Tutorials and Tips

This section has the best tips on how to do this and that I know about.  I've included tutorials for all sorts of things and there is copyright information as well.  If you know of another great online source of information for needlepoint, please let me know so I can include it.

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ALPHABETS
http://www.needlepoint.org/Archives/Circles.php

http://yarntree.com/freecharts/alphabets.pdf


COPYRIGHT BASICS

http://www.yarntree.com/066copyr.htm

https://www.needlepointnow.com/advertising/copyright/

http://www.needlenthread.com/2012/09/copyright-in-embroidery.html

EFFECTS

Angel Wings
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2013/08/angel-wings.html

Beards Help and Inspiration
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/12/beards.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-to-create-santas-beard.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2014/03/blue-russian-inspiration-collection-of.html

http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2015/06/velvet-stitch.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2015/08/judiths-corkscrew-beard.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=615vLeYcp2M

Bird Feathers
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2017/03/web-store-update-march-10.html


Eyes
http://www.funkandweber.com/create-eye-sparkles-in-cross-stitch/

http://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0213.pdf

Faces
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-needlepoint-a-face.htm

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/09/mikos-lips.html

Fur
http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/how-i-random-stitch/

http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2009/07/24/random-pictures/

http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/candlewicking-on-needlepoint.htm

http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needlepoint-stitches-for-animal-hair.htm


Glass--Stitches and Threads for a Glass Effect
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2015/9/6/i-can-see-clearly-now

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/3/2/glittery-glass

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/3/9/darn-it

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/3/16/step-into-it

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/3/23/guilt-works

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/3/30/old-glass

http://www.icontact-archive.com/3sPNpcHW2d6IBVeY4CRghDYhcqWrJOAA?w=4

https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0219.pdf

This canvas uses Reverse Basketweave with size 8 Kreinik for a glass effect, but note that the design is on 13 count.  If you attempt this on 18 count, go to a size 4 Kreinik or use something smaller, like Accentuate.
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2020/08/09

Using Alternating Continental in Beads for Glass
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0CC4RXzg5c

Hair
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/05/hair-resources.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/05/brainstorming-hair.html

http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2013/09/share-a-stitch-sunday-september-22.html

http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2015/05/stumped-for-hairdo-here-is-recent.html

http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2014/06/curly-wild-hair.html

http://www.abigailcecile.com/blog/2015/1/14/how-to-embroider-curly-hair

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2021/08/creating-riot-of-curls-tutorial.html

The stitch used here is the Bunger Stitch, that's why Steph thanks Amy.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2014/08/straight-from-stephs-beauty-shop.html

http://thebfgoodstitch.blogspot.com/2016/11/well-i-do-declare-its-been-terribly.html

Wigmaker's Knot Tutorial
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2014/03/blue-russian-creating-ermine-out-of_10.html

Curly Hair
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-needlepoint-curly-hair.htm

Raised Hair Technique, courtesy of Di van Niekerk
http://www.dicraft.co.za/blog/a-little-fairy/

Couched Wool Hair, from Melissa Shirley
https://www.facebook.com/MelissaShirley.Needlepoint/photos/pcb.10156084956404252/10156084940904252/?type=3

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2018/01/couched-wool-hair-by-melissa-shirley.html


Lines or Outlines or Couching

Stitching lines in a painted canvas can be a pain.  Some folks use backstitch to outline and many couch a thread along a curving line, but there are other ways to create a line.   Louise's Needlework has written a two-part article about lines in their shop newsletter.
https://media.rainpos.com/530/june_newsletter_final_pdf.pdf

https://media.rainpos.com/530/news_blast_july_2019_final.pdf

Here's a guide to couching for beginners.

https://needlepoint-for-fun.com/pages/needlepoint-couching?_pos=1&_sid=788884724&_ss=r&ml_subscriber=1931898778055350092&ml_subscriber_hash=k6h6&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_stitch_zip_kits_plus_new_abstract_sea_critters_from_melissa_prince&utm_term=2022-04-19



Skin Colors

Carole Lake suggests these DMC floss colors but says this is a very minimal list.  There are plenty of other DMC colors that will work:

Lips: 309, 938

Pinks/corals: 818, 761, 819

Porcelains/peaches: 948, 712, 754

Tans: 712, 437, 738, 3774, 739

Peaches/tans: 948, 754, 3778, 758

Asian: 739, 3774, 950

African-American: 632, 3772, 3773

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2012/09/skin-tones-in-dmc.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2013/09/match-my-face.html


