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Learn How to Needlepoint
Tutorial
How To Needlepoint
1. Cut Your Thread
Cut a strand from the skein of thread. We suggest cutting your thread so that it is the length of your finger to your elbow - or no longer than 18".
2. Thread Your Needle
To thread your needle, fold the thread over the needle in between your thumb and index finger. Pinch the end of your thread so that it is folded over onto itself. Remove the needle from between the thread. Take the folded thread and push it through the eye of the needle.
Another option is to push the end of the thread through the eye of the needle. If the end of the thread has frayed, twist it to make it tighter and eliminate the fray (or trim the end with scissors) before pushing it into the eye of the needle.
3. Starting Your Threads
Tie a knot in the end of the thread farthest from the eye of the needle. This is called a “waste knot.” Place the waste knot on top of the canvas by sinking your needle down into the canvas from front to back, roughly an inch away from where you plan to start stitching within the same color area.
Begin stitching, using one of the recommended stitches show below. You will stitch over the "tail" of the waste knot (the thread on the back of the canvas) and this will lock your thread to the canvas.
Once you have stitched up to the waste knot, cut the knot off the front of the canvas. Be careful not to cut the canvas itself!
4. Ending Your Thread
Once you have finished stitching a particular area, or your thread has become too short, you will need to end your thread.
Flip your canvas over so that you are looking at the back. With the needle and thread on the back of the canvas, run your needle through the previously placed stitches. Trim off the excess thread with embroidery scissors.
5. Starting Another Thread
Once you have a substantial area of canvas stitched, there is no need to do a waste knot. You can start your thread by running it under four or five of your previously placed stitches in the same way that you learned to end your thread.
Repeat this action a second time in order to really lock the thread in before you begin stitching.
Recommended Needlepoint Stitches for Beginners
How to Needlepoint
New to needlepoint? Learn everything you need to know with the help of Needlepoint.Com!
Our How to Needlepoint Part 2 kit will help prepare you to stitch any project you want in no time. This kit includes the tools you need to master the two foundational stitches of needlepoint: Tent Stitch and Basketweave Stitch. Practice your skills on a printed canvas with basic shapes and letters.
Ready to Get Started? Shop Beginner Kits
How to Needlepoint Beginner Sampler Kit
Nautical Baubles - Crab Stencil on Pink Kit
Nautical Baubles - Sea Turtle Stencil on Aqua Kit
Nautical Baubles - Seahorse Stencil on Orange Kit
Nautical Baubles - Starfish Stencil on Lime Kit
Stitch For Backgrounds
Diagonal Mosaic Stitch
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Stitch For Backgrounds
Diagonal Scotch Stitch
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Stitch For Skies
Skip Tent Stitch
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Stitch For Ground
Horizontal Single Brick Stitch
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Stitch For Circles
Rhodes Circle Stitch
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Stitch For Squares
Mosaic Stitch
ViewTry your hand at decorative stitches!
These decorative stitches can be used to add additional interest to your canvas. Projects can be stitched entirely in Continental Stitch or Basketweave Stitch, but you may enjoy using the following stitches to add fun textures and patterns!
