Needlepoint Stitches: THE BASICS

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.
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.

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.

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

Once you have mastered these stitches, the VIVA ZIVA! Newsletter offers a free design in each issue with a new stitch to learn each time. Subscribe now!