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NeedlePoint Kits and Canvas Designs | Design your own Needlepoint Kit!

Written by Peggy Bond

After my first foray into pulled yarn stitching, I was anxious to try one with color. Using the combination of the pulled yarn star and traditional reversed scotch stitches, I created a two-colored background that lets the silver lining of the I Love Mom ornament shine through.

I stitched the heart, “I Mom”, and background between the letters and image with the continental stitch before starting the pulled yarn star/reversed scotch background. 

Stitched Canvas

Each reversed scotch block and pulled yarn star is 8 horizontal by 8 vertical threads. The reversed scotch blocks should be completed before the pulled yarn stars, particularly if the canvas is not on a stretcher.

By starting the reserved scotch blocks at the center top of the canvas and working diagonally downward as shown above the location of a diagonal row of stars is created. For this ornament, the stars alternate with the scotch blocks, but they can also be randomly positioned. It is important that the stars be worked from the center outward. Since the stars are a different color than the scotch block, each was work independently and ends tied off and hidden so that they are not seen.

Reversed scotch block

So now the background lining! The ornament has only three colors. I did not like the idea of using black. Nether white nor red would show off the holes for the pulled yarn stars. Maybe gold or silver? I tested a silver lining of aluminum foil. I liked how it looked. I went looking for fabric and found stretch satin silver fabric at my local fabric store.

Satin Silver Fabric

To finish the ornament, I used red felt for the backing, quilt batting for padding, a cardboard stiffener, and silver braid for trim and hanger.

Ornament elements

My two pulled yard projects have been done on 18-point canvases and now I am ready for something bigger and maybe better….

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Happy Stitching!

It’s no secret that at NeedlePaint, we love our dogs!
Check out our new needlepoint dog collar designs, featuring favorite choices from our
furry clientele with discriminating tastes, and unique personalities! 

ADVENTURE DOG
I love fetching a big stick out of the lake, but my personal favorite
is rolling in the catch of the day.” — Axel, black Labrador Retriever

Woodland Axel Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

Rainbow Trout Skin Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

PRINCESS DOG 
“I will dig up those flowers if I want to!” — Rosie, Border Collie

Spring Floral Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

Periwinkle Flora Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

DOG DAYS DOG
“Summer, sweet summer, making a splash wherever I go!”
— Sport, Springer Spaniel and Dog Paddle Champion

Swimming Pool Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

Summer Fruit Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

DREAMER DOG
“It all looks good from up here on the new sofa!” — Dizzy, Basset Hound

Tie Dye Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

Stained Glass Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

TRAVELER DOG
A drive through the desert to the west coast? I wanna go, I wanna go!”
— Toby, Golden Retriever

Sunny Beach Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

Warm Desert Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

PREPPY DOG
“My goal today: dress the part and stay out of trouble.” — Baxter, French Bulldog

Checkerboard Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

Tangerine Medallion Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

ROCKSTAR DOG
“Going with the flow is my jam.” — Spike, Rottweiler

Rose and Thorns Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

Malachite Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

DOG OF ALL TRADES
“They rescued me, but in reality it was I who rescued them.” — Jack, Heinz 57

Life Treasures Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit
Our designers will help turn your ideas into a unique dog collar design!
or
Dog Collar Builder Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit 
Create your very own one-of-a-kind custom Needlepoint dog collar
with our new interactive Dog Collar Builder!

It’s a dog’s life — play, stay, rollover, eat, sleep, sit and look cute
in that new needlepoint dog collar I so lovingly stitched for you.

We offer dog collar needlepoint kits,
a dog collar leather finishing service,
and fully finished dog collars.

Let us know how we can help at: info@needlepaint.com

Stitch something sweet for your “best friend”!

Enjoy stitching one of our new kids NeedlePaint kits! Featuring designs inspired by the adorable insights and amusing thoughts of Winnie the Pooh and his friends, from the classic storybook author A.A. Milne. Our Winnie the Pooh needlepoint kits feature: holiday ornaments, stockings, pillows, and even door hangers for your sleeping baby’s room!

Pooh’s Honey Pot Needlepoint Door Hanger Kit

Winnie the Pooh quietly sits with his honey pot, and wants to
remind your household that Shhh . . . . there is a baby sleeping!

Winnie The Pooh Blue Needlepoint Pillow Kit

“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.” 

Winnie The Pooh Pink Needlepoint Pillow Kit

“As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was about to happen.” 

