There are thousands of needlepoint (NDLPT) tutorials, techniques, and opinions. We believe needlepoint is rule-adjacent. You will find what works for you as you stitch. You purchase esswells designs, but the final masterpiece is uniquely yours!
our favorites
The NDLPT community is an absolute treat! There are dozens of creative stitchers, active on socials, sharing their ideas and creations. These are some of our favorites.
what
you'll
need
canvas
needle
threads
threader
scissors
what
makes
it
better
needleminder
mini-light
stretcher bars
project bags
this list is endless!
the basics
Pick a canvas. If you love it, you'll actually stitch it! Canvases come in 13 or 18 mesh, that's how many stitches are in a square inch. The higher the mesh count, the finer and more detailed stitching.
Pick threads. This is where the personalization starts! We make thread recommendations for each canvas, but you can make any canvas your own with different colors or textures. Threads come in different weights to match your canvas, some are versatile enough to strand and adjust to fit.
Thread your needle with an 18" strand and tie a knot at the opposite end. This is called a "waste knot" and helps secure the thread to your canvas.
If you're just starting out, we recommend experimenting with Continental. You repeat this stitch by row, going bottom left to top right as you work from right to left; and top right to bottom left as you work left to right.
And if you're up for a mildly more advanced stitch, try Basketweave (our favorite!). You repeat this stitch on the diagonal, always stitching bottom left to top right.
The trickiest part for new stitchers is going up the steps and down the poles. This is just a way to explain how to work the canvas. When you stitch up the diagonal, you are going "up the steps" meaning the horizontal canvas line is in front of the vertical line. When you stitch down the diagonal, you are going "down the poles" meaning the vertical line is in front of the horizontal line.
At the end of your thread, "bury" your thread on the back of your canvas. Push your needle through 3-4 stitches and pull the thread through to secure your stitches.
Once your masterpiece is complete, dive into the wonderful world of finishing. Ornaments, pillows, framed pieces, stands, self-finishing kits, the options are endless. Finish it yourself, or send it off to a professional finisher.