what is the difference between cross-stitch and needlepoint?
I am a cross-stitcher, and for Christmas, I want to make ornaments for friends. The ones I've selected online are needlepoint, so I'm wondering what the difference is, and if needlepoint is much harder?
Needlepoint is different from cross-stich in that the canvas you work on is a net, rather than fabric. As such, you have to completely cover the canvas with stitches, rather than just the design portion. I like the effect it gives for that, and I don't consider it more work than cross-stitch where you have to do twice as many stitches per spot.
The basic moves are the same, so you won't find needlepoint any harder than you would x-stitch. There are three ways to do the needlepoint:
Half-cross is just like you probably do your cross-stitch. This isn't a very good stitch to use for needlepoint, despite the fact that most kits will have instructions just for this. It doesn't cover the canvas as well as you want it covered.
Continental is doing your half cross on top, then crossing under that stitch and starting the next stitch adjacent but on the other side of the stitch you just finished. Like a knights move in chess. This is better for coverage, but distorts the canvas.
Basketweave stitch is the best to use. It covers the canvas very well, it doesn't distort the canvas, and it goes much faster than either of the other two. Instructions are here: http://needlepoint.about.com/cs/stitches/ht/stitchtent.htm
One more difference between x-stitch and needlepoint: you don't make knots in needlepoint. To secure stitches, you run the end of the yarn underneath several stitches on the back. When you start an empty area, you leave a good tail on the back, then stitch over the tail as you work until you've covered it with several stitches.
powered by Yahoo Answers
February 28 2009 09:04 pm | Cross
callisto0003 on 01 Mar 2009 at 2:23 am #
Needlepoint is actually much easier. I personally prefer needlepoint. Usually embroidary uses this kind of stich. If you want to try it out you can search under google "needlepoint for beginners". YOu can find many web sites explaining how to do it. enjoy
References :
yarnlady_needsyarn on 01 Mar 2009 at 2:57 am #
The main difference is the type of stitch you use. The same patterns can be used, but the finished picture will look a little different.
I believe needlepoint is much easier. However, the easiest kind of stitching is plastic canvas needlepoint. You don't need any work frame, and the work goes really fast. Plus you can make gifts like coasters, boxes, vases, toys and much more.
References :
Plastic canvas:
http://www.anniesattic.com/plastic_canvas/featured.html
http://forums.anniesplasticcanvas.com/cgi-bin/pctoday/board/index.cgi?#1125
Please rate my answer best so I can earn points.
Danaerys on 01 Mar 2009 at 3:14 am #
To me, needlepoint is usually a little easier because it comes on a pre-printed canvas so you don't have to count stitches. Plus, you usually only go in one direction on a needlepoint canvas (like a half-cross stitch). I actually like the look of needlepoint a little better because the edges of objects don't look as jagged as they do in cross-stitch.
References :
Zyada on 01 Mar 2009 at 3:49 am #
Needlepoint is different from cross-stich in that the canvas you work on is a net, rather than fabric. As such, you have to completely cover the canvas with stitches, rather than just the design portion. I like the effect it gives for that, and I don't consider it more work than cross-stitch where you have to do twice as many stitches per spot.
The basic moves are the same, so you won't find needlepoint any harder than you would x-stitch. There are three ways to do the needlepoint:
Half-cross is just like you probably do your cross-stitch. This isn't a very good stitch to use for needlepoint, despite the fact that most kits will have instructions just for this. It doesn't cover the canvas as well as you want it covered.
Continental is doing your half cross on top, then crossing under that stitch and starting the next stitch adjacent but on the other side of the stitch you just finished. Like a knights move in chess. This is better for coverage, but distorts the canvas.
Basketweave stitch is the best to use. It covers the canvas very well, it doesn't distort the canvas, and it goes much faster than either of the other two. Instructions are here: http://needlepoint.about.com/cs/stitches/ht/stitchtent.htm
One more difference between x-stitch and needlepoint: you don't make knots in needlepoint. To secure stitches, you run the end of the yarn underneath several stitches on the back. When you start an empty area, you leave a good tail on the back, then stitch over the tail as you work until you've covered it with several stitches.
References :