From names atop a stocking to witty sayings on a pillow, needlepoint canvases have their fair share of letters. Stitching those letters can be a bit tricky, depending on the look you want and the font that’s been painted.
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 the size of each letter itself.
Let’s start with large letters. In this instance, such as at the top of a full-size stocking, you may wish to Tent Stitch or Basketweave. This form of stitching will give you a classic and durable look to your stocking top.
If you have room, you could also stitch the large letters in a vertical stitch, such as Parisian Stitch. You will need to keep an eye on coverage as well as readability if you change stitches for the font. After all, who wants a Christmas stocking where you can’t read the recipient’s name on top?
On the other hand, if you are stitching a travel round, for example, the letters are small enough to accommodate Satin Stitches:
By stitching these letters in Satin Stitch, it gives a nice, complete coverage of each individual letter while still allowing you to easily read the words. The effect is beautiful, the coverage is great and the letters stand out from the rest of the canvas.
There are times, however, when you are forced to stitch Tent Stitch to allow for clarity.
For this Needlepoint To Go piece, the stitcher stayed with Tent Stitch in order to showcase the clean font and the fancier script mix. The effect looks classic and the saying is easily readable.
Finally, be sure to analyze which background stitch you plan to use before you begin stitching. Keep in mind that the background you have chosen can muddy the look of the letters. Sometimes horizontal or vertical stitch patterns will make it more difficult to read letters on the canvas, while a diagonal stitch lets the letters shine through.
Using these quick tips, stitching the letters on your next needlepoint saying, stocking topper, travel round and more should be a breeze!