Winnie The Pooh Blue Needlepoint Door Hanger Kit

“I am short, fat, and proud of that.”

Winnie The Pooh’s Taste Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“I wasn’t going to eat it, I was just going to taste it.” 

Pooh’s Christmas Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

Oh Bother Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“Oh Bother. Think it over, think it under!”

Butterfly Friend Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words
but rather short, easy words like  — what about lunch?”

Friends Forever Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“We will be friends until forever, just you wait and see.”

Silly Old Bear Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“Silly old bear, we didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.”

Winnie The Pooh’s Honey Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“I did mean a little larger small helping.” 

Winter Hush Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“The things that make me different are the things that make me, me.”

Balloon Friends Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“Nobody can be un-cheered with a balloon.” 

Christmas Joy Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” 

Winnie The Pooh Pink Needlepoint Door Hanger Kit

“I wonder how many wishes a star can give.”

Pooh’s Holiday Mini Stocking Needlepoint Kit

“Some people care too much. I think it’s called love.” 

Pooh’s Adventure Mini Stocking Needlepoint Kit

“Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved.”  

Winnie The Pooh Joy Needlepoint Stocking Kit

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

Pooh’s Journey Needlepoint Stocking Kit

“Any day spent with you is my favorite day.” 

Pooh’s Butterfly Needlepoint Door Hanger Kit

“The most important thing is, even when we’re apart . . . I’ll always be with you.”

A needlepoint collection that reflects the personality within all of us:
silly, creative, humble, wise, cautious and full of life!

We would love to help with any of your needlepoint needs,
feel free to contact us at: info@needlepaint.com

Stitch a childhood favorite!

Written by Caroline

When our designer, Gwynn, created NeedlePaint’s Beatrix Potter Collection, I could not wait to stitch something. This collection is the epitome of sweet and classic, and the perfect homage to Beatrix Potter’s outstanding work. 

After burning out with several larger projects recently, I wanted something smaller with different finishing potential, so I picked out the Peter Rabbit Stand Up Kit. I requested to have the design printed on 14-count canvas—something we are always happy to do!—which changed the overall size to 5.2″ x 10”. In addition, when I received the canvas, I drew a rounded top.

I knew I wanted to focus on texture and keep my stitches simple,
so I headed to my local needlepoint shop (Stitch in Louisville, KY)
and they assisted me in pulling lots of different fibers based on the canvas:

Peter’s fur: Petite Very Velvet

Peter’s jacket: Silk & Ivory

Face details: DMC Perle Cotton #3

Grass: DMC Perle Cotton #3

Background: Vineyard Wool

I completed the foreground entirely in the basketweave stitch, but I am
impressed with how different each section appears in person because of the fiber type. 

I used my favorite old faithful background stitch: diagonal mosaic!
I love this stitch for its full coverage, but also its simplicity and quickness to stitch.

While NeedlePaint does not (yet!) offer stand-up finishing,
I was able to finish it through my local needlepoint shop,
and will treasure this for years to come —

especially every Easter!

Written by Peggy Bond

Pulled yarn stitches are often overlooked for needlepointing canvases because they do not fully cover the canvas. However, they can be used with conventional stitches and have some advantages as backgrounds. Firstly, they can be worked up quickly and secondly, they are lacy allowing a differently colored backing to show through.   

This Be Mine Valentine needlepoint ornament kit finished as a door hanger, has a pink felt backing that gives the background behind the heart, the look of checked gingham.
Up close, this is not the case.

When working pulled yarn, it is important to keep consistent tension or pull. This is what creates the pattern. The best pulled yarn stitches have equilateral pull which minimizes distortion.

The 4-sided over 3 pattern shown here is a good example. Notice the direction of the stitches:

1 – left to right

2 – bottom left to top

3 – bottom right to top

4 – bottom left to right

The back will show a large cross stitch (X) as shown above.

My original idea for this project was to back the canvas the same felt as used for the frame. The red felt did not show through. However, the bright pink felt showed well and tied the red and pink of the heart together. Below is a photo of the four layers that used for the hanger.

This project was stitched with white thread on white canvas and had a hot pink backing. Alternatively, it could be done with red thread on the white canvas and a white or sparkling backing. There are many options, and the only caution would be not to try pulled yarn stitches on a printed background. Pulling the stitches will expose the white of the unprinted canvas.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Happy Stitching!

