NDLPT = Abbreviation for "Needlepoint"

LNS - Local Needlepoint Shop 

You can find more accessible threads like DMC Floss and DMC Pearl Cotton at stores like Micheals and Hobby lobby, but LNSs typically offer a wider range of threads and textures for different mesh sizes and effects. 

Mesh Size :

There are two primary sizes in needlepoint canvases - there's 13 Mesh and 18 Mesh. 

• 13 Mesh - Larger Holes 
• 18 Mesh - Smaller Holes 

WIP : 

Work In Progress! 

If you've found needlepoint through social media, so you may be familiar with this term! People like to share their current projects online on "WIP Wednesdays". 

Frogging : 

When making a mistake, you can use a seam ripper (be careful!) and "Rip it! Rip it!" = tearing up your canvas to re-do stitches 

Finishing / Self Finishing : 

When you are done with a product, you'll want to turn it into something! This is the third step of the hobby of "finishing" where you (or someone else) turns your canvas into a product! It can be anything from a framed item (easiest and most cost effective) or into an ornament. The possibilities are plenty! Sunglasses cases, glasses strap, belts, wallet inserts, bag charms, picture frames, dog collars, coasters, etc. 

You can find "self finishing" products where essentially you stick it to a giant adhesive. The most popular brand would be Tilli Tomas accessories. 

You can find "finishers" through your LNS or online on Instagram /Etsy - be careful! Try to get recommendations through friends or find reviews. 

People like to share their finishes (Self or paid for) on Finishing Friday on social media

• "Capital F Finishing" = it is fully done and is the final product, it no longer needs any work done to it 
• "Lowercase f finishing" = the canvas is all stitched up but not turned into any product yet

Blocking : 

If you plan on "self finishing" , especially if you did not use stretcher bars, you will want to "block" your canvas. 

If your canvas is warped out of shape (most likely it will be!) then you should gently steam it and then "block" it. You will need a couple tools for blocking. You will want a foam square and "quilting combs" and reshape your canvas to its original shape. You will leave it like this for several hours to a day before continuing your self-finishing process. 

Tools 

Tapestry Needle :

Tapestry Needles typically have a larger eye hole and more blunt needle. Typical sizes include 20 and 22, depending on mesh size. Popular brands include BOHIN and Tulip Needles

• 13 Mesh = Size 20
• 18 Mesh = Size 22 

Needleminder : 

This is a popular accessory for needlepointers! This is a magnet that you attach to your canvas to hold your needle but it can also hold scissors and certain magnetic needlethreaders. 

Stretcher Bars : 

Stretcher bars are pieces of wood you tack a canvas onto. It helps avoid warping the canvas. 

I personally highly recommend Stretcher Bars! Especially if you plan on "Self Finishing" in the future. 

Snag Nab-It : 

Very popular tool to pull threads through if your stitches are looking lumpy.