Needlepoint embroidery.

What is needlepoint?

Needlepoint is an embroidery technique commonly used for decorative pictures on printed canvas (tapestry canvas). Each stitch covers an intersection of the fabric, forming a diagonal, which allows for easy reproduction of the colors and design.

Which threads are used for needlepoint embroidery?

For needlepoint pictures, the following are usually used:

  • tapestry wool

  • cotton mouliné thread

  • Colbert wool

The choice depends on the type of canvas and the stitch size.

Many picture collections use threads from renowned brands such as DMC.

Which needle is used for needlepoint?

It is recommended to use blunt-tipped tapestry needles, as the fabric of the canvas has visible holes that facilitate the passage of the needle without damaging the fabric.

The most common sizes are:

  • No. 18

  • No. 20

  • No. 22

  • No. 24

What type of fabric is used?

Needlepoint pictures are made on tapestry canvas or printed canvas, where the design is already marked with colors that serve as a guide for embroidery.

This makes the work much easier, even for beginners.

What is needlepoint used for?

Needlepoint is mainly used to create:

  • decorative embroidered pictures

  • cushions

  • embroidered upholstery

  • handmade decorative items.

Many specialized European brands like SEG de Paris or Margot de Paris produce needlepoint canvases with artistic designs.

What materials do I need to embroider a needlepoint picture?

To embroider a needlepoint picture, you usually need:

  • the printed canvas or tapestry canvas

  • embroidery thread or wool

  • blunt-tipped tapestry needle

  • optional hoop to facilitate the work.

Do needlepoint pictures include the threads?

It depends on the product.

There are two types of items:

Canvas without threads: includes only the printed canvas. Threads are purchased separately.

Complete kits: include the canvas and the necessary threads for embroidery.

Each product clearly indicates what is included.

What type of thread is used for embroidery?

For needlepoint pictures, the following are usually used:

  • cotton mouliné thread

  • tapestry wool

  • special embroidery thread.

One of the most used embroidery thread brands is DMC, known for its quality and variety of colors.

Which needle is used for needlepoint embroidery?

Blunt-tipped tapestry needles are used, which allow the thread to pass through the holes of the canvas without damaging the fabric.

The most common sizes are:

  • No. 18

  • No. 20

  • No. 22

  • No. 24.

Is it difficult to embroider a needlepoint picture?

No. Needlepoint is a fairly simple technique because the design is already marked on the canvas. You just have to follow the colors indicated in the drawing, so it is a suitable technique for both beginners and experienced embroiderers.

What can I do with a needlepoint embroidery?

Needlepoint embroideries are used to create:

  • decorative pictures

  • embroidered cushions

  • upholstery

  • craft projects for decoration.

What needlepoint picture brands are there?

Among the best-known European brands of embroidery canvases are:

  • SEG de Paris

  • Margot de Paris

These brands produce designs printed on tapestry canvas that are embroidered following the colors of the drawing.

⚠️ Important note

Some pictures are sold without threads, so the necessary threads must be purchased separately.

How to choose a needlepoint picture

How to choose a needlepoint picture?

When choosing a needlepoint picture, several aspects should be considered, such as the size of the design, the level of difficulty, and the type of thread to be used. Choosing the right model facilitates the embroidery process and makes the experience more enjoyable.

What size picture should I choose?

Needlepoint pictures come in different sizes.

For beginners, it is usually advisable to start with small or medium-sized designs, as they allow the work to be completed in less time.

The most common sizes are:

  • 20 × 25 cm

  • 30 × 40 cm

  • 40 × 50 cm

Larger designs may require more time and experience.

Are there suitable pictures for beginners?

Yes. Many needlepoint pictures are designed for beginners.

These models usually have:

  • larger color areas

  • fewer thread changes

  • simpler designs

This makes embroidery easier and allows you to learn the technique progressively.

What type of thread is used to embroider these pictures?

Needlepoint pictures are usually embroidered with cotton retors tapestry thread.

In many designs, it is recommended to use DMC Retors Tapestry Thread reference 89, especially indicated for embroidering on tapestry canvas or needlepoint canvas.

This type of thread is thicker and more resistant than traditional mouliné thread, so it covers the fabric of the canvas better and provides a more uniform finish to the embroidery.

Is it necessary to use an embroidery hoop?

An embroidery hoop is not mandatory, but it can help keep the canvas tighter while embroidering.

This facilitates the execution of stitches and improves comfort during work.

How long does it take to embroider a picture?

The time required depends on several factors:

  • picture size

  • design detail level

  • embroiderer's experience

A small picture can be completed in a few days or weeks, while a large design may require more time.

Do the pictures include instructions?

In most cases, the design is already printed on the canvas, so the embroidery simply consists of following the colors of the design.

Some complete kits also include instructions and the necessary threads.

  • Product: DMC Retors Mat Art. 89 thread.

  • Material: 100% cotton.

