Needlepoint - The Funniest Way to Stitch
Needlepoint can be described as a hand-made embroidery, using
canvas and wool threads. The difference between embroidery and
needlepoint is that in needlepoint all the work is done
manually. Why so, you may ask? Because IT MAKES FUN. Needlepoint
is regarded as a leisure activity, as relaxation and even as a
mild form of therapy. People take on stitching because they want
to do something themselves: needlepoint is an artistic activity.
When stitching, you may come upon different creative inventions
and make the canvas according to your individual aesthetic taste.
There are different types of needlepoint: pulled work, drawn
work, Hardanger, bargello, blackwork, goldwork, voided ground,
crewel, Japanese embroidery, Brazilian embroidery, surface
embroidery, ribbon embroidery are just few of them.
Traditionally, needlepoint was done with wool threads, using
tent stitch on a canvas. But nowadays there are many different
materials and technologies used in stitching. They help
individual expression and more personal styles to evolve.
Before stitching itself, you have to bear in mind the
preparation of the canvas. Use brass tacks and narrow wooden
stretcher bars to mount the canvas. Stitching is best on a taut
canvas, so the canvas should be attached carefully on the
stretcher bars. Blocking canvas embroidery is done after
stitches are completed, and before taking the canvas to a
professional for framing. Dampen the canvas and stretch it again
on a blocking board for 24 hours. After that procedure, the
canvas is ready to be framed.
You have to keep the embroidery clean after you have started the
stitches. The canvas should be covered by special cloth, for
example tissue paper. Leave open only the area on which you are
working at the moment. Needlepoint may take a month, because you
don't hurry to complete the canvas, so you should have in mind
this advice. Keep the canvas as clean as possible to save the
difficulties that may occur afterwards. Keep the threads clean
from dust and smoke. For more information click Needlepoint
Nearly everyone enjoys needlepoint as it is relaxing and
entertaining. If you try it, you may even get addicted.
Needlepoint is best when travelling or during your leisure time.
It gives you creative energy, and it doesn't require any special
skills. Needlepoint is also a form of art, and you may soon come
to discover how amasingly beautiful your artworks have become.