Welcome in the spring season this Easter by stitching a Fabergé inspired decorative egg from NeedlePaint’s Easter Collection, and start your own tradition of gifting a needlepoint egg ornament every year. These needlepoint designs are perfect for special stitches, extra embellishment and small delicate details.

Imperial Daisy Easter Egg Needlepoint Kit
These dainty daisies express sunshine, new beginnings and purity. 

It all began when Tsar Alexander III of Russia commissioned Peter Carl Fabergé to create a jeweled egg as an easter gift for his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna. What started out as a one time order, began an annual tradition that his son Tsar Nicolas II, would continue until the end of the House of Romanovs’ at the outbreak of the Russian revolution in 1917. 

Imperial Tulip Easter Egg Needlepoint Kit
These dainty daisies express sunshine, new beginnings and purity. 

Fabergé completed a total of 50 eggs for the royal family, 43 of which are accounted for today. 

Imperial Ruby Easter Egg Needlepoint Kit
The inherent beauty of these red luscious rubies express power and wisdom.

After the first egg was created, Fabergé was given complete creative control for each design, with the details kept secret, even from the Tsar, until the unveiling. Faberge oversaw the production of each egg, as they were crafted by teams of jewelers, metalsmiths, designers, and other specialists.

Imperial Renaissance Easter Egg Needlepoint Kit
Inspired by the last Fabergé egg which was gifted to Empress Maria Feodorovna from Alexander III, this design resembles an oval agate casket which was created by the Dutch Master Le Roy.

Although the eggs were made of precious materials, their value lay not in the cost of the particular jewels or metals used but in the inventiveness and skills the artists brought to each one. Many of the eggs, contained a hidden treasure, a small piece of art as detailed and intricate as the egg itself. 

Imperial Sapphire Easter Egg Needlepoint Kit
These serene sapphires express nobility and honesty.

When the Bolsheviks took St. Petersburg, they seized the eggs selling some of them and holding onto others. Each egg has gone on its own journey. 

Imperial Lily Easter Egg Needlepoint Kit
This design was inspired by the Lilies of the Valley Fabergé egg which was gifted to Empress Alexandra. The Art Nouveau egg contained a surprise inside featuring a portrait of her husband, Tsar Nicolas II and their two oldest daughters.

Stitch a special egg ornament canvas from our Easter Collection, or if we can design something special just for you, please let us know, at: info@needlepaint.com

Wishing you a spring full of new beginnings — and many colorful skeins of thread!

Celebrate Women’s History Month with a collection of new NeedlePaint kits,
featuring some of the many women who have influenced,
inspired and encourage us to find the strength, courage and
self esteem to be a better version of ourselves. 

Audrey Hepburn Needlepoint Ornament Kit
4″ circle on 18 mesh canvas, using 6 colors

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands,
one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Audrey Hepburn

British actress and humanitarian; Audrey Hepburn’s style
and elegance will always be remembered.

Frida Kahlo Needlepoint Ornament Kit
4″ circle on 18 mesh canvas, using 12 colors

“At the end of the day, we can endure much
more than we think we can.” — Frida Kahlo

Celebrated by feminists for the uncompromising depiction of the
female form and experience; Frida Kahlo is remembered for using her
folk art style to explore questions regarding identity, race, gender and class. 

It Takes A Lot Of Money Needlepoint Kit
8″ x 4″ on 18 mesh canvas, using 4 colors

Sad but true, really — “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap.” — Dolly Parton

Marilyn Monroe Needlepoint Ornament Kit
4″ circle on 18 mesh canvas, using 9 colors

“It is better to be hated for what you are than to be
loved for what you are not.” — Marilyn Monroe

Actress, singer, model and feminist icon; Marilyn Monroe is remembered
as an empowering figure who fought against gender equality and oppression.

Michelle Obama Needlepoint Ornament Kit
4″ circle on 18 mesh canvas, using 9 colors

“We learned about dignity and decency – that how hard you work matters
more than how much you make . . . that helping others means more
than just getting ahead yourself.” — Michelle Obama

Attorney, writer, former first lady; Michelle Obama has become
a role model for women, an advocate for healthy families and
is empowering adolescent girls around the world through education.

