Needlepoint 101

Needlepoint in five minutesyes, really.

One needle, one thread, one simple stitch. Here is everything you need to begin.

See how it works
Thread•Stitch•Finish•Repeat•Thread•Stitch•Finish•Repeat•Thread•Stitch•Finish•Repeat•Thread•Stitch•Finish•Repeat•

Three steps. that is it.

Do each one a single time and you know how to do needlepoint.

01

Thread

Pull a length of thread through the eye of your needle.

02

Stitch

Little diagonal stitches, one row at a time.

03

Finish

Weave your thread under the stitched rows on the back.

Then repeat! Thread a new length, stitch, finish, and keep going until your canvas is done.

All you need is four things

Canvas

A canvas

The pattern is already printed or painted on it.
Needle

A needle

A blunt tapestry needle, easy on the fingers.
Thread

Thread

Pick your favourite colours.
Cutter

Something to cut it

Scissors or a little thread cutter.

Watch it done

Two short videos from lovely creators. Watch them once and you are ready.

How to thread your needle

1. Thread your needle

The only slightly fiddly part. Seconds once you have seen it.

Watch on TikTok
Video by @wtfofsewing
How to stitch

2. How to stitch

One simple stitch, repeated. Follow along and your first rows are done.

Watch on TikTok
Video by @whatsthestitchndlpt
Step 3, up close

Finishing your thread

When your thread runs short, turn your canvas over. Slide your needle under a few of the stitched rows on the back, pull it through, and snip the end. Then thread a new length and carry on. The back does not need to be neat.

You really cannot get this wrong

Made a mistake?

Pull the thread out and try again. It is all part of it.

Back looks messy?

Nobody sees it. It ends up hidden anyway.

Not sure where to start?

Pick any spot. There is no wrong place.

Ready to start?

Pick a design you love and begin tonight.

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