There are different ways to use a needlepoint chart to create a lovely piece! You can paint the chart (before stitching it), stitch the chart (without painting it), or you can mark out the chart. All are great options! You’ll learn how to stitch the chart on to blank canvas below. To learn how to paint the chart click here. To learn how to mark the chart click here.

Stitching the chart means to follow the chart to stitch the design right onto the blank canvas in Tent Stitch.

This method is very similar to cross stitch! This method of needlepoint involves counting and following the chart as you stitch - you stitch onto the blank canvas and the design emerges as you stitch.

Pros and Cons: while you get to skip the entire painting process, this method involves more concentration as you stitch. As decorative needlepoint stitches are hard to stitch without a painted design to follow, this method means stitching at least the majority of the design in Tent Stitch.

Supplies

Let’s begin with an in depth overview of the supplies you’ll need to complete your project.

Canvas

Needlepoint canvas is made up of cotton threads that are woven into a stiff open mesh canvas. Most needlepoint is stitched on “mono canvas.” (mono has to do with the way the canvas is woven). Shop canvas here. 

Canvas Mesh Size

Canvas comes in different “counts” or “mesh” sizes. Typical American mesh sizes are 10 13 and 18.

The mesh size is determined by the amount of threads (and therefore stitches) per inch on the canvas. On 10-count canvas there are 10 threads per inch and therefore 10 stitches per inch. On 18-count canvas there are 18 threads per inch and therefore 18 stitches per inch. More stitches per inch equals a smaller design and smaller stitches. Fewer stitches per inch equals a bigger design and bigger stitches.

Thread 

There are hundreds of different types of thread. The three things that matter when choosing a thread is that you like working with the thread, love the way it looks when stitched, and that it covers the canvas well.*

Many of our e-patterns come with a list of suggested threads. However, use your creativity to switch colors, use your favorite thread brands, and make it your own!

*Threads come in all different thicknesses. Some work on 18 count canvas others on 13 count others on 10 count. The thread will often list the type of canvas count it was created for.

Needle

Tapestry needles are used for needlepoint, have a characteristic blunt tip, and come in many sizes.

Choose a needle size based on the count/mesh size of your canvas:

Size 22 works well with 18 and 13 count canvas.

Size 20 with 13 count canvas.

Size 18 with 10 count canvas.

Frame 

Stretcher bars are the most popular type of needlepoint frame. They’re an optional accessory but they do help to keep the tension of your stitches flat and consistent. They also help your project stay cleaner. 

Stretcher bars come in all sizes and are sold in sets of two bars. Measure the length and width of your canvas and choose appropriately sized stretcher bars.

For example: if your canvas measures 5x8 inches you will need a set of bars that measures 5 inches and a set that measures 8 inches. Once you’ve assembled the frame attach the canvas using tacks or by stapling the canvas onto the bars.

Getting Your Project Ready To Stitch

Follow these instructions to get set up and begin stitching! 

1. Cutting Your Canvas To Size

Begin by cutting your canvas to the correct size for your project

Since canvas is sold in large pieces you will need to cut the canvas into the correct size piece. If your charted pattern has a border around the design, the cutting size will be listed in the guide. If your charted pattern does not have a border around the edge of the design (or if you want to change the border), use the steps below to find the right canvas size for your project.

How To Find Your Cut Canvas Size

1. Measure the charted design horizontally (sizes are listed with each chart).

2. Measure the charted design vertically (sizes are listed with each chart).

3. Add the background. Decide how much background you’d like around the outside of the design. You’ll typically lose two to three rows of background stitching in the finishing process so plan accordingly. If the piece will be turned into a classic four inch round ornament, simply add enough background so the whole piece is 4 inches across. Add more background if you want to turn your needlepoint piece into a pillow or larger framed artwork. See "Decide if you need a boundary around your design" below to help you determine how much background to add. 

4. You'll also need to add “waste canvas.” Add an extra 2 inches all the way around the design. The waste canvas will eventually be sewn and cut off during the finishing process.

5. Add the above measurements and cut. Then tape the edges of your canvas with masking or artist tape by folding a piece of tape over the raw edge. This keeps thread from snagging on the raw edge as you stitch.

2. Decide If You Need a Boundary Around Your Design

This step is optional and dependent on your design. Some designs already have a boundary around the design area. However, some designs (such as our monogram collection) do not - this allows for greater flexibility and creativity. You, as the stitcher, get to chose what you want the final project to be. Whether that's an ornament, pillow, framed piece etc. That being said - even when a project has a boundary, it's still entirely customizable! Simply use the steps below to expand or contract the boundary around your design to suit your vision.

This step is done after stitching the main portion of the design. However, you’ll want to decide and plan if it’s a necessary step at the beginning of the project.

Drawing a circle, oval, or square, around your design is pretty simple! You can also trace around the edge of the design to create an odd shape ornament.

