Needlepoint: An Introduction to the Craft

What is needlepoint?

Needlepoint (canvaswork) is a form of embroidery worked on a stiff, open-weave canvas using wool, cotton or silk threads. Stitches are made over canvas mesh to build pictures or geometric patterns — ideal for cushions, bags and small decorative panels.

Needlepoint Canvas Types & Sizes
Learn the different options and when you would use them Choose a Needlepoint Stitch
Pick the best one for the area you want to work Try a free downloadable pattern
Stitch a simple poppy on plastic canvas The Textures to Dye For series
Patterns to try out your new needlepoint skills

Essential needlepoint supplies

Getting started is easiest when you have a small set of reliable tools and materials. Below is a concise guide to the essentials — what they are and why they matter, so you can start stitching straight away.

You will need	Why you need it
Canvas	The fabric you stitch into. Needlepoint canvases come in different weaves: open/coarse canvases for rugs and cushions, medium canvases for general projects, and finer canvases for detailed pictorial work. You can use printed or hand-painted canvas or follow a chart on squared paper.
Fibres / threads	Common choices include tapestry wool (warm, forgiving and easy to cover canvas), stranded wool/cotton for finer work, and silk or specialty fibres for sheen and detail. Choose fibres that suit your canvas and the look you want; a smoother yarn will show stitch definition while a fluffier wool gives texture.
Tapestry needles	Blunt needles with a large eye that glide between the canvas threads without splitting them. Keep a small selection of needle sizes so you can match needle thickness to your yarn and canvas (a thicker thread needs a larger needle).
Frame or stretcher	A means to hold the canvas taut. Options include hand hoops, stretcher bars, lap frames and standing frames. Working on a steady, tensioned surface keeps stitches even and reduces strain on your hands.
Scissors and snips	Small, sharp embroidery scissors for trimming thread ends and a pair of shears for cutting canvas or heavier material. A blunt-ended thread snip is useful for quick tidy-ups.
Small tools & accessories	These make life easier: a laying tool (to smooth and guide threads), a needle threader, bobbins or a thread organiser, a pin cushion, and a small ruler or gauge to check stitch counts.
Pattern / chart & marking tools	If your canvas is not pre-printed, you’ll need a chart or graph paper and a washable marker or needlepoint pen to transfer or mark your design.
Finishing supplies	For completed pieces you may need wadding, backing fabric, lining materials and small upholstery tools or glues if you plan to make cushions, bellpulls or frames.

Learn basic needlepoint stitches

Click a stitch to learn more — these add texture and dimension to your work.

For more help on choosing needlepoint stitches check this page.

Ready to start? Try a beginner’s starter kit

If you're ready to begin needlepoint, a small starter kit will get you stitching fast. A good beginner’s kit includes a pre-printed canvas or simple chart, tapestry wool, a blunt needle, and a small hoop or frame — everything you need for one small project.

Some that caught my eye as being simple, small enough to not overwhelm and brightly coloured included this green hummingbird on a pink flower design and this eye catching red and white lightouse nighttime scene from DMC.

Please note the links above are affiliate links for your convenience and if you order I will earn a small commission that will help keep the site online.

Try one of my free charts to practise: the tent stitch poppy on plastic canvas or the Bargello bell shown below. Once you're happy, choose a kit that matches the canvas size and fibres you enjoyed.

Needlepoint Designs

When it comes to designs, the options are limitless. You can create pictures such as flowers or animals, geometric patterns or semi-abstract designs.

The complexity of needlepoint designs can range from this series of wall hangings at Wallington House in Northumberland to a simple pincushion.

The Lady Julia Panels in the Needlework Room at Wallington House

Check out this list of things that you can needlepoint:

Bags
Bellpulls
Belts
Book covers
Church kneelers
Cushions
Chair covers
Dog collars
Dollhouse carpets
Door stops
Firescreens
Ornaments
Pincushions
Rugs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is needlepoint and how is it different from cross-stitch?

Needlepoint is canvaswork stitched on a stiff open-weave canvas, usually with tapestry wool; cross-stitch is worked on evenweave fabric using X-shaped stitches. Needlepoint tends to produce denser, textile-like surfaces.

Which stitch should I learn first?

Try the tent stitch (a simple diagonal stitch) first — it’s quick to learn and used in many beginner projects. See our tent stitch guide for step-by-step help.

What canvas count should I choose?

Lower counts (coarser canvas) are easier for beginners and give faster coverage; higher counts suit finer detail. Match yarn thickness to the canvas for best results.

