History:
The roots of needlepoint go back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians who used small slanted stitches to sew up their canvas tents. There are also many references in the Bible to elaborate needlework on religious articles, including the tent used for worship in ancient Israel.
In the Middle Ages, there were two types of needlework that were forerunners of modern needlepoint. A kind of embroidery, in 13th century Europe, was done on coarsely woven linen fabric similar to canvas mesh. Tapestries, also popular in that era, were woven on vertical threads on a loom. In the 16th century, people began to imitate these forms on a canvas background using steel needles, invented around this time. This allowed more intricate work than the fishbone or thorn needles used previously.
During the times of Mary, Queen of Scotts (who did needlepoint during her long imprisonment), needlepoint was a pastime of the leisure class. As time went on, its appeal gradually broadened to other parts of society.
There are few examples of needlepoint from early Colonial America since American women had little time to spare for stitching that was not absolutely practical. With an increase in leisure time, along with the invention of a method of printing colored charts for needlepoint designs (called "Berlin Work"), needlepoint finally took its rightful place in style.
Although this advance in technology broadened the reach of needlepoint, hand painted needlepoint is still preferred among the most avid and experienced stitchers of the world. These pieces are created by an artist painting an image directly on a canvas. After purchasing a specific canvas design, your needlepoint shop owner then helps you decide which fibers, threads and embellishments to use. A stitch guide, describing the techniques is helpful and usually is available through your local shop.
Needlepoint is easy to learn. It's simply following an ordered process of passing the needle through a pre-designed canvas mesh. Your local needlepoint shop owner can show you everything you'll need.
Express yourself!
Needlepoint offers a wide range of avenues for self-expression.
It can be used to make pictures, pillows, seat cushions or other items to decorate your home.
You can also stitch fashion items like belts, purses, and even shoes, vests and other clothing.
Holiday themes are traditional, but there is also an endless stream of new, contemporary themes that can brighten your home and your life. The new specialty fibers and beautiful, hand-painted canvases which are available today add excitement to the experience and richness to your finished product.
Red pillow and Santa courtesy of Kelly Klark, Kelly Klark Needlepoint. Tote bag adorned with Beth Gantz Designs Alphabet.