Terminology

Needlepoint Terms Every Stitcher Should Know

When you're new to needlepoint, it can feel like learning a whole new language. From mesh counts and decorative stitches to dye lots and needleminders, there are a few common terms you'll hear throughout the needlepoint community.

This needlepoint glossary will help you understand the most commonly used needlepoint terms so you can stitch with confidence and feel right at home in The Salt Creek Stitchery.

Canvas

The canvas is the foundation of every needlepoint project. Designs are hand-painted or printed onto a woven mesh fabric, and stitches are worked through the holes of the canvas to bring the design to life.

Needlepoint canvases come in different mesh sizes depending on the level of detail and type of project.

Mesh Count

Mesh count refers to the number of holes per inch on a needlepoint canvas.

For example:

  • 18 Mesh: 18 holes per inch. The smaller holes allow for finer detail and more intricate designs.
  • 13 Mesh: Larger holes that are easier to see and quicker to stitch, making them a popular choice for pillows, ornaments, and decorative accessories.

The mesh size also determines which threads and fibers will provide the best coverage.

Binding or Canvas Tape

Binding is the tape or fabric wrapped around the edges of a canvas. It helps prevent fraying and provides extra durability while stitching.

Stretcher Bars

Stretcher bars are wooden or plastic bars that connect to form a frame for your canvas. The canvas is attached with tacks or staples, helping maintain even tension and preventing warping as you stitch.

Fibers or Threads

Fibers, commonly called threads, are used to stitch the painted design on the canvas. They come in many varieties, including cotton, silk, wool, metallics, and specialty blends.

At The Salt Creek Stitchery, we currently carry:

  • Milan Fibers (skeins and cards)
  • Pepper Pot 
  • Essentials (skeins and cards)
  • Planet Earth Silk
  • Moondrake
  • Rainbow Gallery Fuzzy Stuff
  • Rainbow Gallery Fyre Werks
  • Tilli Tomas Silk Ribbon
  • Rainbow Gallery Very Velvet

Each fiber offers its own unique texture, coverage, and stitching experience.

Skein

A skein is a packaged bundle of thread available for purchase. Each skein contains a specific length of fiber measured in yards or meters.

Ply

Some threads consist of multiple strands twisted together. The number of strands is referred to as the ply.

Certain fibers can be separated into individual strands for finer detail work, while non-ply fibers are stitched as they come and do not require separation.

Dye Lot

Threads are dyed in batches known as dye lots. Slight color variations can occur between batches, so it's best to purchase enough thread from the same dye lot to complete your entire project whenever possible.

Tapestry Needle

Needlepoint is stitched with a tapestry needle, which features a blunt tip and large eye. The blunt point passes between the canvas threads without piercing them.

Common needle sizes include:

  • Size 20: Typically used for 13-mesh canvas
  • Size 22: Commonly used for 18-mesh canvas

Needle Threader

A needle threader is a simple tool that helps pull thread through the eye of a needle, making threading easier, especially with thicker fibers.

Kit

A needlepoint kit typically includes everything needed to begin stitching, such as:

  • Canvas
  • Fibers or threads
  • Needle
  • Instructions or stitch guides (varies by kit)

Tension

Tension refers to how tightly or loosely stitches are pulled. Consistent tension creates a smoother, more professional-looking finished piece.

Decorative Stitches

While many projects use traditional Tent or Basketweave stitches, decorative stitches add texture, dimension, and visual interest to a design.

Helpful resources for learning decorative stitches include:

  • The Original Stitches To Go series
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube tutorials

WIP (Work in Progress)

A WIP is simply the needlepoint project you're currently working on.

Most stitchers have at least one... and many have several!

LNS (Local Needlepoint Shop)

LNS stands for Local Needlepoint Shop, a locally owned business that provides canvases, fibers, supplies, finishing services, and support for the stitching community.

NDLPT

A popular abbreviation used online and throughout the stitching community as shorthand for needlepoint.

Color Swap

Love a design but want different colors? A color swap allows you to customize a project by selecting alternative thread colors.

Some stitchers also lightly paint portions of the canvas to prevent the original colors from showing through lighter threads.

Stash

A stash is a stitcher's collection of canvases, fibers, and future projects waiting to be stitched.

Most needlepoint enthusiasts proudly maintain a growing stash of inspiration.

Needleminder

A needleminder is a decorative magnetic accessory that attaches to your canvas and securely holds your needle whenever you're not stitching.

It keeps your needle safe, visible, and easy to find.

Finishing

Once stitching is complete, the canvas is transformed into its final form, such as:

  • Ornament
  • Pillow
  • Tray insert
  • Framed artwork
  • Door hanger
  • Stand-up figure
  • Decorative accessory

This process is called finishing and may be completed at home or by a professional needlepoint finisher.