step by step guides discussing needlepoint
America’s Tapestry: Stitching American History, One Thread at a Time For those of us who love needlework, there is something especially meaningful about seeing thread used for more than decoration. America’s Tapestry is an extraordinary example of needlework becoming a permanent record of history, community and craftsmanship. Created in connection with the 250th anniversary of …
When choosing needlepoint thread, it is easy to look at the label and focus on one thing: what is it made from? Wool, silk, cotton, metallic—or perhaps a blend. But fiber content is only part of the story. How a thread is constructed can make just as much difference as what it is made from. …
Where Faith, History and Hand-Stitched Art Come Together For anyone who loves needlepoint, textiles and the beauty of things made slowly by hand, Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., offers something quite extraordinary. Most visitors first notice the soaring Gothic arches, carved stone, stained-glass windows and immense scale of the Cathedral. But look a little …
You’re happily stitching along when you suddenly notice it: your beautiful thread is starting to look a little fuzzy. If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. Thread fuzz is a common needlepoint problem, particularly when working with wool, silk-and-wool blends, and softer fibers. The good news? A few simple changes can make a …
If you are a needlepointer and a fan of classic music, here is a wonderful bit of needlepoint history you may not know: Carole King was a needlepointer. And needlepoint became part of one of the most recognizable album covers in American music. In 1971, Carole King released Tapestry, an album that would become a …
Understanding Needlepoint Threads: A Beginner’s Guide Walk into a needlepoint shop and the wall of threads can be both beautiful and a little overwhelming. Wool, cotton, silk, metallic, ribbon, stranded threads—where do you begin? The good news is that you don’t have to know everything about threads to start stitching. Understanding a few basic differences …
Step-by-Step Tutorial There is something incredibly satisfying about taking a beautifully stitched canvas and transforming it into a finished ornament you’ll enjoy for years. While many stitchers send their canvases to a professional finisher, learning to finish your own ornaments is both rewarding and surprisingly approachable. Round ornaments are one of the easiest shapes to …
There’s something about blue and white chinoiserie mixed with a touch of autumn that never goes out of style. 💙🎃 This little gingham pumpkin canvas was designed with cozy Nantucket charm in mind — classic blue florals, soft fall tones, and a delicate gold accent line on the stem that gives it just the right …