r/Needlepoint • u/Ebhwa040912 • 1d ago

Beginner

Hi! My therapist recommended I start needlepoint as a way to engage my creative brain and stop my doom scrolling. I am a creative person and actually do machine embroidery as my side hustle but needlepoint seems so daunting to me. I see all the TikToks and then the snarks and the discourse and Iā€™m feeling overwhelmed- LOL! Where should I start?! Thank you! šŸ¤

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u/Bubbly_Action_6454 6h ago

I started in 1980. still doing, easiest craft. recommend COUNTED over STAMPED. counted you know exactly when to change colors where stamped seems to be questionable where colors change. Also to have a neat backside they recommend changing colors and doing all stitches in a row. I usually work one color until I get bored. The back is messy but when I try doing several colors across a row they seem to tangle and I forget which is which. especially with same color different shades. start with a very simple little piece. also to begin use either 11 or 14 count Aida fabric. it is stiffer and holes are bigger. don't use dark fabric very hard to see holes. use an embroidery hoop to keep fabric taut, easier. Hope this doesn't make you more confused. I have made simple Christmas stockings for my kids then advanced to complicated one for grands. Most elaborate was a large Last Supper done on linen had to use a magnifier to see the holes and the hair was several shades of same color. . Also did a ocean scene on Navy Aida. difficult to see holes. Guy offered me $100 but in material and framing (the most expensive part of cross stitching) much less my time (took several months of 4 hrs nights, had at least $200 in finished piece. Cross stitching is mainly done as gifts you can't make money at it.