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Needlepoint Fabrics
Needlepoint is done on a few different types of canvas fabric made of
either linen, cotton, hemp, polyester, or silk. Canvas is
generally very stiff like linen fabric. There is a starch added in
the manufacturing process that makes the canvas stiff and more durable.
Canvas comes in many different colors, but white is most often used and
widely available.
Canvas comes in different thread counts like cross stitch fabric.
As in cross stitch fabric, needlepoint fabric that has a larger count is
a more delicate fabric. Canvas has a warp and a weft like all
fabric. Warp being the vertical threads which are straight.
Weft threads are horizontal and are wavy. The three basic groups of
Needlepoint canvas are Interlock, Penelope, and Mono. Penelope
canvas has two warp and two weft threads in each intersection of the
fabric. It comes in a limited color range. Brown and white
are your choices. Sizes are 10/20 and 12/24. Penelope canvas
should be used when using half cross stitches. It is the only
fabric that will not be distorted while stitching when using half cross
stitches. Penelope canvas can be sewn without use of a hoop or
frame because of it's stiffness and strength.
Interlock canvas is a little different. It is 100% cotton
and it has a double weft thread and a single warp thread.
Interlocking threads keep the canvas in alignment. Interlock
canvas comes in many stitch counts like 10, 12, 13, 14 and 18. It
does not unravel easily. Interlock canvas can be used with a hoop
or frame. 
Mono canvas has a single warp and weft thread as it's name
implies. It is not as strong and Interlock and Penelope and is
easily distorted. It is easier on the yarn you use to do your
project as it doesn't catch as easily as Interlock and Penelope.
It is best to work this kind of canvas on a frame. Mono canvas
comes in many colors and sizes. Sizes include 10, 12, 13, 14, 16,
18, 22, and 24.
Congress
cloth and
Canvas
Deluxe Mono are two of the most widely available mono canvases.
Before you begin stitching, it is best to tape around the edges of
your canvas to avoid fraying. You should trim the taped edges
off after you are done stitching your project because the tape leaves an
acidic residue on the canvas.
Stretcher bars and Scroll Frames. It is important to use a
stretcher bar or scroll frame to hold your canvas while you stitch.
It will keep the stitches from distorting the fabric and it provides
even tension while you are stitching your project.
Threading your needle can be done freehand by squeezing
the tip of the thread and pushing it through the eye of the needle.
If you have difficulty doing that, there are needle threaders made of
fine metal. You just put the fine metal tip through the eye of the
needle, push your thread through the metal and pull it through the eye
of the needle. Another threading tip that anyone can use; take a
small piece of stiff paper the width of the eye of the needle.
Fold the paper over the end of the thread and push the end of the paper
through the eye of the needle. I have found this method to be the
easiest to use. |
