Needlepoint is a form of canvas work created on a mesh canvas. The stitching threads used may be wool, silk, or rarely cotton. Stitches may be plain, covering just one mesh intersection with a single orientation, or fancy, such as bargello. Plain stitches may be worked as basketweave or half cross. Basketweave uses the most wool, but does not distort the rectangular mesh.
Finished works may be made into pillows or upholstery, or may be displayed on the wall. Typical mesh counts range from 5 to 18 stitches per running inch.
Needlepoint is valued as a soothing activity that creates durable and attractive objects for domestic use. Mary, Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Martin, the actress, were all avid needlepointers.
Styles
In needlepoint, many distinct styles have evolved. some of them are:
- Berlin wool work
- Bargello and Hungarian point
Types of Stitches
- Basketweave Stitch sometimes called Continental Stitch
- Brick Stitch
- Encroaching Upright Gobelin Stitch
- Hungarian Ground Stitch
- Hungarian Point Stitch
- Mosaic Stitch
- Old Florentine Stitch
- Parisian Stitch
- Upright Cross with Back Stitch
- Whipped Flower
