Needlepoint is an enjoyable hobby that you can take anywhere, and it only requires a few basic stitches.You can create designs on a blank canvas and turn them into something decorative.Key chains, belts, pillows, bookmarks, stockings, belt buckles, or almost anything can be made with your needlepoint designs.
Step 1: You can choose a canvas or mounting materials.
You can find a canvas, frame, stretcher bars, and tacks at a craft supply store.If you want to draw your own needlepoint design onto the canvas, you can either purchase a blank canvas or buy a canvas that already has a design printed on it.A frame large enough to hold your canvas is what you should choose.If you are new to needlepoint, a premade design is the best option.
Step 2: Put masking tape on the edges of your canvas.
You should always wash your hands before touching the canvas.You can keep the edges from unraveling while you work.You can use 1 in or smaller tape.To cover the canvas from end to end, fold the tape along the edges.The edges of the canvas can be hem with a sewing machine.
Step 3: You can hold the canvas in a frame while you work.
Remove the edges of the frame and place a piece on a table.Pull the edges of the canvas to open it completely.Place the other side of the frame over the canvas to hold it in place.stretcher bars and tacks can be used to secure your canvas.Don't work on loose canvas.If you pull stitches taut, the fabric may be distorted.
Step 4: There is an 18 in (46 cm) length of embroidery floss.
The thread should be held in one hand and the needle in the other.Pull the thread through the eye of the needle by about 4 in.You can use floss, thread, or yarn for needle point.You can pull the floss apart if you need it for thinner stands.If you have a hard time threading the needle, you can wet it with saliva.It will be easier to push through the eye of the needle if the thread is stiffened.
Step 5: Attach the thread to the canvas.
The knot should be near the end of the thread.Attach the needle to the canvas on the right side about 2.5 cm from where you want to begin stitching.The first stitch should be created through the wrong side of the fabric.Attach the waste knot in the same row you want to start stitching.You will cut the waste knot after stitching over the area, so don't worry about it being visible.
Step 6: A simple stitch that covers a small area can be done with a half-cross stitch.
The canvas has a back side.There is either a space at the top left of your canvas or a block of color.The needle can be brought through a space on the right side of the canvas that is parallel to the stitch in the other side.To create a stitch with your first stitch, repeat the same stitch.Work from left to right in a row across the canvas and then back along the row in the opposite direction.The second diagonal stitch should go through a space that already has thread going through it.The visible canvas behind the thread will be reduced by this.
Step 7: The continental stitch is used to give more coverage.
The continental stitch requires a needle to be inserted into the space where you want to begin.The needle should be brought up through the stitch to the right of it.You can come up through the row next to where you started the stitch.Continue to work from the right to the left.Go from left to right along the next row.Make sure to insert the needle through the spaces that already have one stitch in them.
Step 8: If you want full coverage over large areas, try basketweave stitch.
This stitch starts at the top right corner of the area.The diagonal space is where the needle should be brought down.Bring the needle up through the space that is adjacent to the stitch and repeat it.A pyramid like design is created by this stitch.It allows good coverage of the canvas with the least distortion and should be used in large areas.
Step 9: You can do the brick stitch with good coverage.
The canvas is where you want to start the stitch.Pull the thread taut by bringing it all the way through the canvas.Put the needle in the second stitch from where you brought it out.Next to where you started the first stitch, bring the needle back through the canvas.The brick stitch can be created with a thick thread, yarn, or piece of floss.The Bargello or long point stitch can be used for a more advanced vertical stitch.
Step 10: First you need to work on the smallest or most detailed area.
You should start with the smallest, most detailed areas.It will be simpler to Stitch those areas later.Stitch the larger areas that surround the more detailed bits.If you have a section that is less than 2.5 cm wide, start here instead of the larger section.
Step 11: You can change the thread if you need to switch colors.
The right side of the project has a needle inserted into it.The needle should be pushed through the back of the nearest 3 to 4 stitches.If you have more of this you need to work with, thread your needle with your next color or the same color.Keep stitching and create a waste knot.
Step 12: If the canvas is distorted, block it.
It is possible to block your needlepoint to give it a more structured look.Mist the canvas with a spray bottle after removing it from the frame.Put it on a pillow or towel with the right side facing down.All the way around, pin it down with tacks or pins.Before removing the canvas, allow it to dry completely.The canvas should be dry in a few hours, but you may want to leave it out overnight to be sure.
Step 13: Put the finished design on an item.
You can use your finished work to make a pillow, sweatshirt, purse, or wall decoration.Attach the canvas to your item with a sewing machine or needle and thread.You could sew your finished project onto a pillowcase, a sweatshirt, or the side of a canvas bag.