| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | canvas was split’ — that is, the |
| There are conflicting opinions as to the terms | | | | meshes opened with a needle or pin to form a |
| describing needlepoint. The differences may result | | | | single thread canvas for working in petit point. |
| from the fact that needlepoint has come down to | | | | As with all forms of embroidery it is very difficult |
| us from various countries and in various stitches. | | | | to give exact dates, and even places where the |
| Briefly, needlepoint is embroidery on canvas, the | | | | technique originated. Canvas work dates back to |
| most common stitch is half of a cross-stitch, | | | | the sixteenth century, but reached its peak during |
| which is also called Tent stitch’. | | | | the late seventeenth and early eighteenth |
| Needlepoint-tapestry is an often-used expression | | | | centuries. Needlepoint was extremely popular in |
| which shows the relation of needlepoint to the | | | | Colonial America where it was used for pictures, |
| tapestry designs of the middle ages. This is | | | | as an upholstery fabric, and for fashion |
| especially true when the needlepoint is worked in | | | | accessories. |
| an upright Gobelin stitch, which gives the effect of | | | | During the Victorian era, Berlin work came into |
| woven tapestry. | | | | popularity. It is often characterized by brilliant |
| This early work was done on a loosely-woven | | | | worsteds and combinations of geometric and |
| material like coarse linen. Later, canvases were | | | | floral designs. The majority of designs were |
| made specifically for the purpose; both in single | | | | developed as hand-painted patterns on squared |
| thread canvas, or with threads arranged in pairs | | | | paper, especially made for copying in needlepoint |
| to make double thread canvas’. This | | | | or cross-stitch on canvas. The best of these |
| was often worked in needlepoint combining the | | | | designs came from Berlin, hence the name. |
| fine petit point stitch, used for detailed shading, | | | | It then became popular again in the late twenties, |
| with gros point used for large flat design areas. | | | | and continues to increase in popularity with a |
| To make this combination, the double thread | | | | renewed interest in handicrafts. |