Beginner's Guide
Designed to begin.
A clear introduction to modern needlepoint.
What Is Needlepoint?
Needlepoint is a type of embroidery where you stitch with thread on a sturdy mesh canvas.
The canvas has tiny holes arranged in a grid. You simply stitch over the holes to fill in the painted design, kind of like coloring in a picture, but with thread instead of markers.
At NYNN, every canvas is hand-painted, so the design is already outlined for you. You just follow the colors and stitch over each section to bring it to life.
No drawing required. No complicated steps. Just stitch by stitch.
Learn The Lingo
Canvas: is the base you stitch on. It’s a sturdy fabric with evenly spaced holes that create a grid.
Stitches: are the small thread movements that fill in your design. You repeat them over and over to cover the canvas.
Tent Stitch: the most basic stitch. Simple, classic, and perfect for beginners. When you hear people saying "California to Maine," this is the stitch they are referring too.
Basketweave Stitch: a stronger version of tent stitch that gives great coverage and keeps your canvas from warping.
Continental Stitch: similar to tent stitch, but uses more thread on the back of the canvas.
Count: tells you how many holes are in one inch of canvas. Most common counts are 13, great for beginners, or 18, which is smaller holes for finer detail.
WIP: aka work in progress, is what you are currently stitching.
WIP Wednesday: a weekly tradition in the needlepoint community where stitchers share their current WIP. It’s a chance to show what you’re stitching, celebrate progress, and connect with other needlepoint lovers, usually shared on social media.
Stash: your growing collection of canvases, threads, and supplies waiting to be stitched. Every needlepointer has one… and it usually never stops growing.
Stretcher Bars: are wooden bars that attach to your canvas to keep it tight and flat while you stitch. They help prevent warping and make stitching easier.
Lowercase "f" finished: when you have completed all of your stitching on the canvas.
Uppercase "F" finished: when your design has been professionally turned into its final product.
LNS: "little needlepoint store" aka your new favorite place.
Needleminder: a small magnet that attaches to your canvas to hold your needle when you’re not stitching. No more lost needles in the couch.
What Else Do I Need?
To complete your piece, you’ll need:
• Thread
• Needle
• Scissors
How Long Does It Take?
Most projects come together over a few days or can take a couple of weeks and up to a year! It really depends on the size of your project and the pace you like to stitch at.
What Happens When I Finish?
There are so many things you can do with your canvas once you’re finished! You can frame it, turn it into a pillow, make an ornament, refrigerator magnet, the list goes on and on. It can be anything you want it to be!