Counted needlepoint offers a rich and versatile approach to canvas embroidery, distinct from its painted counterpart. Instead of following a pre-printed design, the needlepointer works from a chart or pattern, meticulously counting the threads of the canvas to determine the precise placement of each stitch. This technique allows for intricate detailing, a wide array of stitch variations, and complete creative control over color choices and design adaptations. The even weave of the canvas provides a uniform grid, essential for accurately executing the counted stitches, which build the design thread by deliberate thread. While demanding focus and careful counting, counted needlepoint empowers the stitcher to bring truly unique and personalized designs to life on the canvas.
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COUNTED NEEDLEPOINT INSTRUCTIONS
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A note about our Orenco Originals Charts: If you look at the top of the single page chart and the first page of the enlarged multi paged chart you will see for example 
3825 (3) a symbol followed by a 3 digit or 4 digit number then in parenthesis a number. The number is the DMC Tapestry Wool number. The symbol shows the symbol representing the DMC Tapestry Wool number on our charts. The number in parenthesis is the number of skeins to complete the project. We have shown one option for a stitched border. You can substitute the single DMC Tapestry wool color (on your chart) with the color of your choice. This customization will add a professional finish to your stitched piece and integrate it into your home decor.
Needlepoint is an amazing type of embroidery! You can create so many different effects on your canvas -project with some simple altering of the type of stitches you use. First things first. Here is what you will need for your project.
The Canvas
Needlepoint canvases are the basis for every needlepoint project. Canvases are made of cotton, silk or nylon. When discussing canvases they are described by their vertical threads (called the warp) and the horizontal threads, (called the weft or woof).
3 Types of Canvases
There are 3 types of canvases: mono, penelope and interlock.
MONO: A mono canvas has one warp and one weft strand running over and under each other to form grids.
PENELOPE: The Penelope has interwoven double warp and weft threads and is strong enough to make needlepoint rugs.
INTERLOCK: The interlock canvas uses interwoven single warp and double weft strands in its construction. The size of a canvas is dictated by the number of meshes, or grid intersections, per inch.
Frame
You will need keep your canvas taut, making it easier to stitch while simultaneously keeping the canvas from bunching stretching puckering or distorting when you are stitching. What you use a stretcher Frame or a hoop or a stationary frame is solely personal preference and the size of your project.
Needles
You will use a tapestry needle for your project. Tapestry needles sizes run from 13 to 28. The canvas mesh determines the size of the needle used. For example, you will need a 13 needle to use on 3 to 5 mesh needlepoint canvases and a 26 or 28 needle to use on 26 to 28 mesh canvases.
Threads
Threads will be determined by your preference and your project. Natural or man-made threads include cotton, silk and angora. Manmade fibers include rayon and nylon. You can also choose from blended threads such as silk and wool or cotton and rayon.
General needlepoint stitching tips from DMC
•When pulling the thread through the hole, be sure to pull it all the way through to its end to prevent the threads from getting tangled on the backside of the canvas.
•When stitching, make sure your threads remain untwisted and the stitches lie flat. Stitches made with an even tension will appear uniform and full.
•To keep the backside of the working canvas neat, plan your stitching so you don’t skip around a lot. If you only need to carry the thread across a few stitches you can turn the work over and run the thread under several stitches before you resume stitching. Do not run the thread for long distances but end the thread and start it again in a new area.
•The most common stitches used for needlepoint are the tent stitches - continental and basket weave stitch, which form a small, diagonal stitch on the canvas. Decorative stitches can be used as well, and these stitches can be worked diagonally, vertically and horizontally to create an infinite variety of interesting textured patterns. When using tent stitches, the entire canvas ground is filled with stitches, including the background area. Pieces with decorative stitches or those worked on colored canvas may leave some of the canvas exposed as part of the overall design.
The Stitches
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CONTINENTAL STITCH also known as the TENT STITCH, this is the most used needlepoint stitch you will encounter.
Uses: Common filling stitch for large areas, used quite a bit in miniature needlepoint.
•Done horizontally, starting at the upper right, work each row of stitches from right to left. Form each stitch by bringing the needle up at 1 and down at 2.
•Bring the needle back up at 3 and down at 4.
•Continue stitching.
•At the end of each row, finish the last stitch, leaving the needle at the back of the canvas. Then turn the canvas
BASKET WEAVE STITCH also known as Diagonal Tent Stitch
Uses: Filling stitch, similar in appearance to the Tent Stitch.
• Work the stitch diagonally, starting at the lower left at the intersection of the threads, rows will be worked diagonally down then up the canvas.
• Form each stitch by bringing the needle up at 1 and down at 2.
• Skipping one row between stitches. On the downward rows your needle will be moving vertically; on the upward rows, horizontally.
• Form first stitch of an upward row below last stitch of a down row, and the first stitch of a down row to the left of the last stitch of an up row.
• Turn canvas to fill in the corner above the first row.
These are the two most commonly used and basic stitches in needlepoint. There are many resources available on the internet, in books, and videos which can provide instructions and details for a number of other stitches.
EMBROIDERY STITCHES, BEADS, and SPECIALTY FLOSS: There are a lot of creative ways you can embellish your cross stitch design. Consider adding embroidery stitches to certain areas such as a French knot to highlight an eye or buttons. You might also consider using metallic embroidery floss or variegated floss to augment an area of your work. Seed beads can make a great addition to a project. When attaching beads with cross-stitches, work all first diagonal parts of the cross-stitches, and then attach the beads when you work back across the row. Bugle beads, crystals, charms and small buttons also create interesting touches on a cross stitch design. These 3 dimensional adornments add interest to any stitchery and are available in numerous colors and styles. Make sure to use good quality glass beads, as plastic beads can melt when ironed.