Can I use patterns for cross-stitch with needlepoint?

Yes — many cross-stitch charts transfer to needlepoint canvas, but you may need to adjust thread type and stitch choice to match canvas count and the look you want.

What common beginner mistakes should I avoid?

Avoid splitting threads, using the wrong needle size, and not keeping the canvas tensioned. Work slowly on a small swatch to practise before starting your main piece

A brief history of needlepoint

Have you ever sat down with a needle and thread and wondered who else has done this exact same thing? Spoiler alert: you’re in fantastic company. Needlepoint isn't just a hobby; it’s a story that’s been unfolding for centuries, and you’ve just picked up the thread.

Let’s take a little peek back in time, shall we?

When Cushions Were King (and Benches Were Hard!)

Way back in the 16th century, life was... well, a bit splintery. Most folks were sitting on hard, unforgiving wooden benches. Ouch. This is where needlepoint swooped in to save the day (and our behinds!).

Creating cushions wasn't just practical; it was a way to bring colour and comfort into a home. Amateurs and professional stitchers alike were busy creating these pillowy masterpieces. They also stitched huge, decorative cloths to cover simple tables and cupboards, turning everyday items into works of art. Can you just imagine the pride they felt, creating something that was both useful and beautiful? We still feel that today!

One of the popular techniques from this time was a flashy little number called flamestitch. We now know it as Bargello, where simple vertical stitches line up to create incredible geometric patterns. It’s proof that stitchers have always known how to make a statement.

From Practicality to Purely Pretty

Fast forward to the 18th century, and things started to change. With more woven fabrics available for everyday needs, stitchers had the freedom to create pieces just for the sheer joy of it.

This is when needlepoint really got to dress up and show off! Intricate fire screens, delicate little pictures, and all sorts of ornamental treasures began to appear. The designs became more realistic and flowing, capturing the elegance of the era. It was less about necessity and all about creative expression—a feeling every modern stitcher knows and loves.

Crewel-style firescreen worked in needlepoint tent stitch

The Victorian Version of a Kit

Then came the Victorians and their absolute obsession with a technique called Berlin wool work. Think of it as the 19th-century version of the needlepoint kits we adore today!

They used brightly coloured, printed charts that made it easy for anyone to create incredibly detailed designs. From fuzzy dogs to lavish floral arrangements, you could stitch just about anything. It made needlepoint more accessible than ever, bringing a whole new wave of people into the craft. (And yes, some textile experts today look back and say the stitching wasn't as finessed as earlier work, but hey—they were having fun, and that’s what matters!)

Seat cover and back worked in needlepoint

Your Chapter in the Story

Isn’t it fascinating? The popularity of needlepoint has ebbed and flowed through time, shifting from a household necessity to a refined art form to a beloved hobby.

Every time you pick up a canvas, you’re not just starting a project; you’re connecting with centuries of creators who found comfort, joy, and a sense of accomplishment in the simple act of stitching.

So, welcome to the club. We’re thrilled to have you. What story will your stitches tell?

Other pages about the history of needlework

The history of embroidery part 1

Embroidery history part 2

The history of crazy quilting

The history of needlelace

Ready to begin?

If you're ready to start your needlepoint journey, start by gathering the essential supplies and learning some basic stitches.

With the right materials and techniques, you can bring texture and dimension to your designs.

From bags and cushions to rugs and ornaments, the possibilities are endless for what you can create with needlepoint.

You may wish to explore the rich history of this timeless craft further and be inspired by the artistry and creativity of the past.

Get started today by downloading one of my free charts and discover the joy of needlepointing.

Try the tent stitch poppy on plastic canvas or the Bargello bell with christmas trees today.

How to start needlepoint in 5 easy steps

The easiest way to get started is with a pre-printed canvas. Here the design or pattern is already there for you. All you need to do is fill it in.

The simplest stitch is half cross stitch, a short diagonal stitch worked over a single canvas thread. Using a tapestry wool means that the holes will be completely filled forming a solid background.

So here is a quick list showing what to do.

Pick a printed canvas that appeals to you, both in subject matter and colour.
Gather your wool, needle, frame and scissors. Normally the wool and needle will be provided in a kit, but not the other equipment.
Secure the canvas in your working frame to keep it square (half cross stitch can skew your work if you miss this step).
Practice your stitches on a scrap of canvas until you are confident to make a start.
Keep on top of those woollen ends on the back of the work, you don't want them coming through to the front with your needle. Fasten them under other stitches and then snip the ends of short.

Congratulations on joining the ranks of the needlepoint fanatics. :)