Stitch Guide

Needlepoint offers a rich vocabulary of techniques, each creating a different texture and visual effect on the canvas. Below are the foundational methods you’ll encounter most often. We’re building a library of video tutorials to accompany each one—check back soon.

Continental

The most fundamental needlepoint technique. Continental creates a series of small diagonal lines on the front of the canvas, with longer slanting threads on the back. It’s intuitive, easy to learn, and produces a smooth, even surface. Most needleworkers begin here, and many return to it throughout their practice for its simplicity and reliability.

Basketweave

Named for the woven pattern it creates on the back of the canvas, basketweave is the preferred technique for filling large areas. It alternates between upward and downward diagonal rows, distributing tension evenly so the canvas doesn’t warp or distort. Basketweave produces the same smooth surface as continental but is gentler on the canvas over time—making it ideal for backgrounds and large color fields.

More Techniques Coming Soon

We’re expanding this guide to include decorative and specialty techniques—methods that add dimension, texture, and visual interest to your work. Check back as we grow this library.