What is Needlepoint?

Needlepoint, a form of counted-thread embroidery, has been enjoyed for centuries because of its opulence and warmth – from the great courts of Europe to the shores of America. It consistes of a variety of stitches worked in wool, cotton or silk are over a canvas or fabric mesh, one stitch at a time. This mesh of fabric supports the needlepoint stitches worked over it, and can be referred to as the “bones” of the needlepoint.

How to Create a Latch Hook Kit

Step 1 
Choose a pattern.

Step 2
Enlarge it to the size of rug needed. If you are enlarging the pattern with a copy machine, watch that the design does not become distorted.

Learn Cross Stitch In 5 Minutes

Choosing Your Fabric

There are dozens of fabrics to choose from. They will all work, so you just have to decide on what you like. White or ivory Aida 14 is the most common and 14 count is an easy fabric to start on. The number of stitches per inch will determine the finished size of the design.

Related stitches and forms of embroidery

Other stitches are also often used in cross-stitch, among them ¼, ½, and ¾ stitches and backstitches.
Cross-stitch was often used together with other stitches. It is sometimes used in crewel embroidery, especially in its more modern derivatives. It is also often used in needlepoint.

Cross-stitch history

Cross-stitch is one of the oldest forms of embroidery and can be found all over the world. Many folk museums show examples of clothing decorated with cross-stitch, especially from continental Europe and Asia.
Two-dimensional (unshaded) cross-stitch in floral and geometric patterns, usually worked in black and red cotton floss on linen, is characteristic of folk embroidery in Eastern and Central Europe.