Needlepoint Embroidery

Needlepoint embroidery is defined as embroidery consisting of allover embroidered canvas. Needlepoint embroidery basically consists of stitches on canvas using thick threads, often wool where the embroidered area covers the whole canvas. Needlepoint embroidery is also called tapestry at times, but this is incorrect because a tapestry is woven and not embroidered. Like all art forms, the definition of needlepoint embroidery can also be stretched depending upon the embroiderer’s creativity and needlepoint work often includes silk, rayon or cotton threads that have been stitched upon clothes other than canvas, and blank spaces might also be found in many needle point creations.

The craft of needlepoint embroidery dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was first used. Since then, it has been used to make various items and the applicability of the craft has kept changing over time. While needlepoint was used in the Middle Ages to make wall hangings, the same craft was used for the creation of the Bardello chairs, which became famous in the seventeenth century. Later on, the craft was applied for making fire screens and other small items and has been popular throughout ages in one form or the other.

Needlepoint embroidery is a versatile form of embroidery and can be used upon cushion covers, wall hangings, rugs, bags, belts, bell pulls, fire-screens, pin cushions, book covers and table runners etcetra. Needlepoint embroidery weathers well and lasts for a long time. On top of this, you do not need to collect a lot of items before starting on needlepoint embroidery. All you will need are the canvas that you plan to embroider upon, a frame or hoop, tapestry needles, thread and scissors. Mind you, needle point embroidery requires a lot of time, so you should have this in ample supply.

There are a number of stitches that can be used for needlepoint embroidery. Depending upon your expertise in the field of embroidery, you can choose the kind of stitches that you want to cover your canvas with. You can make needlepoint using both simple as well as complex stitches. It caters to people with different tendencies and you can find your own niche whether you are an impromptu improviser or a meticulous instruction follower. With needle point, you can keep trying your skills on different patterns and designs using a large repertoire of stitches.