Sky Stitches
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/5/1/sweet-sky

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/5/4/big-blue-skies

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/5/11/starry-starry-night

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/5/15/small-skies

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/5/18/more-open-skies

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/5/25/beetlestitch

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/5/29/small-skies-part-2


Needle Blended Skies (Ideas by Anne Stradal, Compilation by Sue Dulle)
http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/hiding-out-is-such-fun/

http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2014/08/07/finished-lighthouse-on-national-lighthouse-day/

More Needle Blending (By John Waddell)
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2013/10/puddle-colors-john-waddell-way.html


Snow Stitches
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/9/4/snow-in-september

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/9/7/xs-and-os

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/9/14/santas-landing-pad

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/9/18/more-beads

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/9/21/darn-snow

This one will also work for water, depending on thread type and color.
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/9/25/tiny-tiny-diamonds

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/9/28/i-always-wanted-to-be-tall

https://www.bristlythistle.com/blog/2018/3/7/a-great-stitch-for-snow

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2019/10/new-stitch-monday-double-straight-cross/

How to video on ruching Petite Frosty Rays for snow.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157765291430349&set=gm.2644132818997193&type=3&theater&ifg=1


Stitch Ideas for Trees, Particularly Christmas Trees
http://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/#!All-things-trees/o6dgx/566633a90cf256f068fe29ff


Water Stitches
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needlepoint-stitches-for-water.htm


EMBELLISHMENT

How to pick a canvas for embellishment-
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2017/07/choosing-canvas-for-embellishment.html?showComment=1501358536468#c2226354490988982151

Help with embellishing a painted canvas
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2015/09/help-learning-painted-canvas.html

There are several articles on learning canvas embellishment on the Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides blog.  Look in the various tabs under the header photo.
https://chstitchguides.blogspot.com


STITCH HELP

How to Compensate a Stitch
https://www.abigailcecile.com/pages/how-to-compensate

Bargello Tips
http://www.lizartneedlepoint.com/Bargello_Information.php

Basketweave Explained (for Right and Left Handed Stitchers)
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2014/05/share-a-stitch-may-26-starting-with-the-basics.html

Basketweave and Continental Explained
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/7/10/the-smallest-of-all

Basketweave on a Stick
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2017/02/basketweave-on-stick-tutorial.html

Bullions
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2009/05/bullions.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-right-tool-for-bullions.html

http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2017/08/time-for-new-lesson-postings-oh-my-am.html

Bullion Video from Cynthia Thomas and Colonial Needle
http://colonialneedle.com/bullion-videos.html

Bullion Video from BeStitched
https://vimeo.com/148687252

How to Make Fake Bullions
http://shoutout.wix.com/so/2L1SEvRR?cid=68bf7f60-0c49-4a61-b2cc-4a9944579072#/main

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2009/05/fake-bullions-for-faint-of-heart.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2016/04/faux-bullions-david-way.html

https://vimeo.com/148695055?inf_contact_key=d27717f84dabca5bd1f1786c5d2ca2b39e68febb361dfc95ce8afdb8aea845b9

Perfect French Knots (Susan Portra)
http://www.susanportra.com/catalog/item/8767033/9849266.htm

Five Tips for Better French Knots (Mary Corbet)
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/01/5-tips-for-successful-french-knots-every-time.html

BeStitched's Video on French Knots, Bullions and Colonial Knots
Lisa is probably using the blunt point bullion needles from Colonial Needle (second link below)
https://vimeo.com/201741974?inf_contact_key=d064f5d8f9c74a14fedf8ec4795c1204b5b52adbb73ba5634be53cac411f8926

http://colonialneedle.com/Bullion-Tapestry-Points.html


Long and Short Stitch Video Tutorials (Trish Burr)
https://trishburr.com/tutorials/


Ribbon Roses and Leaves

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruz4GU-nFYs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y2HMLyjjGQ

Satin Stitches
http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2016/11/satin-stitch-leaves.html

https://trishburr.com/tutorials/

Perfect Tent and Satin Stitches (by Margaret Bendig, on pp.26-27)
http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk//launch.aspx?pbid=69bfa3f1-dd93-4618-b806-6880fc346117


All about T-Stitch
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/02/t-stitch.html


Turkeywork Made Easier
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2014/08/share-a-stitch-august-3-lets-talk-turkey.html

