard Wool!

Vineyard wool is a great thread for beginners and expert stitchers alike! Watch our latest Thread Talk video to learn more.

Favorite Needlepoint Stitches for Squares

Favorite Needlepoint Stitches for Squares

Squares can be a great highlight to any needlepoint design and there are a number of stitches to choose from, too!

Meet Don - the designer behind Associated Talents and Two Sisters

Meet Don - the designer behind Associated Talen...

Meet Don Lynch - the designer behind Two Sisters and Associated Talents.

Finishing by Needlepoint.com

Finishing by Needlepoint.com

Here at Needlepoint.com, we have developed strong relationships with the finest needlepoint finishers in the nation. We offer a wide variety of finishing services such as stockings, ornaments, pillows, and...

2023 Charleston Retreat Recap

2023 Charleston Retreat Recap

A perfect stitching weekend unfolded at the Needlepoint.Com retreat in Charleston and attendees are not holding back with their accolades.

Thread Talks - All About Essentials!

Thread Talks - All About Essentials!

We love working with Essentials thread especially since it comes on both skeins and cards! Watch our latest Thread Talk video to learn more.

Interfacing-The Perfect Way to Swap Out Self-Finishing!

Interfacing-The Perfect Way to Swap Out Self-Fi...

Self-finishing is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to finish needlepoint these days. Not only can you finish the project yourself (no big finishing bills? Yes please!), but...

Thread Talks- All About Weeks Dye Works!

Thread Talks- All About Weeks Dye Works!

Learn all about Weeks Dye Works, one of our favorite variegated threads and a small business local to North Carolina!

Needlepoint Lettering

Needlepoint Lettering

We’ve put together some quick and easy tips to help you stitch letters on a needlepoint canvas. The biggest influence to how you will stitch your letters is based on...

Thread Talks- All About Pepper Pot!

Thread Talks- All About Pepper Pot!

Learn all about Pepper Pot, one of our favorite silk threads and a staple among expert and beginner stitchers alike!

Needlepoint Personalities

Needlepoint Personalities

Which Needlepoint Personality are you?

Take a Look at our new Mural!

Take a Look at our new Mural!

Needlepoint.Com-Raleigh has become the canvas for a stunning new mural by local artist, Adriana Ameigh, and you will recognize this vibrant design from Needlepoint To Go! Titled “Prismatic Oasis”, the...

Thread Talks - All About Kreinik!

Thread Talks - All About Kreinik!

Kreinik is one of our most popular metallic threads and is perfect for adding sparkle to your piece! Watch our newest video to learn all our tips and tricks for...

Self-Finishing Products You Need For Your Stash!

Self-Finishing Products You Need For Your Stash!

Self-finishing is a great way to finish your needlepoint project without the wait!

Needlepoint Tools You Can’t Live Without!

Needlepoint Tools You Can’t Live Without!

Needlepoint Tools You Can’t Live Without! When you’re first starting out with needlepoint, you can be tempted to just focus on form, stitches, or what your next project will be....

Your Top Needlepoint FInishing FAQ's!

Your Top Needlepoint Finishing FAQ's!

Visit our website and click on the Finishing tab in the top left corner of the screen. Then click on the type of piece you are sending in to be...

Thread Talks - All about Glisten!

Thread Talks - All about Glisten!

Glisten is one of our favorite threads to work with. There are so many fun techniques that can be done with this fiber.

To Ply or Not to Ply!

To Ply or Not to Ply!

To Ply or Not to Ply – sorry, Shakespeare! We just had to steal it! When you stitch, however, it’s not whether you should ply or not; it’s whether you...

Stocking Toppers vs. Full Stockings

Stocking Toppers vs. Full Stockings

When you talk needlepoint heirlooms, Christmas Stockings are a must. In fact, some stitchers have admitted to immediately considering which stocking to purchase when they hear a new family member...

All about thread dye lots!

All about thread dye lots!

This blog post will go over why it is important to save the tags, and how we cannot control dye lot changes!

A look inside a Needlepoint.Com Retreat!

A look inside a Needlepoint.Com Retreat!

Needlepoint.Com’s retreats have always been a special, unique experience for avid stitchers. From Bald Head Island to Asheville, Raleigh and now Charleston, Needlepoint.Com retreats have covered some terrain. With our...

One Year of Needlepoint.Com Charleston!

One Year of Needlepoint.Com Charleston!

Happy One Year Needlepoint.com Charleston!  What a year it has been.  We want to thank all our customers for a fantastic year, and it has been a joy to welcome...

Thread Talks-Working with Silk Lamé Braid!

Thread Talks-Working with Silk Lamé Braid!

Silk Lamé Braid is one of our favorite threads to work with. There are so many fun techniques that can be done with this fiber.

Our 2022 Top Selling Kits!

Our 2022 Top Selling Kits!

