10 fun things to know before you start stitching
1
Needlepoint has been around for centuries.
Forms of canvas stitching date back hundreds — and arguably thousands — of years. Modern needlepoint grew from European canvas work, especially the decorative stitched pieces popular from the Renaissance onward. So yes, your cute new bag tag has some serious history behind it.
2
Needlepoint and embroidery aren't exactly the same thing.
Needlepoint is actually a type of embroidery. The big difference? Needlepoint is traditionally stitched through a structured, open-weave canvas, while embroidery is usually stitched onto fabric. Think: canvas = needlepoint. Fabric = embroidery.
3
A WIP is a Work In Progress.
That canvas currently living in your bag, next to your sofa, or traveling everywhere with you? That's your WIP. And yes, having multiple WIPs at once is completely normal.
4
There's a little-f finish and a BIG-F Finish.
When you've stitched the entire canvas, you're finished — lowercase f. When that canvas has been transformed into an ornament, pillow, bag tag, key fob or other fabulous object, it's Finished — capital F. It's an important distinction in needlepoint world.
5
“Finishing” doesn't mean stitching the last stitch.
Finishing is the magic that happens after you stitch. A finisher takes your flat stitched canvas and turns it into something you can use, wear, hang, display or give as a gift.That canvas currently living in your bag, next to your sofa, or traveling everywhere with you? That's your WIP. And yes, having multiple WIPs at once is completely normal.
6
13 and 18 aren't ages — they're mesh sizes.
You'll often hear 13-mesh and 18-mesh. The number tells you approximately how many canvas holes there are per inch. Thirteen mesh has larger holes and is especially beginner-friendly; 18 mesh is smaller and allows for finer detail.
7
You don't have to use the same stitch everywhere.
Tent stitch may be the classic, but needlepoint can include dozens of decorative stitches that create texture, movement and dimension. Think basketweave, continental, brick, Scotch, Gobelin, herringbone and so many more.
8
Frogging has absolutely nothing to do with frogs.
Made a mistake? You may need to frog your stitches — needlepoint slang for taking them out and doing them again. Why “frog”? Because you rip it, rip it... which sounds suspiciously like ribbit, ribbit.
9
Your “stash” is the collection you swear you're going to stitch someday.
Canvases. Threads. Future projects. Things you bought because they were too cute to leave behind. Collectively, that's your stash — and somehow it tends to grow faster than your WIP pile shrinks.
10
Needlepoint isn't just about making something pretty.
For many stitchers, the real magic is the process: putting the phone down, focusing your attention, working with your hands and settling into a slower rhythm. Sometimes you stitch alone. Sometimes you stitch around a table with friends. Either way, it's a beautiful excuse to create more than you consume.
And one bonus…
An LNS is your Local Needlepoint Shop.
It's the place needlepoint lovers go for canvases, threads, advice, classes and — frequently — “just one thing” that somehow turns into five things.
Welcome to the lingo. You're officially becoming a stitcher.
SIP • STITCH • SMILE
