Many people mix up needlepoint and counted thread embroidery, they are similar but different. Needlepoint uses a canvas that is stiff; there are small openings that are evenly spaced where a needle and thread can be inserted.

The term tapestry is what some people call needlepoint, do not get this confused with true tapestry, true tapestry is mainly crafted on what is called a weaving loom. When we talk about needlepoint, this is done on a canvas mesh.

The term needlepoint is sometimes referred to as the new old type of fashioned craft; this is used to produce clothing that is embellished, fashionable accessories and decorations for the home. To make it easier to follow a pattern these canvases have a design that is printed on them.

Keeping the canvas stretched properly makes it easier to stitch; many people use what is called a scroll frame to do this. New types of thread and yarn are developed everyday and new techniques are being invented each and every day.

For many centuries it has only been women who tackled needlepoint, because women were the only people doing this, it has not been accepted into the fine arts. People believe if men were also doing it, it would be accepted. There has been an advancement in color mixing so many new threads and yarns have been developed this makes it easier to mix colors.

One of the easiest and simplest types of stitching is called a tent stitch; this allows the person to create new patterns by using different colors to create them.

The numbers of canvas types are increasing each year, some of the types are penelope, interlock, plastic and rug. These so called mono canvases have different color choices to choose from and have the most choices; this type of material is woven, where the thread goes under and over.

There are many different canvas patterns, some patterns are machine produced and other types are hand painted. The hand painted canvases are sometimes harder to understand, if the color pattern intersects the person doing the stitching will need to figure out what color is needed. Many of the designs that are hand painted are less intricate due to the limited colors used when creating these canvas prints.

Needlepoint finally took its place when people had increased leisure time and the invention of the colored printing onto canvas, the types of designs are called “Berlin Work”.

The mesh of the canvas and the thread count used creates a complex pattern used for needlepoint. Needlepoint threads and yarns come in many different types, some of these are wool, silk, cotton and many of these types can be blended.

Stitches can be complex like the “bargello” and some of the plain stitches are when there is one thread intersection a straight forward orientation.

There are many different types of canvases on the market for needlepoint, some of these are double thread, single thread, and open meshes, these meshes have holes that are larger which makes it easier for the thread to pass through.

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Category: Arts and Crafts
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