2022 was a fun year here at Needlepoint.Com with lots of new classes and kits being released for all stitchers alike. Here is a list of our top 10 kits...

Thread Talks-All about working with Fyre Works!

Thread Talks-All about working with Fyre Works!

Fyre Works is one of our favorite threads to work with. There are so many fun techniques that can be done with this fiber.

All About Needlepoint.Com Charleston!

All About Needlepoint.Com Charleston!

Welcome to Charleston, SC! Our Charleston Boutique is located in the heart of the Historic District right next to the famous Rainbow Row. In February 2022,Needlpoint.com acquired Cabbage Row Needlepoint...

Thread Talks-Learn More about Straw Silk!

Thread Talks-Learn More about Straw Silk!

Learn all about Straw Silk with Needlepoint.Com! This fun and versatile thread is a ribbon-like thread with natural color variations, which provides depth of color in the canvas. Watch this...

Our new

Our new "How to Needlepoint" Video!

Check out our new How to Needlepoint Video on Youtube to get you started on this amazing craft!

3 Tips Every Stitcher Needs To Add Texture to a Canvas

3 Tips Every Stitcher Needs To Add Texture to a...

Do you want to add texture for intrigue and dimension? Uncover three essential tips that every stitcher needs to know to add texture to a canvas.

5 Gifts You Can Make With Needlepoint

5 Gifts You Can Make With Needlepoint

All stitchers, including beginners, can create heartfelt gifts to give loved ones to celebrate special occasions, show gratitude, or simply make their day. Consider these five practical gifts you can make with...

Welcome to the New Needlepoint.Com!

Welcome to the New Needlepoint.Com!

Welcome to the new Needlepoint.Com website! We have completely redesigned our online store and added new features to give you the best shopping experience and educational support.

Needlepoint To Go Learning Series-Lace Stitch

Needlepoint To Go Learning Series-Lace Stitch

Welcome to our Summer series of stitches where owner and expert, Nancy Young walks you through the most popular stitches in our Needlepoint To Go kits!  This video shows you the...

Needlepoint To Go Learning Series-Alicia's Lace

Needlepoint To Go Learning Series-Alicia's Lace

Welcome to our Summer series of stitches where owner and expert, Nancy Young walks you through the most popular stitches in our Needlepoint To Go kits!  This video shows you the Alicia's...

Hearts for Hospice & Needlepoint.Com Charleston!

Hearts for Hospice & Needlepoint.Com Charleston!

There has been a great resurgence in the popularity of needlepoint. The Charleston location has an endearing tradition of allowing customers to design and stitch heart-shaped canvases that are donated...

Needlepoint To Go Learning Series-Knitting Stitch

Needlepoint To Go Learning Series-Knitting Stitch

Welcome to our Summer series of stitches where owner and expert, Nancy Young walks you through the most popular stitches in our Needlepoint To Go kits!  This video shows you the Knitting stitch...

Why You Need To Know the Criss Cross Hungarian Stitch Today

Why You Need To Know the Criss Cross Hungarian ...

The criss cross Hungarian stitch creates a highly decorative and dynamic needlepoint design. Uncover why you need to know it and learn more about this stitch today!

A Quick Guide to Self-Finishing Your Needlepoint Canvas

A Quick Guide to Self-Finishing Your Needlepoin...

Self-finishing needlepoint projects can be a creative but tricky process. Uncover further details in our quick guide to finishing your needlepoint canvas.

Check out how we pick our Add on Threads!

Check out how we pick our Add on Threads!

Ever wonder what our different "Add on Threads" option on the website means? Check out this helpful video to show the different types of threads in each category and how...

Personalized Needlepoint Projects: 5 Gift Ideas To Make

Personalized Needlepoint Projects: 5 Gift Ideas...

Uncover personalized needlepoint projects to see which are the best gift ideas to make for friends and family. Get your presents ready in time for Christmas.

Needlepoint for Kids: Showing Your Kids How To Needlepoint

Needlepoint for Kids: Showing Your Kids How To ...

Uncover needlepoint for kids and learn why showing your kids how to needlepoint is simple and fun. Introduce them to a hobby they’ll love forever.

How To Select the Right Canvas for Needlepoint

How To Select the Right Canvas for Needlepoint

Find out how to select the right canvas for needlepoint no matter which project you want to complete. Use these tips and tricks to choose the correct canvas.

Needlepoint To Go Learning Series-Dot Stitch

Needlepoint To Go Learning Series-Dot Stitch

Welcome to our Summer series of stitches where owner and expert, Nancy Young walks you through the most popular stitches in our Needlepoint To Go kits! 

Needlepoint To Go Learning Series-Jessica Stitch

Needlepoint To Go Learning Series-Jessica Stitch

Welcome to our Summer series of stitches where owner and expert, Nancy Young walks you through the most popular stitches in our Needlepoint To Go kits!