MASTER THE BASICS
Start simple, then get stitchin’
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite beginner stitches to help you get the hang of things. Once you’ve mastered the basics, there’s plenty more to learn. Check out Cowtown Classroom on Instagram for decorative stitches, step-by-step how-tos, and plenty of ways to level up your canvas.
Basketweave Stitch
The basketweave stitch is the most commonly used needlepoint stitch. It provides excellent coverage, creates a smooth finish, and helps minimize canvas distortion, making it a great choice for most projects.
Continental Stitch
The continental stitch is a simple diagonal stitch that's perfect for small areas, fine details, and narrow sections of a design. It offers great coverage while giving you precise control where basketweave isn't practical.
Half cross stitch
The half cross stitch is the simplest needlepoint stitch and is often used by beginners to learn the basics. While it's quick and easy to work, it provides less coverage and support than basketweave or continental, so it's best used for practice or decorative projects rather than pieces that will receive heavy wear.