VALUABLE TIPS ON
HOW TO DO NEEDLEPOINT!

Now you’ve practiced the basic stitches, you’ll want to know how to do needlepoint projects!

Are you ready to get started?

Great. So here are some basic ‘how to needlepoint’ tips before starting up.

‘HOW TO’ TIPS

• Find a comfortable chair and a good light, but please, no food or drink near your tapestry!

• Wash your hands frequently when you work…the natural oils in them can cause the yarn to become soiled otherwise.

• If you’re really serious about learning needlepoint thoroughly, take some needlepoint instruction locally.
That’s how I started, and my first course was invaluable. I learned the essential stitches and important steps from an experienced stitcher in her studio.

• If you prefer to try it yourself at home, there are several excellent books on the market that can show you a complete guide to needlepoint.
They can be particularly helpful if you want to experiment with different types of stitches, other than the ones I’ve included on this website.

WHICH WORKS BEST FOR YOU...
CHARTS, KITS, or
HAND-PAINTED CANVASES?

Try all three to find out. Here are my experiences with them:

CHARTS

Charts work quite well when stitching smaller items.

They are the best method with detailed borders or geometric designs, when you want to be perfectly precise with the distribution of colour and pattern.

All our free designs in our newsletters feature grid colour charts for small items such as bracelets, sachets, hat bands, etc. 

PRINTED KITS

Needlepoint kits are machine-printed designs on canvas, usually with yarn and instructions included in the kit.
Great for a needlepoint beginner.
I started out by buying a few kits, and the results were very satisfying.

But generally I find that the designs on the market are limiting, usually too ‘cute’, and most times not to my taste.

Also there is an amazing range in quality. The cheaper kits can be printed poorly or askew and do not include quality natural yarns. Best to get them from a reputable stockist or needlepoint designer so you can be sure of the quality.

HAND-PAINTED CANVASES

As an interior and needlepoint designer, I much prefer creating needlepoint designs for myself, for my clients and, of course, for the ZIVA Collection!

It’s not any more expensive than the quality kits, and you get a handpainted design that works for you. It’s just as easy to follow as the machine-printed canvas, and there’s no counting!

I hope these tips were helpful. 
 

 BASIC INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO DO NEEDLEPOINT

You’ve just received the design you wanted, like this hand-painted canvas cushion design from ZIVA.

You’ve practiced the basic stitches.

Let me show you how to get started!

Do you have some special tips about starting up your stitching project?

HOW TO FINISH

Here’s HOW TO FINISH your labour of love!

Step One: HOW TO BLOCK

Step-by-step instructions on how to block your stitched tapestry.

What are your blocking experiences or tips?

Step Two: FINISHING AND SEWING NEEDLEPOINT

Have a look at OUR TIPS on what to consider when finishing your needlepoint.... no matter whether it's a seat cover or a cushion like the one above!

Do you have some special tips on how you finished your needlepoint project?

The best advice I got as a needlepoint beginner from an experienced stitcher... be patient with yourself.
Use as much of this technical 'how to do needlepoint' information you can without feeling constrained by the rules.
Make your stitching as comfortable and enjoyable as possible!

As I am sure I have said before... enjoy yourself... it is your creation!

Like This Page?