Need(le) To Know
Studio / Community Lingo
This stands for ‘Local Needlepoint Store’ This is a brick n’ mortar where you can buy canvases, threads, accessories, and get help with projects.
This is an abbreviations for ‘Work In Progress,’ stitchers (and other crafters alike) typically showcase their projects on Wednesday, hence the term ‘WIP Wednesday’.
Stitch mail is any mail that you receive that relates to stitching/needlepoint. Mostly canvases are shown, but it could also be new threads, a cute needle minder, or even a finished project!
Speaking of finishing... there are two types 1) ‘lowercase f’ finished which means you have completed stitching the canvas and are ready to have it turned into something, and 2) ‘capital F’ finished, which means it has gone through the finishing process (self or professional), and officially turned into something!
Mesh & Materials
There are many sizes of mesh, but the two most common in the U.S. are 13 and 18. The size number correlates to the number of holes per inch, i.e. 13 mesh is 13 holes per inch and 18 mesh is 18 holes per inch. There are pros to both, 13 is typically faster and easier for beginners, while 18 allows for a more detailed canvas!
In needlepoint stitchers use tapestry needles. They have a blunt tip and larger eyes. 22 is used for 18 mesh. 20 is used for 13 mesh.
There are so many options for threads! Cotton, silk, wool, silk/wool blends, and specialty (sparkly, velvet, etc). Some are more affordable, more pleasant to stitch with, or give a preferred look, it really depends on your vibe!
Most threads are available to purchase in skeins, but some are also on cards. You might want to buy a skein if it's for a background/a large area. The opposite can be said for cards.
Stitches
This is a group of the most basic stitches in needlepoint. They include Half-Cross Stitch, Continental, and Basketweave. While they are all tent stitches I like to think of them as good/better/best, because of their coverage and durability.
These are any stitches that are not considered tent stitches and are used to give the canvas more texture or dimension.
Tools & Techniques
This is one way to help stitchers anchor a new thread onto a canvas.
A fun way to accessorize your canvas and give your needle a home!
If you were to mis-stitch or needed to remove thread for any reason, you would use a seam ripper or a ‘frogger’ to rip it...rip it... rip it out!
Fun Terms
These are the little ends of threads that are cut off. It stands for Old Raggedy Threads. Some stitchers collect them as momentos, some throw them out, it’s totally up to you!