How to Start Needlepoint: Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners
New to needlepoint? This easy-to-follow tutorial walks you through everything you need to know to get started, including how to prep your thread, use a waste knot, and master the Continental Stitch—the most common tent stitch in needlepoint. With step-by-step visuals, you’ll learn how to secure your thread, stitch correctly, and finish cleanly on the back of your canvas. Perfect for beginners who want to build confidence and start stitching with success.
Download our Needlepoint Basics for visual instructions.
Step-by-step:
Step 1: Prep your thread. Be sure to keep any labels with your thread in case you run out.
Step 2: Thread your needle using a needle threader for ease.
Step 3: Knot the end of your thread.
Step 4: To the left of where you are going to start, place the needle through the canvas from the front. This is called a "waste knot."
Step 5: Come up the canvas from the back.
Step 6: Go down the canvas through the neighboring "hole" that is diagonally up to the right.
Step 7: Come back up to the left of your first stitch.
Step 8: Back down the canvas through the neighboring "hole" that is diagonally up to the right.
Step 9: Continue stitching from "California to Maine."
Step 10: This is called "Continental Stitch," one of two types of "Tent Stitches" and the most common in needlepoint.
Step 11: Keep stitching to cover the thread that is on the back of your canvas from your "waste knot." This will secure your thread.
Step 12: Once you have stitched all the way to your knot, pull up and cut. This is called a "waste knot" which secures your thread when you start stitching.
Step 13: After stitching all the way across, you will move to the next row, moving from left to right, reverse your stitch: "Maine to California."
Step 14: To finish your thread, bring your needle through stitches on the back to secure: either horizontal or vertically.
Step 15: Pull through, and trim.
Step 16: Start the process again! Next stitch to master: basketweave.
