Needlepoint can be described as a hand-made embroidery, using canvas and wool threads. The difference between embroidery and needlepoint is that in needlepoint all the work is done manually. Why so, you may ask? Because IT MAKES FUN. Needlepoint is regarded as a leisure activity, as relaxation and even as a mild form of therapy. People take on stitching because they want to do something themselves: needlepoint is an artistic activity. When stitching, you may come upon different creative inventions and make the canvas according to your individual aesthetic taste.

There are different types of needlepoint: pulled work, drawn work, Hardanger, bargello, blackwork, goldwork, voided ground, crewel, Japanese embroidery, Brazilian embroidery, surface embroidery, ribbon embroidery are just few of them. Traditionally, needlepoint was done with wool threads, using tent stitch on a canvas. But nowadays there are many different materials and technologies used in stitching. They help individual expression and more personal styles to evolve.

Before stitching itself, you have to bear in mind the preparation of the canvas. Use brass tacks and narrow wooden stretcher bars to mount the canvas. Stitching is best on a taut canvas, so the canvas should be attached carefully on the stretcher bars. Blocking canvas embroidery is done after stitches are completed, and before taking the canvas to a professional for framing. Dampen the canvas and stretch it again on a blocking board for 24 hours. After that procedure, the canvas is ready to be framed.

You have to keep the embroidery clean after you have started the stitches. The canvas should be covered by special cloth, for example tissue paper. Leave open only the area on which you are working at the moment. Needlepoint may take a month, because you dont hurry to complete the canvas, so you should have in mind this advice. Keep the canvas as clean as possible to save the difficulties that may occur afterwards. Keep the threads clean from dust and smoke.

Nearly everyone enjoys needlepoint as it is relaxing and entertaining. If you try it, you may even get addicted. Needlepoint is best when travelling or during your leisure time. It gives you creative energy, and it doesnt require any special skills. Needlepoint is also a form of art, and you may soon come to discover how amasingly beautiful your artworks have become.