Well Behaved Women Needlepoint Kit
8″ x 6″ on 18 mesh canvas, using 2 colors

Sad but true, really — “Well behaved women seldom make history.”
— Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

RGB Equality For All Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.28″ circle on 18 mesh canvas, using 7 colors

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead
others to join you.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy will live on as a
strong voice for women’s rights and equality for all.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.28″ circle on 18 mesh canvas, using 7 colors

“My mother told me to be a lady. And for her that meant,
be your own person, be independent.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy will live on as a strong voice
in favor of gender equality, the rights of workers and the separation of church and state. 

No Patriarchy Needlepoint Kit
8″ x 6″ on 18 mesh canvas, using 8 colors

You don’t need his permission — “f*ck the patriarchy.”

What Would Dolly Do Needlepoint Ornament Kit
4″ circle on 18 mesh canvas, using 8 colors

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more,
do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” — Dolly Parton

Singer, songwriter, actress, business woman and philanthropist;
Dolly Parton is a cultural icon with a powerful voice.

Princess Diana Needlepoint Ornament Kit
4″ circle on 18 mesh canvas, using 13 colors

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in knowledge
that one day someone might do the same for you.” — Princess Diana

International icon; Princess Diana’s devotion to charitable causes,
activism and glamour will always be remembered.

We hope you find a little needlepoint inspiration this month
and the other eleven months of the year, celebrating the
many women who have made their mark in the world.

Have a special idea we can design for you? 
Please feel free to contact us at: info@needlepaint.com

Stitch On!

Consisting of twelve constellations and twelve matching personalities, the astrological signs are thought to influence our interests, behavior, characteristics and passions. Stitch a needlepoint ornament kit for someone special, who is as unique as their astrology sign. We hope you enjoy NeedlePaint’s new Astrology Signs Needlepoint Kits!

Aries the Ram Needlepoint Ornament Kit

March 21st to April 19th
My child-like outlook make me a delight to be around. I eagerly and quickly climb to great heights with dynamic precision, but am often thought to be a wee bit too competitive. 

Taurus the Bull Needlepoint Ornament Kit

April 20th to May 20th 
I have a deep love of basking in the good life, and tend to be strongly resistant to change.

Some see me as a symbol of strength, power and tenacity, but on my softer side
I really am very creative and sensual.

Gemini the Twins Needlepoint Ornament Kit

May 21st to June 20th
We’re known as Castor and Pollux, two curious and expressive twins. We work together for humanity, communicating our versatile ideas; and are extremely generous with our hearts. 

Cancer the Crab Needlepoint Ornament Kit

June 21st to July 22nd
At the first sign of danger I withdraw into my shell. I can be intuitively protective and sentimentally compassionate, not to mention nostalgic for all things red.

Leo the Lion Needlepoint Ornament Kit

July 23rd to August 22nd 
I tend to be dramatically self-assured, outgoing and fiery; but don’t be fooled as when it comes to matters of the heart, I rule the jungle with a sweet compassionate style.

Virgo the Maiden Needlepoint Ornament Kit

August 23rd to September 22nd
I am often analytical and practical when seeking to know and understand,
while my tendencies as a gentle perfectionist are purely practical. 

Libra the Scales Needlepoint Ornament Kit

September 23rd to October 22nd
Always in constant search for the perfect equilibrium, I am socially fair-minded,
and very gracious with my diplomacy.

Scorpio the Scorpion Needlepoint Ornament Kit

October 23rd to November 21st
I love to be secretive while exploring what is in the hearts and minds of others.

Mostly I am brave and a bit stubborn, but also resourcefully passionate. 

Sagittarius the Archer Needlepoint Ornament Kit

November 22nd to December 21st
I spend my days exploring and learning new things, as I am optimistic, extroverted,

and always hold my aim high even when I am being funny.

Capricorn the Goat Needlepoint Ornament Kit

December 22nd to January 19th
I am very confident and disciplined in taking advantage of every foothold, and always tenacious

in working through obstacles. When I’m not being quite so serious,
I do have the most delightful sense of humor.

Aquarius the Water Bearer Needlepoint Ornament Kit

January 20th and February 18th
I give the gift of water flowing freely and equally to everyone; as I am always generous,
uniquely original and deeply imaginative. 

Pisces the Two Fish Needlepoint Ornament Kit

February 19th and March 20th
Although we swim together in opposite directions and sometimes have conflicting desires;

we are wise, artistic, affectionate and empathetic. 

This collection features a special astrological sign needlepoint ornament kit for everyone!
Each kit features a 4″ circle on 18 mesh canvas, with optional DMC embroidery floss.  

