A tutorial about - the different sizes and types of blank needlepoint canvas. The photographs below are of Zweigart Needlework Canvases - the finest in the world

There are three basic weaves of Needlepoint Canvases - - mono canvas - penelope ( or two thread ) and interlock ( leno ) canvas. The *mesh* - *count* or *holes per inch* are what define Petit Point - Demi Point and Gros Point. There are very few canvases made in the United States - with the the finest quality coming from Switzerland - Germany and France. It is made of cotton - of multiple threads spun into one strong thread.

Needlepoint canvas comes in rolls forty inches wide - though it may be had as narrow as twenty-four inches or as wide as fifty-four inches. The terms *mesh* or *count* - are referring to holes per inch ( hpi ) - which range from three ( for rugs ) - to twenty-four holes within an inch.

If you plan to join two pieces of canvas together - for a rug or a wall hanging - be certain that you buy all your canvas for that project from the same bolt. Because there is a variation of the weave in each roll of canvas you could come up with an uneven count at the join. When cutting needlepoint canvas for a pieced rug - be sure it is cut as it will lie on the floor - all warps going in the same direction. This is one reason you often see the selvage on the left side ( within needlepoint kits ) - thus insuring that the warp is always going in the same direction.

Gros Point - Demi Point and Petit Point

French in origin - a casual rule to defining these terms could be that any canvas with sixteen mesh per inch or more is Petit Point - and canvas up to ten mesh per inch is Gros Point. Ten mesh is usually referred to as Demi Point.

We hope this Guide to the world of Needlepoint Canvases is helpful for beginners to needlework. Should you have any questions - please do not hesitate to Email us. Select the links ( above left ) to view handpainted canvas designs.

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