Needlepoint Basics for Beginners: Basic Tent Stitch and Basketweave

If you're new to needlepoint, learning the basic stitches is the first step toward creating beautiful designs. The tent stitch is one of the most fundamental techniques you'll encounter, offering simplicity and versatility. It’s a small diagonal stitch that covers one intersection of the canvas. The tent stitch is often used as a foundational stitch because it’s easy to learn and creates a smooth surface, perfect for filling in backgrounds or outlining designs. Once you've mastered it, you'll be able to create crisp, clean patterns in your needlepoint work.

The basketweave stitch alternates between horizontal and vertical stitches, creating a woven texture on the back of the fabric. It generally helps to prevent distortion.

To get started with tent stitch or basketweave, you’ll need a tapestry needle, canvas, and thread (usually wool or cotton). Begin by practicing on a small section, using even tension to ensure your stitches lie flat. For the tent stitch, work in consistent rows, while for the basketweave, alternate between diagonal rows.  Check out our beginner sheet below. 

Happy Stitching!

Click here to download the PDF file.

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.

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.