Welcome back to Your First Needlepoint!
You’ve learned what needlepoint is, picked your canvas and threads, and set up your project. Now comes the moment you’ve been waiting for — your very first stitch.
Every needlepointer starts here: with a small, simple stitch called the tent stitch.
It’s the foundation of almost every design you’ll ever make. Once you master it, the whole world of needlepoint opens up to you — from classic pillows to colorful ornaments and heirlooms that will last for generations.
Let’s take it one step at a time.
What Is the Tent Stitch?
The tent stitch is a diagonal stitch that crosses one intersection of your needlepoint canvas — from the lower left hole to the upper right hole.
Each stitch makes a neat little “/” shape across the surface of your canvas.
You’ll use tent stitches to fill in shapes, backgrounds, and details — basically, anywhere you want smooth, even color coverage.
There are three main versions of the tent stitch, and you’ll find all three useful as you progress:
- Half-Cross Stitch
- Continental Stitch
- Basketweave Stitch
The Half-Cross Stitch
The half-cross stitch is the simplest version — perfect for your first try.
You bring your needle up through the lower left hole and down through the upper right hole of each square.
Each row of diagonal stitches moves across your canvas in the same direction.
Pros: Easy to learn and quick to stitch.
Cons: The back of your canvas looks a bit messy, and your tension can vary.
When to use it: For small projects, ornaments, or when you just want to practice.
The Continental Stitch
The continental stitch might be the most popular tent stitch variation. It looks identical on the front — neat little diagonals — but the back is stronger and more even, which helps your canvas stay square.
Here’s how to do it:
- Bring your needle up at the lower left hole.
- Insert it down into the upper right hole.
- Come back up one row below, starting from the next lower left hole.
You’ll work either right to left or left to right, depending on which direction feels natural — just stay consistent.
Pros: Durable, great coverage, easy to learn.
Cons: Slightly slower than half-cross, but worth it for neatness.
When to use it: For most projects — this is the stitch you’ll use 90% of the time.
The Basketweave Stitch
The basketweave stitch is a little more advanced but creates the most professional finish.
It’s worked diagonally across the canvas in “up” and “down” rows, wrapping around the canvas threads in a way that prevents warping.
The name “basketweave” comes from the way the stitches interlace — like the weave of a basket — giving the back a tidy, woven appearance.
How to Do It:
- Start in the lower left corner of your shape.
- Work your stitches diagonally up and across your design, alternating directions for each diagonal row.
- Keep your tension even — not too tight, not too loose.
Pros: Keeps canvas square, beautiful on both sides.
Cons: Takes a little time to learn direction flow.
When to use it: For larger areas, backgrounds, or projects where you want a smooth, even surface.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tent Stitches
- Keep your stitch direction consistent. All your stitches should lean the same way — lower left to upper right.
- Check your tension often. Too tight, and your canvas will pucker. Too loose, and you’ll see gaps.
- Avoid twisting your thread. Let your needle dangle occasionally to untwist it naturally.
- Work in good light. It’s much easier to see the holes and keep your stitches even.
Practice Exercise
Take a small piece of canvas and a single color of thread.
- Mark a small 1-inch square.
- Fill it with half-cross stitches.
- Next, try the continental stitch beside it.
- Finally, practice a few basketweave rows in another corner.
You’ll quickly feel the difference in how each stitch moves through the canvas — and which one feels most comfortable for you.
The Beauty of Imperfect Stitches
Here’s a secret every experienced stitcher knows:
Your first few rows won’t be perfect — and that’s okay.
Uneven tension, wobbly lines, skipped holes… it’s all part of learning. Each stitch teaches you something new about your hand, your rhythm, and your patience.
The best thing you can do? Keep going. The neatness will come with time — and soon, your stitches will look beautifully even without you even thinking about it.
Coming Next: Stitching Your First Mini Design
Now that you’ve mastered the tent stitch, you’re ready to put it into action!
In the next post, we’ll stitch your very first mini needlepoint design — something small, colorful, and confidence-boosting, like a heart, star, or monogram.
You’ll learn how to:
- Read a simple chart or pattern
- Plan color changes
- Start and end your threads neatly
Grab a few favorite colors and a small 3″ square of 13-mesh canvas — and get ready to see your first real design take shape.
👉 Next up in our Your First Needlepoint series: Your First Needlepoint: Stitching Your First Mini Design
Sarah Homfray Embroidery on YouTube is an embroidery artist and instructor with a great section on Needlepoint.