Basketweave Turkeywork
https://www.bristlythistle.com/blog/2017/7/24/the-easiest-turkey-work-ever

Jump Through the Loop Turkeywork
http://www.needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/2006/aug.php





TECHNIQUES

Attaching Ultrasuede Applique to Needlepoint Canvas, by Amy Bunger
http://www.amybunger.com/f/0816.pdf

How to Pad Areas on Your Canvas
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2015/9/9/i-call-it-cheating

Curved Lines on Needlepoint Canvas
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/stitch-a-needlepoint-curve.htm

Circles on Needlepoint Canvas (with bonus alphabet and "chop")
http://www.needlepoint.org/Archives/Circles.php

Thin Outlines on Needlepoint Canvas
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-stitch-outlines-in-needlepoint.htm

Create Berries by Wrapping Beads

The key is beads with large holes and tiny needles.

https://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2014/04/wrapped-bead-berry.html


Repousse Explained
http://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/bedeckednewsjune2015.pdf

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2015/06/repousse-tail.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2015/01/is-repousse-actually-trailing.html

https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-do-a-repousse-stitch-in-needlepoint-and-the-best-places-to-use-it.htm


Needle Felting
See Separate Tab Above

Needle Weaving
Ruth Schmuff's video makes needle weaving look easy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2bJSi5nW1w&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR0gmoQh8pldcFF_VnKWiRwbyr6Q0YYRBaSZbaJXiW5Te88SbXvwmrjeeVg

Using Pastel Pencils for Shading (Video)
http://www.needlepointfix.com/videolibrary/using-pastels-for-shading/

Painting Your Threads After Stitching with Them.  (Tutorial by Barbara Elmore and Melissa Shirley)
http://stitchpography.blogspot.com/2012/03/tint-your-stitch.html

Silk Ribbon Roses
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2014/03/swanky-cute/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNI0mQCnnVw

Japanese Ribbon Stitch Video Tutorial (Ruth Schmuff)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3ULp2oxTiA

Another Great Ribbon Stitch Video from Ruth Schmuff
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/09/magical-leaves/

How to Stitch with Ribbons  (Barbara Elmore)
http://stitchpography.blogspot.com/2014/01/see-whats-new.html

http://stitchpography.blogspot.com/2014/08/a-tutorial-stitching-with-paint.html

Twirled Ribbon Roses
http://www.dicraft.co.za/blog/twirled-ribbon-rose/

Wired Flair
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2008/09/how-to-use-wired-flair.html

Ruched Flair and Altered Kreinik
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2013/03/how-to-torture-flair.html

http://www.mrxstitch.com/altered-threads/

How to Ruche Silk Ribbon
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/how-to-embroider-a-ruched-silk-ribbon-wreath.html

How to Make Your Own Perle Cotton (or Silk Perle) - Video
Note that this is different than making cord (second link below).
http://www.funkandweber.com/byi379lr7prr0/

Twisted Cord
http://craftyarncouncil.com/feast.html

How to Make Monk's Braid for Trim

https://fancyworkfinishing.com/hand-made-needlework-trim/

Straightening Neon Rays with Mini Flat Iron (Video)
Don Lynch of Associated Talents has also used this with Flair and Petite Frosty Rays but other stitchers say to not use it with the glow-in-the-dark fibers which melt.   Apparently it also works with Silken Straw.  This is all hearsay, however.  I have not done this myself on any threads or ribbons.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/03/straightening-neon-rays_27.html


Light Coverage Stitching and Anchoring Threads Invisibly
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/06/anchoring-ends-when-stitching-light.html

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2017/09/a-brief-light-coverage-tutorial-part-one.html

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2017/09/a-brief-light-coverage-tutorial-part-two.html

http://creative-stitch.blogspot.com/2012/10/those-pesky-ending-threads.html

http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2013/03/sunday-sampler-of-tips-from-margaret_24.html

For Margaret Bendig's hints, look at pp. 28-29 below.
http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk//launch.aspx?pbid=69bfa3f1-dd93-4618-b806-6880fc346117


How to Start and End Threads Securely
http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2015/06/to-knot-or-not-to-knot-it-almost-always.html

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/5b0dca8665a4071261e07270b/files/News_Blast_November_2016_Final.pdf

http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/starting-and-ending-a-needlepoint-thread.htm

http://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/social_annotation?permalink_uri=2uzFLla&image_url=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.constantcontact.com%2Fa5ce4852701%2Ff9a447b4-ac46-4f7a-86f5-cc1117719487.png


