Painted Needlepoint Canvas

Knit Twit:

Yes.
I like doing needlepoint on Plastic Canvas.
Go to a craft store and get a book to teach you
how to needlepoint. Ask the clerk for help.
Pick something easy. Before long you’ll be a pro.
If you have any problems, just e-mail me and I’ll try adn help. I do this in my spare time and make things to sell on the weekends in my craft booth at a fleamarket. Good luck.

CreativeChick8:

needlepoint is alot of fun. Needlepoint isn’t just for grannies anymore. Check out a couple of these amazon books first to get a feel for what it is, and what it’s like. A link to books:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b/002-2270835-2864000?initialSearch=1&url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field
keywords=needlepoint&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go

Check it out. Then I reccomend starting on plastic canvas. It’s so easy, but you need patience. Good Luck!

Rosie_0801:

I’ve just finished an embroidery project, so and feeling quite good about it! I was copying this picture: http://www.godecookery.com/clipart/animals/clanim03.htm and used linen thread and linen fabric. In part I copied the picture onto the fabric with a transfer pencil, but most I did by eye.

There are two ways of classifying embroidery. One is counted, the other is non-counted (or free form.) Many people have a preference for one or the other. The above example is freeform, where cross stitch and blackwork are usually counted.

The benefit of doing counted work is you can use aida cloth and there are holes so you know exactly where to put the needle. The benefit of doing freeform, is you can sew wherever takes your fancy, without having to sit and plan it out. Also, it’s easier to pick it up and put it down again, as you don’t lose your place. I’ve done a lot of counted cross stitch, both on aida and using waste canvas. You can also get special even weave linen, but it’s expensive. Don’t use that until you know you like doing it! I had always been unsure about trying freeform, as guidelines sort of made me feel more secure about the outcome, but I’ve found I’m really enjoying it. There are so many different stitches to try, but you can make the spiffiest looking things with a simple backstitch.

Kits are a good way to start, but they can be expensive. All you need is fabric, thread and a needle. And a frame to hold it in, unless you’re doing something small.

I’d recommend for counted work, you go and buy a small kit. For freeform, don’t bother. Just find a design, or make one up. My favourite book for learning different stitches is http://www.amazon.com/Z-Embroidery-Stitches-Sue-Gardner/dp/0957715986/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/105-1830975-7321238?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1189070019&sr=8-2 You should be able to find it at a newsagent or embroidery shop.

People often get impatient with embroidery. They want it to be done NOW! Instead of focusing on the finished product, focus on one thread at a time, or one section of the design.

Have fun!