ONLY A FEW
NEEDLEPOINT STITCHES TO MASTER!

With the knowledge and practice of only a few types of needlepoint stitches, you can create most needlepoint projects!

As a needlepoint designer, I am interested primarily in the design and yarn colours of the final needlepoint tapestry.

Purposely my designs are generally very graphic in nature, so only the basic stitches are required!

There are, of course, hundreds of needlepoint stitches for you to try, but these basic stitches are all you need to get started.

 

TIPS FOR AN EVEN FINISH

If you are a needlepoint beginner, here are a few tips for creating an even finish and a reasonably straight canvas, before you start:

• It’s important that you develop a natural tension in the rhythm of your stitching to create a smooth result.
  The whole effect can be spoiled by stitching that is too tight. People are afraid that looser stitches will look uneven, but the opposite is true!

            So stay loose! 

• And practice a lot before you start! It’s better to become familiar with the method on a piece of scrap canvas where mistakes don’t matter.
• Try using a needlepoint frame, to see if you’re more comfortable stitching with one. It may help you create a more even finish. Click here for learning the pros and cons about using a needlepoint frame.
  
• Of the 3 different TENT stitches that I describe below, the Basketweave tent stitch is the most important to master.  I use it everywhere possible, including designs that are only two  stitches wide! 
  It gives a much more even finish than any other stitch. Also it will help to reduce distortion and give more lasting wear than the half-cross stitch.

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THE TENT STITCH :
THE BASIC NEEDLEPOINT STITCH

The basic TENT stitch can be worked three different ways:

▪ the continental technique

▪ the basketweave technique

▪ the half-cross technique

This photo shows you the beautifully even finish of the tent stitches when done correctly.

Please note that the right side of the tapestry looks the same with all three techniques, but the appearance on the back of the work and the resultant quality vary.

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DECORATIVE STITCHES

There are two Decorative Stitches that I have included here, because they were important to the overall design effect of these particular needlepoint tapestries.

They are:

• THE FRENCH KNOT
• THE STEM STITCH 

       

What other stitches would you like to try?

The VIVA ZIVA! Newsletter offers a free design in each issue with a new stitch to learn, complete with charts, each time. Subscribe now!

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THAT'S ALL THE NEEDLEPOINT STITCHES YOU NEED TO MASTER TO GET STARTED!

So relax in a comfortable chair, with some good lighting, in a quiet corner, with some favourite music and give it a go! You won’t regret it!

Go to How to Do Needlepoint to understand the basic steps for creating a needlepoint project.

Go to Guide to Needlepoint Supplies for a check list of the materials you will need, including needlepoint frames.

Go from Needlepoint Stitches to Home page

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