Category: News

The art of needlepoint is incredibly rewarding, but like any craft, it begins with understanding the core mechanics. Here at Quail Run Needlework, we’re passionate about guiding you through those initial steps, ensuring your first stitches are confident and your journey is enjoyable. Let’s unravel the mystery of getting started with the foundational techniques every needlepointer needs to know.

Preparing Your Canvas

Before your needle even touches the canvas, proper preparation is key. Think of it as laying the groundwork for a beautiful painting. The edges of your canvas can fray and catch your threads, so it’s best to tape them with masking or painter’s tape. This small preliminary step saves a lot of frustration down the line!

Threading Your Needle

Selecting the right needle is as important as the thread itself. For needlepoint, a tapestry needle is your best friend. Its blunt tip slides between the canvas fibers rather than piercing them, protecting both the canvas and your threads. When threading, aim for a comfortable length – typically 18-24 inches to minimize tangling and fraying.

The Continental Stitch

Consider this your gateway stitch! The Continental stitch is a fundamental diagonal stitch that offers excellent coverage and creates a durable, canvas-filling texture. It’s worked by bringing the needle up through a hole, diagonally across one intersection of canvas threads, and down through the next hole. Each stitch slants in the same direction on the front (typically bottom-left to top-right), creating a consistent look.

The Basketweave Stitch

When it comes to filling larger areas, the Basketweave stitch is a needlepointer’s true ally. While also a diagonal stitch, its unique “over-under” pattern on the back of the canvas mimics a woven basket, making it incredibly stable. This technique helps prevent your canvas from distorting and warping, especially with extensive stitching.

Embarking on your needlepoint journey is an exciting, creative endeavor! With these basic techniques in your toolkit, you’re well-equipped to tackle your first canvas with confidence. At Quail Run Needlework, we’re delighted to be your partner, offering the finest canvases and tools to inspire every step of your creative path. Explore our shop today!

Welcome to the vibrant world of needlepoint! One of the most exciting steps is selecting the threads that will bring your canvas to life. At Quail Run Needlework, we understand that the right fiber can completely transform your project, adding depth, texture, and a touch of personal flair. Let us guide you through the essentials of thread selection.

Consider the Canvas Mesh Size

The mesh size of your canvas is the foundational starting point for thread selection. A larger mesh, like a 10 or 12-count, requires thicker threads to ensure full coverage, while a finer 18-count canvas is better suited for thinner fibers. Matching the thread weight to the canvas ensures your stitching looks lush and complete without overcrowding.

Explore Different Fiber Types

The fiber you choose dramatically impacts the final look and feel of your work. Wool is a traditional choice, known for its durability and classic matte finish. Silk offers a beautiful, elegant sheen that catches the light, while cotton provides a more subtle, soft appearance. We encourage experimenting to see which you prefer.

Play with Texture and Sheen

Don’t be afraid to mix different textures to create visual interest. Combining a shiny rayon or a fuzzy wool with a smooth cotton can make specific elements of your design pop. This technique is perfect for adding dimension to landscapes, florals, or abstract pieces, giving your finished project a truly unique and dynamic quality.

Harmonize Your Color Palette

Color is where your artistic vision truly shines. When selecting your palette, consider the overall mood you want to create. You can choose threads that precisely match the painted canvas for a traditional look or opt for slightly different shades to add your own interpretation and depth. Trust your creative instincts to build a beautiful composition.

Ultimately, selecting threads is a deeply personal and rewarding part of the needlepoint process. It’s an opportunity to infuse your project with unique character and style. At Quail Run Needlework, we offer a vast collection of beautiful designs to get you started on your next creation. Browse our shop to find the perfect canvas today!

 

For a relaxing and enjoyable summertime project , here are a few suggestions .

Rounds by artist Steve Haskamp that can be finished as ornaments or coasters. Lots of great ideas for thread choices and stitches we can write up for you.

This beach canvas is 11×11 on 18 mesh. Such a happy canvas to stitch during our summer heat while daydreaming of the beach. You can always take a class to get great stitch and embellishment ideas.

Just could not resist this canvas that is 9×9” on either 13 or 18 mesh for all our cat lover customers.

Happy summer stitching!

 

Needlepoint: A Modern Stitch Directory by Emma Homent

An essential guide to needlepoint for all stitchers , with over 100 stitches and techniques demonstrated with photos and diagrams. Alongside the stitch directory, you’ll find all the information on materials, equipment and stitching techniques and 10 easy and accessible projects with full-colour charts.
11×8.5” 143. Pages $29

Congratulations to our own Kari Hofer who teaches at Quail Run and designs excellent stitch guides. Kari is teaching  her design , “Tumbling Sakura Blossoms” at the American Needlepoint Guild 2024 in Kansas City Aug 10-Sept 6.

Kari is a candidate in the ANG Teacher Certification program and  looks forward to seeing you at seminar!

Here is the ANG website link:

http://www.needlepoint.org

 

 

The Arizona Needle Arts Show is April 2-13.2024. Sponsored by the Sunlight Stitchers Chapter of the Embroiders’ Guild of America, there will be works by members of the Embroiders’ Guild of America, Smocking Guild of American and the American Needlepoint Guild. Put this on your calendar to view some wonderful needlework !

Summer is a great time to stitch! We are planning classes to help you perfect techniques including-

1. Ribbon Embellishment – Learn how to make different flowers , stems, leaves and more to embellish your projects.

2. Knots and more Knots  – Learn to master all the knots- Bullion, French,Colonial, Coral, Coil, Ceylon , Danish and more.  These are a super fun way to add texture to your canvases.

3. Basics Revisted- Brush on your needlepoint skills – starting and ending threads, laying threads, working with flat threads ,  working with over-dye threads. Just a quick refresher course to improve your technique.

So visit us at the shop on online to keep up with the latest as Quail Run Needlework.

We are busy adding new canvases, accessories and threads to the shop. Make sure you check out the Princess and Me Trunk show . If you can’t stop in , shop online and call with your order.   Click here to view  http://www.princess and me.com

If you are visiting , please come and join us for Stitch and Chat on Tuesdays from 1-3pm. We would love to see you!  Also, if you need help with a project, we can schedule a class to help with stitches and threads.

Patent leather is available again which we were thrilled to get. The two new colors in Kreinik, an apricot shade and a chocolate brown to add to your thread stash are back in stock.

We look forward to seeing you in the shop , or helping with your online or phone inquires.

 

Happy Stitching!

 

The Cox service (phone and internet ) to the shop has been down since yesterday. Our answering service will be taking your calls and forwarding your messages until our service is restored . We will return your calls on our cell phones between helping customers . We apologize for any inconvenience.

The complex is be painted so there are protective plastic coverings on the windows and doors. We are open our regular hours. See you soon!