No Needlepoint Police!

Let me start off with this: there are no needlepoint police! In all of the years I have been stitching, never has someone shown up with a badge and identification, nor has a ticket ever been issued. Now, there are recommended ways of stitching that will make your project more enjoyable and consistent. 

Let's start with the basics. What do you need to stitch a needlepoint project? 

A needlepoint canvas. The most common choices are hand painted or printed designs or to purchase canvas and paint your own, often times painting from a purchased chart. ZWEIGART® canvas is known as the gold standard in needlepoint and has been manufactured in Germany since the late 1800's. 

Next up threads. Yes, we call anything from a natural fiber threads and not fibers. Can you imagine stitching with sheared wool (which is a fiber)? Now, fibers, those are the synthetic blends which typically are used to add sparkle or texture to a project. Your thread should be no longer than eighteen inches to protect its integrity as you stich through a starched canvas. It will also protect your shoulders and make stitching more enjoyable.

A needle. Any needle? No, a new needle. It is best practice to start a new project with a new needle. Most needles are made from a high carbon steel and coasted with a nickel plating. Over time, a needle can tarnish, causing your thread to tarnish as well. Oh, and please, throw away your old needles ... they aren't worth saving.

Scissors. All of the scissors. They are so much fun to buy, especially the pretty ones. A nice pair of scissors is a wonderful investment and should be used on your threads; the cottons, wools and silks. An inexpensive pair of scissors is perfect for any of your fibers as they will damage the blades.

These are the basics. You are on your way to the next step ... learning how to stitch. Next up, let's chat about your "why" to stitch.