  • Properties: matte, flexible, soft, voluminous appearance, does not pill.

  • Main use: tapestry and needlepoint embroidery.

DMC Retors Mat Art. 89 thread is designed for tapestry and needlepoint, especially for working on tapestry canvas.

Technical characteristics

  • 100% cotton → natural fiber, resistant and pleasant to the touch.

  • Matte finish → no shine, giving the embroidery a more classic and uniform look.

  • Flexible and soft → passes well through the tapestry canvas without stiffening the fabric.

  • Luminous and voluminous appearance → the thread is twisted and gives body to the embroidery.

  • Does not pill → does not form balls or fuzz with use.

Recommended use

  • Tapestry

  • Needlepoint / Needlepoint Embroidery

This thread is widely used for needlepoint pictures, cushions, and decorative pieces because it fills the canvas mesh well and adds volume to the design.

DMC Retors Mat Art. 89 Thread

The DMC Retors Mat Art. 89 thread is a 100% cotton thread specially designed for needlepoint or needlepoint embroidery and tapestry work.

It is a matte, soft, and flexible thread that passes easily through the canvas fabric, allowing for comfortable and even embroidery. Thanks to its twisted structure, it offers a voluminous and luminous appearance, ideal for correctly filling the canvas mesh and giving relief to the design.

Another advantage is that it does not “pill”; that is, the thread does not form small balls or lint during work or with the use of the embroidered piece.

This thread is one of the most used for needlepoint pictures, embroidered cushions, decorative tapestry, and canvas projects.

At Mercería Marieta, we always recommend using DMC Retors Mat Art. 89 threads for embroidering our needlepoint pictures, as they offer excellent canvas coverage and a professional finish.

1. What thread is used to embroider needlepoint pictures?

For embroidering needlepoint pictures on canvas, we recommend using DMC Retors Mat Art. 89, a 100% cotton thread specially designed for tapestry and canvas embroidery.

This thread has the appropriate thickness to cover the fabric mesh well and provides a uniform and durable finish.

2. How many threads do I need for my picture?

The quantity of threads depends on the size of the picture and the number of colors in the design.

Many needlepoint pictures use between 40 and 90 different colors.

At Mercería Marieta, we can prepare the complete set of threads needed for your picture, so you don't have to look for them one by one.

3. Can I embroider a needlepoint picture with Mouliné thread?

DMC Mouliné thread is mainly intended for cross stitch and fine embroidery, so it is usually too thin for canvas.

For needlepoint pictures, it is recommended to use tapestry thread like DMC Retors Mat Art. 89, which covers the fabric mesh better.

4. Do you sell the necessary threads to complete the picture?

Yes. At Mercería Marieta, we can prepare all the threads needed to embroider your needlepoint picture, using the appropriate colors according to the design.

If you tell us the model of the picture, we can help you prepare the corresponding thread set.

5. Do needlepoint pictures include threads?

Some pictures are sold with threads included, but others are sold only with the printed canvas.

In that case, the threads must be purchased separately to complete the embroidery.

Do I need to buy threads to embroider this picture?

Many needlepoint pictures are sold only with the printed canvas, so the threads must be purchased separately to complete the embroidery.

To correctly embroider these pictures, we recommend using DMC Retors Mat Art. 89, a 100% cotton thread specially designed for tapestry and canvas embroidery. This thread has the appropriate thickness to cover the fabric mesh well and achieve a uniform finish.

At Mercería Marieta, we can help you prepare all the threads needed for your picture, using the appropriate colors according to the design.

If you tell us the model of the picture you have chosen, we can tell you:

  • what colors you need

  • how many threads of each color are needed

  • or directly prepare the complete set of threads for your embroidery.

This way, you can start your picture with all the materials prepared.

What threads do I need to embroider this needlepoint picture?

For embroidering needlepoint pictures on canvas, we recommend using DMC Retors Mat Art. 89, a 100% cotton thread specially designed for tapestry and canvas embroidery.

This thread has the appropriate thickness to correctly cover the fabric mesh and allows for a uniform and durable embroidery.

Many needlepoint pictures are sold only with the printed canvas, so the threads must be purchased separately to complete the embroidery.

At Mercería Marieta, we can prepare all the threads needed for your picture, using the colors corresponding to the design.

If you tell us the model of the picture you like, we can help you to:

  • prepare the complete set of threads

  • tell you the necessary colors

  • calculate the recommended quantity of threads

This way, you can start your picture with all the materials ready for embroidery.

Can I embroider needlepoint with Mouliné thread?

Mouliné thread is mainly intended for cross stitch and fine embroidery, so it is usually too thin for canvas.

For needlepoint pictures, it is more advisable to use tapestry thread like DMC Retors Mat Art. 89.

What needle is used for canvas embroidery?

For canvas embroidery, tapestry needles with a blunt tip are used, which allow the thread to pass through the holes of the fabric without damaging the fibers.

The needle size depends on the type of canvas used.