Tapestry and Needlepoint

Relax into beginner-friendly canvaswork techniques that provide lots of opportunity for progression and creativity as well as satisfying results. Learn tapestry and needlepoint with us.

Tapestry and Needlepoint

Relax into beginner-friendly canvaswork techniques that provide lots of opportunity for progression and creativity as well as satisfying results. Learn tapestry and needlepoint with us.

All tapestry and needlepoint kits
Discover
Introducing
Tapestry and Needlepoint

Tapestry and needlepoint are both forms of canvaswork where the stitches completely cover the open weave canvas base. Tapestry uses small diagonal stitches, (e.g. tent stitch or half cross stitch) whereas needlepoint uses a much wider range of stitches, threads and yarns. It’s characterized by decorative stitches which create texture and interest in key sections of the design. Both techniques are usually worked on a preprinted or painted canvas. The canvas makes it easy to create neat stitches and an end result you’ll be really proud of, so it’s very beginner friendly. They are both deeply relaxing techniques because the repetitive rhythmic nature of the stitches is almost meditative.

Originally ‘tapestry’ only referred to fabric woven on a loom but in the 16th century people started using canvaswork techniques to create more affordable versions of wall hanging tapestries. Now ‘tapestry’ also commonly refers to the canvaswork technique as well. Tapestry is traditionally worked in pure wool creating very durable pieces. You can also use soft matte cotton thread for a more modern look. Needlepoint combines lots of different threads, it is more creative, some makers even create their own stitch designs.

Learning tapestry and needlepoint with good supplies will make your experience more enjoyable. You might want to dive right in and select yarns and patterns but if you prefer the simplicity of someone else gathering everything you need, explore our range of tapestry and needlepoint kits. They contain everything you need and easy to follow instructions to guide you through your project.

Your essential tapestry needlepoint toolkit

Canvas

Tapestry needle

Tape

Pointed scissors

Frame

Sewing needle and thread (to tack the canvas to the frame)

Introducing
Tapestry and Needlepoint

Tapestry and needlepoint are both forms of canvaswork where the stitches completely cover the open weave canvas base. Tapestry uses small diagonal stitches, (e.g. tent stitch or half cross stitch) whereas needlepoint uses a much wider range of stitches, threads and yarns. It’s characterized by decorative stitches which create texture and interest in key sections of the design. Both techniques are usually worked on a preprinted or painted canvas. The canvas makes it easy to create neat stitches and an end result you’ll be really proud of, so it’s very beginner friendly. They are both deeply relaxing techniques because the repetitive rhythmic nature of the stitches is almost meditative.

Originally ‘tapestry’ only referred to fabric woven on a loom but in the 16th century people started using canvaswork techniques to create more affordable versions of wall hanging tapestries. Now ‘tapestry’ also commonly refers to the canvaswork technique as well. Tapestry is traditionally worked in pure wool creating very durable pieces. You can also use soft matte cotton thread for a more modern look. Needlepoint combines lots of different threads, it is more creative, some makers even create their own stitch designs.

Learning tapestry and needlepoint with good supplies will make your experience more enjoyable. You might want to dive right in and select yarns and patterns but if you prefer the simplicity of someone else gathering everything you need, explore our range of tapestry and needlepoint kits. They contain everything you need and easy to follow instructions to guide you through your project.

Your essential tapestry needlepoint toolkit

DMC
Craft Studio

Visit the DMC Craft Studio for helpful hints, tips and step by step stitch diagrams as well as more detailed articles about tapestry and needlepoint.

Learn with us
Tapestry and Needlepoint
Learn with us
Tapestry and Needlepoint

1

An Introduction To Tapestry Needlepoint
Get to grips with the basics of tapestry.
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