1. Begin by deciding how much background you want to add between the charted design and edge. I suggest between 1/2 - 1 inch for an ornament. If you want to create a pillow or picture you’ll probably want to add 
more background depending on the size of your frame and pillow form. If you're stitching an odd shape ornament I'd suggest adding 3 or more rows of stitching around the outside. 

2. Once you’ve stitched the charted design measure follow the instructions below for each type of shape. 

Circles and ovals: Download this template of popular outlines (these templates correspond with our finishing board shapes. Shop here). Print your chosen template at 100% then tape it down to a hard surface. Tape your canvas on top - centering the design within the template shape. Make sure that the horizontal and vertical threads of the canvas are running parallel to the horizontal and vertical marker on the templates. (Note: every once in a while canvas will be slightly distorted. If you can’t get your threads to match up perfectly with the horizontal and vertical markers that is ok - just do your best!). Following the template underneath, very lightly draw your chosen shape onto your canvas using a light blue or light grey permanent marker.

Square and rectangle:  Measure 1/2 to 1 inch (or however large you want the background to be) from the charted design’s edge on all sides and mark with a hard pencil. Follow the horizontal and vertical lines of the canvas from your markings until they all connect at the corners and create a square or rectangle.

Odd shape: If you're only adding a few rows of stitching, simply stitch the extra rows and don't bother marking the edge. If you want to have some background around the design: count intersections out from the design edge until you have your desired background size. Next, begin tracing around the design with a pencil, making sure to stay a consistent distance/amount of intersections away from the design edge. Work all the way around the ornament. Adjust the border until you're happy with it. 

3. If you used a pencil, go over your pencil markings with a permanent light grey marker. Erase all pencil markings (pencil can smudge your threads).

3. Begin Stitching

Begin by stitching the charted design and leave the background for last.

A great way to work charted designs is to stitch the design in Tent Stitch and use fun decorative stitches in the background (since stitching decorative stitches while counting can be tricky). Use stitches like Woven Stitch, Brick Stitch, and Skipped Tent for the background. This technique works really well on charted designs like our monogram collection.

Where to begin stitching: In some of my patterns I’ll indicate where to start stitching within the pattern itself. However, one way to make beginning to stitch easy is to start stitching in the center of the design. This ensures that your stitching is centered on the canvas without having to measure and position the first stitch. For example: When stitching our monogram designs, I like to stitch the actual letter monogram before stitching the floral and decorative elements surrounding the letter.

The pattern itself will walk you through how to count out the chart. 

Below are some basic techniques that will help you to stitch your project. 

Basic Techniques

How To Start And Stop Your Thread

To start a thread: make a knot on the end of your thread. Take your needle down through the canvas 1 - 2 inches away from your starting point leaving the knot on the surface. Come up at your starting point and work your stitches back toward the knot catching the tail underneath (Fig. 1) Whenever possible place the knot at a right angle to the starting point (this is especially important when stitching a Tent Stitch). Once the tail is secure cut off the knot with a pair of small scissors.

To finish a thread: run the needle and thread through the stitching on the back. Run it at a right angle to the last stitch you took.  Or bring the tail to the front of the canvas outside of the stitch area (at a right angle) and catch the tail with more stitching locking it in place. 

Once the tail is secure cut off the knot with a pair of small scissors.

How To Stitch a Tent Stitch

There are multiple types of Tent Stitch. We’ll explore the two most used types below…

Continental Stitch

This version of tent stitch is called Continental. Notice that the stitch is worked differently depending on the direction it is being stitched. Why?.. It all has to do with the backside of the canvas. If the stitch is worked correctly you will see a long diagonal stitch covering the back of the canvas...

If it is worked incorrectly you will see alternating rows of long diagonal stitches and short upright stitches which will distort your stitching with time OR rows of short upright stitches (See photo).

Follow the numbered sequence on the diagram below to create the stitch! 

Basketweave 

Basketweave is a form of Tent Stitch which creates a woven effect on the backside of the canvas. It is hard wearing and can be used in when stitching a background in Tent Stitch (though this can also be done in Continental Stitch). Otherwise I suggest using Continental Stitch when stitching a charted e-pattern.

Basketweave is worked on a diagonal rather than left to right.

Look closely at the weave of the canvas. Notice where one canvas thread crosses over another. That is called an intersection (see illustration).

There are two types of intersections

“Poles” are where the vertical thread crosses over the top of the horizontal thread.

“Steps” are where the horizontal thread crosses over the vertical.

There is a line of poles on the diagonal and next to it a line of steps. Work down the poles and up the steps following the numbered sequence on the diagram to create the stitch! 

Many of our patterns include instructions on how to read and translate your specific chart to your canvas and suggest threads and paint colors. Some patterns come with a stitch guide or stitch suggestions. See your individual e-pattern for these details! If you need help - reach out to us HERE! I’d love to hear from you.

Happy stitching!

Xo Abby