SESSIONS · STITCH SCHOOL
Needlepoint,the esswells way.
A gentle intro to the craft, our must-haves, and the four little steps that turn a blank canvas into something you'll want to frame.
OUR TAKE
Rule-adjacent, never absolute.
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The surge in needlepoint has brought hundreds of tutorials, techniques, and opinions.
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We believe needlepoint is rule-adjacent. You'll find what works for you as you stitch.
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This page shares the esswells curation of stitching — preferred, never absolute.
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You purchase the design you love. The final masterpiece is yours.
01 — WHAT IS NEEDLEPOINT
A craft as old as it is addictive.
Needlepoint (NDLPT) is a form of embroidery where yarn is stitched through a canvas to make a dense, even covering of stitches.
And it isn't new — Egyptians were needlepointing long before the internet had opinions about mesh count.
01 — WHAT IS NEEDLEPOINT
Three things to know before your first stitch.
01
Canvas
Canvases come in two sizes — 13 and 18 mesh — referring to squares per inch. Thousands of designs exist, and there's always one (or one hundred) for you.
02
Needle
Needles come in two sizes, 20 and 22, respective to canvas size. Most stores tuck one in with your canvas.
03
Threads
Threads, or 'skeins' when bundled, are plentiful — from standard cotton to sparkly silks, sized to match your canvas.
03 — WHAT YOU'LL NEED
A short list. A comfortable one.
There are endless accessories out there — but you only really need a few. Here's our split between non-negotiables and nice-to-haves.
MUST HAVES
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Canvas
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Threads
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Needle
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Pair of scissors
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FOR A COMFIER RIDE
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Stretcher bars & tacks
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Needle threader
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Needle minder
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Snag Nab-It
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Mini-lamp (head, neck, or clip)
04 — HOW IT WORKS
A short list. A comfortable one.
NDLPT is easy to learn. Sit down for a few rows — next thing you know, the kettle's gone cold.
01
Start
Anchor your first thread with a waste knot or a quick away-knot — no fancy footwork required.
Video tutorial coming soon
03
Bury
Sit down for 'just a few rows.' Look up — three hours have passed. That's the magic.
Video tutorial coming soon
02
Stitch
Basketweave, continental, or tent — pick the rhythm that suits the section and let your hands settle in.
Video tutorial coming soon
03
Bury
Sit down for 'just a few rows.' Look up — three hours have passed. That's the magic.
Video tutorial coming soon
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Pick a canvas you love.
The best way to learn is to start. Browse our shop and grab the one that makes you smile — your stash will thank you.