Needlepoint has come a long way. Needlework has been around almost as long as clothing. The Western culture tends to think that needlework is solely for women, but originally it was a task performed by men who spent years mastering the craft. There have been many changes in needlework; changes in designs and technique which often reflect the styles and attitudes of an era. Needlework is actually an art form that has been handed down from generation to generation. The most durable of all designs are needlepoint designs; they are the most durable than any other types of needlecrafts, making them especially suited for chair seats, pillow and rugs.

Most needlepoint designs are printed or painted on a canvas. The colors on the canvas represents a yarn or thread color. Using a blunt tapestry needle the stitcher covers each area on the canvas with the corresponding yarn or thread color. Some designs are stitched on a blank canvas by counting from a pattern or chart. There are many stitches used in needlepoint but the most common of the stitch is called a “continental stitch” or is also known as a “tent stitch”. In the 70’s The American Needlepoint Guild (ANG) was started and so that they can encourage the appreciation and practice of needlepoint as an art. Over the past years there has been a resurgence in the interest of needlepoint and for good reason, needlepoint is easy and rewarding to learn, and gives you the ability to make unique and personal decorating projects for garments and the home.