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Needlepoint is a timeless craft with its own unique vocabulary. Whether you’re just starting or brushing up on your knowledge, understanding these terms is essential for navigating patterns, tools, and techniques. Here’s a handy glossary to get you started:
Basic Terms
Canvas: The foundation of needlepoint, usually made from cotton or linen, featuring an open weave for stitching. Common types include mono, interlock, and penelope canvas.
Stitches: The techniques used to create patterns. Popular ones include:
- Tent Stitch: A foundational stitch, often the starting point for beginners.
- Basketweave: A variation of tent stitch, ideal for durability and coverage.
- Continental Stitch: Another tent stitch variant, excellent for traveling threads on the back of the canvas.
- Continental Stitch: Another tent stitch variant, excellent for traveling threads on the back of the canvas.
Other Essential Terms
WIP (Work in Progress): Your current stitching endeavor.
Stash: A collection of canvases, threads, and supplies eagerly waiting their turn!
Blocking: The process of straightening and stretching the canvas after stitching.
Orts: Small leftover pieces of thread from a project.
Plying: The act of separating strands of a thread to achieve the desired thickness.
Stitch Guide: A set of instructions accompanying a canvas, detailing which threads and stitches to use.
Stretcher Bars: Wooden bars used to hold the canvas taut while stitching.
Scroll Frame: A frame with adjustable rollers to accommodate larger canvases.
Finishing: The process of turning your fully stitched project into its desired piece such as an ornament, pillow, keyfob etc.)
LNS (Local Needlepoint Store): Your home base!
Needleminder: A magnet that attaches to your current project to hold your needle or scissors.
Skein: Pronounced "skane." A continuous bundle of thread, usually a larger amount than a card of thread.
Dye Lot: A batch of thread dyed at the same time, ensuring consistent color. Slight variations can occur between different dye lots, so it’s important to buy enough thread for your project at once to avoid noticeable discrepancies.
Stash: A collection of canvases, threads, and supplies eagerly waiting their turn!
Blocking: The process of straightening and stretching the canvas after stitching.
Orts: Small leftover pieces of thread from a project.
Plying: The act of separating strands of a thread to achieve the desired thickness.
Stitch Guide: A set of instructions accompanying a canvas, detailing which threads and stitches to use.
Stretcher Bars: Wooden bars used to hold the canvas taut while stitching.
Scroll Frame: A frame with adjustable rollers to accommodate larger canvases.
Finishing: The process of turning your fully stitched project into its desired piece such as an ornament, pillow, keyfob etc.)
LNS (Local Needlepoint Store): Your home base!
Needleminder: A magnet that attaches to your current project to hold your needle or scissors.
Skein: Pronounced "skane." A continuous bundle of thread, usually a larger amount than a card of thread.
Dye Lot: A batch of thread dyed at the same time, ensuring consistent color. Slight variations can occur between different dye lots, so it’s important to buy enough thread for your project at once to avoid noticeable discrepancies.
