Guide Note

Needlepoint is the ancient art of adorning canvas with decorative designs by passing yarn or embroidery thread through the canvas using a needle.

Fast Facts

1. Materials: A piece of canvas or similar material, yarn or thread, a scroll frame and a needle
2. Scroll or embroidery frames are used to keep the material taut during stitching
3. Products: Decorative wall hangings, pillows, ornaments, stuffed animals and handbags
4. Became popular during the 16th century
5. Used to teach early American girls the basics of sewing
6. Used as therapy for mentally ill and Alzheimer's patients

Embroidery is decorative sewing that can be done on virtually any fabric. Unlike needlepoint, embroidery is done freehand and incorporates various decorative knots into the stitches.

Cross stitch is similar to needlepoint in that it is usually done according to a pattern and uses the same materials. However, cross stitch relies on the diagonal or "cross" stitch, while needlepointers use a variety of diagonal and straight stitches. Needlepoint designs fill up the entire fabric, while cross stitch products usually leave some blank canvas around the stitched design.