Explore Cross Stitch & Needlepoint

The Finer Point

Unlike crochet and knitting, these needlecrafts get more to "the finer point" by allowing an artist to craft images, scenery, pictures, patterns, and designs in fabrics or plastic canvasses for unique gifts and home decoration accents (think of the Home Sweet Home image). Learn more about these exciting needlepoint crafts from the following Web resources offering plenty of how-to information, free pattern and project ideas, and inspiration for your own needlepoint and cross stitch projects.

Featured Article: Cross-Stitch Portraits

Stitching Memories: Photographic Crafts
By Caryl Grecia
There’s a new option to the dilemmas of boring photographs and failed charcoal and oil (even water-color) paintings and that is the cross-stitch portrait. It is converting a favorite photograph into an elegant and artistic needlecraft. However high-tech the snapshot is, it will be captured exactly, even the tiniest detail, in a cross-stitch portrait.

Cross Stitch & Needlepoint How-to Resources

Needlepoint at About.com
A solid needlepoint resource featuring free patterns, articles, newsletter, and community. Topics include: bargello, blackwork, color cards, custom needlework, dollhouse scale, fibers, frames and stands, free charts, inspiration, Judaic needlework, miniatures, plastic canvas, stitch dictionaries, and learning.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Another solid resource featuring 'all things cross stitch' with regular articles, free patterns, discussion board, and newsletter. Topics include: stitching techniques, accessories, fabric, framing and display, threads and fibers, and cross stitch software.

Needlepoint Fun
Specializes in "charted, painted, and printed needlepoint and cross stitch kits, charts and canvases for pillows, and miniature rugs. Charted designs can be used to stitch needlepoint canvases or counted cross stitch." Features a needlepoint glossary, tips, and free one-hour needlepoint course.

TW Designworks
A needlework design site featuring tips and a bulletin board for sharing ideas and expert advice. Has a a tips section covering general tips for stitching, charting techniques, specialty stitching, organizing floss, working on black, and large designs.

Layden with Stitches
Cross-stitch enthusiasts will enjoy learning how to convert their favorite photos to cross stitch designs for free. The site includes step-by-step guides, tips, tools, resources, projects, and free patterns.

Ago di Ariele
"Dedicated to the art of cross stitching." Features free downloadable PDF patterns for a panda, Regina Carter, and Balenottere.

Alita's Free Cross Stitch Patterns & Gobelins
Offers a generous amount of free cross stitch patterns and gobelin charts to visitors.

Dea's Xstitch
Features a variety of free downloadable project designs and other free sources for cross stitch learning how-to and patterns online.