Articles by Carolyn McNeil on ArticleSnatch.com

To Frame Or Not To Frame, That Is The Question

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0400

While many needlepoint books and resources insist that the use of a frame is not necessary for most projects, I am unable to imagine working any needlepoint project without one. There are two important reasons to use a frame for needlepoint. The first and most important reason for using a frame is to prevent the canvas from becoming distorted by the stitches. The second reason supports the first reason. Working with a frame will free your hands, allowing you to maintain an even rhythm as you work the needle up and down through the canvas. This will enable you to keep your stitch tension even. An even stitch tension is the major factor in preventing canvas distortion. Proper stitch tension will allow the yarn to be kept taut around the canvas threads. Stitch tension that is too loose will cause snagging. Stitch tension that is too tight will, again, distort the canvas. If the canvas becomes severely distorted, finishing the project with a wall frame may become impossible. There are two basic types of needlepoint frames the round (hoop) frame and the straight frame. The hoop frame is sometimes referred to as the tambour frame. **End Summary** Topics: Scroll frame]]> straight frame]]> needlepoint]]> needlework]]> embroidery]]> hoop frame]]> tambour frame]]> stitch tension]]> distorting canvas]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Carolyn McNeil, creator of stitchopedia.com "Â¦an encyclopedia of needlepoint stitches... Stitchopedia is an instructional site with step-by-step instructions and diagrams of each needlepoint stitch. Visit us for a list of recommended hoop and straight frames available today"Â¦

An Introduction to Needlepoint Canvas

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Choosing the canvas is one of the most important aspects of designing a needlepoint project. As discussed in the previous article, The Five Basic Types of Needlepoint Stitches, another important decision involves choosing the stitch or stitches to be used in the piece. Although the two elements are dependent upon each other, in this article we will discuss the needlepoint canvas. The type and size of the canvas used will depend on the amount of detail in the design of your project. Obviously, the more detailed the design, the finer the gauge of canvas. There are a few different types of canvas to choose from. They consist of Single Canvas (aka Mono Canvas), Double Canvas (aka Penelope Canvas), Rug Canvas and Plastic Canvas. All canvas is measured by the number of threads or the number of holes (mesh) to the inch. This is referred to as Canvas Gauge. To determine the Gauge of a canvas, use a ruler and count the number of meshes (holes) in one inch. If there are 10 holes in an inch you are working with 10-mesh canvas. Single Canvas (aka Mono Canvas): Single canvas has commonly been made of hemp or linen thread. **End Summary** Topics: Needlepoint canvas]]> mono canvas]]> Penelope canvas]]> designing needlepoint]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carolyn McNeil, creator of Stitchopedia.com "Â¦an encyclopedia of needlepoint stitches... Stitchopedia is an instructional site with step-by-step instructions and diagrams of each needlepoint stitch. Visit us for easy to follow demonstrations on the many needlepoint stitches available plus the basics of preparing and finishing .

The Five Basic Types of Needlepoint Stitches

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0400

One of most confusing aspects of learning needlepoint is deciphering the many stitches that are available. If you are working from a kit, it generally isn't a problem. Each kit will specify which stitches should be used and where. However, if you are creating your own project from scratch, where do you go to get help? At stitchopedia.com needlepoint stitches are separated by type and each stitch is explained and demonstrated. The following is a breakdown of the types of stitches available: Cross Stitches are probably the most popular type of stitch used today. Crossed Stitches are a principal stitch used in needlepoint tapestry. They are exactly what the name implies - stitches that are created by crossing the threads over each other. The size of the crossed stitch can vary, depending on the thickness of the thread and the gauge of the canvas. It is important, however, to make sure that each crossed stitch covers the canvas. A few examples of crossed stitches are the cross stitch (obviously), fishbone stitch, herringbone stitch and waffle stitch. There are, however, many, many more... Straight Stitches, again, are exactly what the name implies - straight stitches! **End Summary** Topics: Needlepoint stitches]]> cross stitch]]> straight stitch]]> diagonal stitch]]> composite stitch]]> looped stitch]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carolyn McNeil, creator of stitchopedia.com "Â¦an instructional site with instructions & diagrams of the many needlepoint stitches available: Cross Stitch , Bargello , Brighton Stitch , Basketweave and many, many more"Â¦

The Web Stitch

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0400

The Web Stitch is a member of the Cross Stitch family. All stitches in the cross stitch family will, at some point, cross within the stitch. The Web Stitch is no exception. This needlepoint stitch, although time-consuming, is easy to work. The Web Stitch is closely woven, making it virtually snag proof. Because of this, it makes an excellent background and filling stitch. It is imperative that this stitch be worked on double canvas (Penelope canvas) only. The reason for this is explained in the details of the stitch. The Web Stitch consists of diagonal stitches and tying stitches. The diagonal stitch is worked first. The tying stitch is then worked, crossing over the diagonal stitch, thus securing the diagonal stitch in place. The first diagonal stitch will cover only one canvas intersection. This diagonal stitch will not need a tying stitch. The second diagonal stitch will cover two canvas intersections. The tying stitch will cross this diagonal stitch at a right angle and be worked into the double threads. This is why it is important that this stitch be worked on double (Penelope) canvas. As the rows are worked the diagonal stitch will become progressively longer. **End Summary** Topics: Needlepoint stitches]]> web stitch]]> cross stitch]]> diagonal stitch]]> tying stitch]]> background stitch]]> filling stitch]]> how to work the web stitch]]> trammed]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carolyn McNeil, creator of stitchopedia.com "Â¦an encyclopedia of needlepoint stitches... Stitchopedia is an instructional site with step-by-step instructions and diagrams of each needlepoint stitch. Visit us for easy to follow demonstrations on the many needlepoint stitches available: Web Stitch , Cross Stitch, Bargello, Brighton, Basketweave and many, many more"Â¦