Beyond the Basics

Compensating stitches are small, clever adjustments you make when a decorative stitch doesn’t fully fit into a particular space.

ou’ve asked the right planning questions, scribbled notes in your project planner, and maybe even gathered a few dreamy new threads to try. Now comes the fun (and sometimes nerve-wracking) part—making your final decisions and putting needle to canvas.

Tapestry wool has been used in needlepoint for generations. It is a non-divisible, 100% wool thread created specifically for use on canvas. It’s thicker than other threads like stranded cotton or silk, giving full coverage on canvases with larger mesh sizes (10 or 12 mesh). It has a soft but slightly textured feel and typically comes in a matte finish.

Needlepoint Yarns: Pearl Cotton explained. A smooth, twisted thread with a soft shine and a slightly raised texture. It’s loved by many stitchers for its ease of use and decorative finish.

Stranded embroidery floss is one of the most common threads used in both embroidery and needlepoint. Soft, smooth, and available in hundreds of colors, it’s a staple for stitchers around the world.

Learn how to stitch the Wicker Stitch — a textured needlepoint stitch that mimics woven baskets. Ideal for backgrounds and interior scenes. Step-by-step tutorial included.

Learn how to stitch the Filling Gobelin Stitch in needlepoint with this easy step-by-step guide. Ideal for smooth, full-coverage areas in your design

Learn how to stitch Scotch Squares in needlepoint with this easy step-by-step guide. A bold, blocky stitch ideal for structured backgrounds and graphic designs.

Learn how to stitch the Horizontal Parisian Stitch in needlepoint—an easy decorative stitch perfect for backgrounds and adding subtle texture to your canvas.

Ready to go beyond the tent stitch? Here’s how to plan your decorative stitches and specialty threads with confidence—plus the key questions to ask before you start.