Needlepoint

Needlepoint is a form of canvas work embroidery, in which yarn is stitched through a open weave canvas vertical and horizontal threads are formed to make precise holes between the thread and then hand painted or printed with a design. Stitchers use different colored Yarn or thread to cover each area with the corresponding colour on the canvas. Unlike surface embroidery, the types of stitching and threads used on the canvas make it more durable than embroidery that using fine count aida. Needlepoint worked on very fine (high-count) canvas and has 16 or more mesh holes per liner inch is called petit-point. Needlepoint is often referred to as "tapestry", but differs from true tapestry which is woven on a vertical loom rather than stiched on canvas mesh. Finished works may be made into pillows or upholstery, or may be displayed on the wall, framed or unframed, or made into holiday ornaments, purses, stuffed stand-up figures, or rugs.


History of Needlepoint

The roots of needlepoint go back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians who used small slanted stitches to sew up their canvas tents, Howard Carter, of Tutankhamen fame, found some Needlepoint in the Cave of a Pharaoh who had lived 1500 years before Christ. Modern needlepoint descends from the canvas work in tent stitch that was a popular domestic craft in the 16th century and from 17th century Bargello through the shaded Berlin wool work in brightly-colored wool yarn. Upholstered furniture became the fasion in the 17th centuray and this prompted the development of a more durable material to serve as a foundation for the embroidered works of art.