I’m learning needlepoint with a little kit I got, the design is printed onto the cloth. I want to eventually use counted patterns (available online), but I noticed that they’re called "counted cross-stitch" patterns. Are needlepoint and cross stitch just interchangeable? If I learn one, do I know the other? Thanks!
Needlepoint is done on canvas (crossed threads with lots of open space in between threads) with yarn that is often wool but may also be a silk thread (used on a finer canvas). The needlepoint stitches themselves create the fabric of the needlepoint piece.
Cross stitch is done with (usually) cotton floss on cotton or linen fabric. It’s an embellishment ON the fabric. Counted cross stitch is done on even-weave fabric where the warp and weft threads are the same size and form squares. One determines the size of the stitch by counting the threads in both directions. Modern counted cross stitch is often done on fabric that is woven specifically for the craft and contains marker holes at the corners of squares.
In addition, needlepoint may use a variety of stitches for specific effects, including the cross stitch. Cross stitch uses only one–the cross stitch–with occasional use of back stitches or (rarely) french knots for emphasis.
The patterns are not interchangeable, either, although both are based on stitching squares. Some cross stitch patterns CAN be used for needlepoint, but not all of them are suitable for one reason or another. However, you can find needlepoint patterns for sale, often already painted on the canvas. Or you can design your own.
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No, not the same, and not interchangeable.
Needlepoint is generally done with canvas with holes in it, and yarn. There are many different needlepoint stitching patterns.
Counted cross stitch is done on cloth with a weave to it, and is only the tiny little Xs. Sometimes the picture is put on the cloth for you.
There are similarities, the patterns can both be counted, to tell you where to put the colors, and both need to be held firm, stretched on a frame to work the stitches.
In needle point, on a big canvas, the loaded needle is often passed from one hand to the other, in and out of the canvas, one hand on the bottom, dominant hand on top.
To further confuse you, there is regular cross stitch, which is done on cloth that is printed with Xs that wash out when you’re finished working the design.
And there is crewel embroidery, done on cloth, but with yarn.
And there is embroidery, that is done on cloth, but has many detailed stitches including cross stitch, and thread is used.
No, one does not teach you the other, but it is not hard to learn the basic techniques for all of them. Rivers know how to do them all. All involve threading a needle with something, and putting it into a canvas or cloth. And making very pretty stuff.
References :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossstitch
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Needlepoint
hopefully, these links will be of help…
References :
Needlepoint is done on canvas (crossed threads with lots of open space in between threads) with yarn that is often wool but may also be a silk thread (used on a finer canvas). The needlepoint stitches themselves create the fabric of the needlepoint piece.
Cross stitch is done with (usually) cotton floss on cotton or linen fabric. It’s an embellishment ON the fabric. Counted cross stitch is done on even-weave fabric where the warp and weft threads are the same size and form squares. One determines the size of the stitch by counting the threads in both directions. Modern counted cross stitch is often done on fabric that is woven specifically for the craft and contains marker holes at the corners of squares.
In addition, needlepoint may use a variety of stitches for specific effects, including the cross stitch. Cross stitch uses only one–the cross stitch–with occasional use of back stitches or (rarely) french knots for emphasis.
The patterns are not interchangeable, either, although both are based on stitching squares. Some cross stitch patterns CAN be used for needlepoint, but not all of them are suitable for one reason or another. However, you can find needlepoint patterns for sale, often already painted on the canvas. Or you can design your own.
References :
http://www.lindapearcestudio.com/html/patterns.html
http://www.needlepointheaven.com/
http://spinayarn.com/needlepoint.htm
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/