We would love to help with any questions
that you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

The stars are aligned — stitch something special! 

Another joyous holiday season is behind us. The decorations have been packed up and it’s time to kick back, relax and reflect on the wonderful celebration that we have enjoyed with our family and friends. Now it is time to think about what will be on our needlepoint stitch list for next year? NeedlePaint has designed some delightful new needlepoint stocking cuff kits that are perfect for next year’s Christmas celebration! 

Christmas Whimsy Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

These holiday trees have a whimsical personality, are festive,
and take on a fresh and playful life of their own!

Folk Art Angel Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

This folk art angel will bring joy to your holiday with charm, grace,
elegance and a playfully festive floral motif. 

Gingerbread Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

The best of the holiday cookies! Gingerbread is so rich with taste and color, especially when accompanied by the incredible smell of ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon lofting from the oven. 

City Christmas Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

The city is bursting with excitement, in anticipation of the holiday celebrations ahead! Row houses decorated to perfection, shopping, endless parties to attend,
and the simple joy of listening to a group of carolers.

Wagoneer Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Such fond memories of the entire family driving together in the old Wagoneer, for the traditional tree cutting. To make this task extra fun, Santa is at the wheel and ready with a little help from the elves.

Woodland Critters Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

This charming cast of warmhearted woodland animals,
and the magic of winter will add a special warmth to your holiday stockings. 

Anchor Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Exploring wide open spaces, breathing in the fresh ocean air,
and sailing all day long, is your true passion!

Regal Reindeer Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Considered royalty of the North Pole, this regal reindeer
is legendary for helping Santa with his sleigh!

Regal Polar Bear Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Another member of the North Pole royalty — this regal polar bear is legendary for keeping an eye on the workshop while Santa’s crew is away, and providing hot chocolate upon their return the next day!

Playful Presents Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

The Christmas packages are wrapped to perfection with
bright bouncing bows, and colorful patterned paper!

Playful Gingerbread Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Holiday treats baked to perfection! Gingerbread people are so rich in taste and color,
and playfully adorn this needlepoint stocking cuff!

Getting into the holiday spirit is easy when handcrafting your own needlepoint decorations. Stitch a stocking cuff that reflects the unique personality of a special loved one. Check out our complete needlepoint stocking cuff collection for more great ideas!

Please contact us with any questions that you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Handmade touches will make your holiday special! 

Written by Peggy Bond

The Christmas season for me always brings back family memories – baking fruit cakes, decorating cookies, making gifts, shopping for a special gift, decorating the tree, and hanging Christmas stockings. While thinking about this coming Christmas, I remembered the long ago year when my older sister and I were 12 and 9 years old, and made felt Christmas stockings. We spelled our names out with sequins and stitched them together with yarn. It made me nostalgic and reminded me that my husband and I did not have stockings.  

Inspired by the Needlepaint stocking cuffs, I adapted my old Needlepaint Christmas ornament designs for use as cuffs on stockings. These small 10” x 2.5” canvases were quick to stitch. The top and bottom edges of the cuff were finished with an overcast stitch as described below, and the sides folded under. It was easily sewn onto the front piece of the felt stocking. Front and back of the stockings were stitched together with embroidery thread using a chain stitch. I was traveling when I made these and didn’t have my sewing machine, so all was done by hand.

Instead of using the traditional needlepoint binding stitch, I opted to using an overcast stitch so that I could finish the edges in multiple colors. The stitches were worked on four strands of canvas folded so that there are two stands on the front side and two on the back. In this example, every other stitch is one in red and then followed with every other stitch in blue.

This is the same technique that is used for sewing plastic canvas together, except you are working with a folded needlepoint canvas instead of two pieces of plastic canvas. The color variations give the canvas an additional dimension. And, on the train canvas, I used the same stitch with six different colored strands of embroidery floss on the needle. 

I have had request for cuffs from friends and family and have adapted several more of the original ornaments to cuffs. Each can be customized with a name. All are 18 mesh canvas designs except for the final snowflake design which is 14 mesh canvas.

Angel Song Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Candy Cane Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Penguin Parade Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Holiday Sleigh Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Flying Santa Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Ornaments Twinkle Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Gentle Snowflakes Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Holiday Express Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Wolf Song Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

It’s never too late for Christmas stockings and the finishing of these is quick and easy.
New felt has arrived. Time to block and finish the latest creations.

Happy Holiday Stitching!