The Pin Stitch Video (Starting and Ending Threads Securely)
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/tips-and-tricks/

Various Techniques to Secure Threads Explained (Sandy Arthur)
http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2017/08/excitement-builds-im-so-excited-because.html

Debbie Rowley's Four Part Tutorial on Various Types of Pin Stitches

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2021/09/28/anchoring-with-pin-stitches-part-1/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2021/10/04/anchoring-with-pin-stitches-part-2-t-stitches/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2021/10/11/pin-stitches-part-3-l-stitches/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2021/10/20/pin-stitches-part-4-a-straight-line/

How to Hide Traveling Threads
http://creative-stitch.blogspot.com/2014/01/why.html

http://creative-stitch.blogspot.com/2014/01/travel-on-diagonal.html


Repair Cuts in Canvas
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-repair-cut-needlepoint-canvas.htm

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2009/09/vandals-in-chilly-hollow.html

Tips on Changing Colors
http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2013/07/03/different-threads/

How to Use Kreinik's Hot Wire and DMC's Memory Thread
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/01/kreinik-hot-wire-catch-up.html

http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2010/06/m-and-dmc-memory-thread.html

http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/dmc-memory-thread-how-to-use.html

Paint Your Own Needlepoint Canvas
Note that the FAQ page on the ANG website is now unavailable while ANG transitions to a new website.
http://www.needlepoint.org/FAQ/designing.php
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/canvas-painting.htm

Gold and Silk Embroidery - An Extensive Tutorial by an Expert
http://www.janezimmerman.com/Site/Techniques.html


Goldwork 101
http://www.nordicneedle.net/guides/stitching-techniques-guides/surface-embroidery/goldwork-101/


Or Nue on Needlepoint Canvas
http://www.janezimmerman.com/Site/Techniques.html

Video showing how to work Or Nue vertically, horizontally or diagonally.
https://vimeo.com/225866133?inf_contact_key=47a53c0a8004ffb58f66843d4044425ab293fb478c205c66998d969c1ec284b7


Trapunto on Needlepoint Canvas for 3-D effects
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2012/10/padding-needlepoint.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2012/10/bellezas-jewelry-part-2.html

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2020/11/trapunto-and-stork.html

TOOLS and THREADS

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Glue
http://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/encyclobeadia/charts/glues?SSAID=847889

Kreinik's Color Finder Explained
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-quickest-way-to-find-kreinik-color.html

Kreinik Gold and Silver Colors, light to dark
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2013/02/kreinik-colors-in-shading-order.html


Laying Tools
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFkePmWPAcE

http://www.nordicneedle.net/stitching-materials/laying-tools/

http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2015/06/glorious-sunday-morning-in-central.html

http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-easiest-way-to-make-prettier.html

https://youtu.be/DHjlZ1idePU

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/how-to-use-a-needlepoint-laying-tool?goal=0_6eed0b10d5-cba4fdeada-579725333&mc_cid=cba4fdeada&mc_eid=3a360cb48b#

All About Metal Threads
https://berlinembroidery.com/metal-thread-info/

How to Stitch with Neon Rays
https://media.rainpos.com/530/working_with_neon_rays.pdf

Choosing the Right Needle
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/11/hand-embroidery-needles-how-to-choose-them-use-them.html

http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/01/all-about-embroidery-needles.html

Threading a Needle (two videos) With or Without a Threader
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needle-threader.htm

Needlepoint Knowledge and Tricks Photo Album (Carolyn Hedge Baird)
Carolyn Hedge Baird maintains a photo album with hints and tricks on her official Facebook page.  If this link doesn't work for you, log onto FB,  search for Needlepointing in Your Nest--which is Carolyn's FB page--then find her photo album called "Needlepoint Knowledge."
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.606762512701705.1073741838.141607859217175&type=1

Photographing Embroidery
http://www.thistle-threads.com/macrophotos/TakingQuickMacroPhotos970.pdf

http://needlepointland.com/2014/07/14/needlepoint-snaps-101/

http://needlepointland.com/2014/07/16/basta-already/


The Sequin Sizer
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/06/sequin-sizer.html

Silk Gauze Tutorial
http://www.scarletsailsminiatures.blogspot.com/p/needletherapy-in-miniature.html

Stretcher Bars Tutorial Videos, Including Evertites
http://www.needlestack.com/videos.html