The central aspect of this category is on needlework, which refers to the decorative sewing and other textile handicrafts that involve the use of a needle.
Needlework, also known as needlecraft, may include related textile crafts like crochet (which uses a hook), or tatting (which uses a shuttle). Other forms of needlework include appliqué, bead weaving, braiding, cross-stitching, embroidery, knitting, lacemaking, lucet, macramé, needlepoint, patchwork, quilting, sewing, and tapestry.
The origins of needlework go back to prehistoric times, when early humans used bone needles to sew animal hides to make clothing. By medieval times, European guilds regulated embroidery, elevating it to a mark of status and skill. Samplers became educational tools in the 16th and 17th centuries, teaching young girls to stitch while documenting family lineage. The Industrial Revolution introduced machine-embroidered trims, although handwork retained a place in the art and craft of needlework.
The core types of needlework are cross-stitch, embroidery, needlepoint, and quilting.
Cross-stitch is a form of sewing and a form of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches (cross-stitches) are used in a tiled pattern to form a picture. The stitcher counts the threads on a piece of evenweave fabric, such as linen, in each direction so that the stitches are of uniform size and appearance. Sometimes, cross-stitch is done on designs printed on the fabric, with the stitcher stitching over the printed pattern. The art is often used on easily countable fabric called Aida cloth. As it uses a grid system, cross-stitching is accessible to beginners.
Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to stitch thread or yarn. The craft uses an embroidery needle with cotton, silk, or metallic threads on woven fabrics. Several products are made through embroidery, including floral motifs, monograms, and pictorial scenes. Counted embroidery, like crewel work, uses patterned cloth to guide stitch placement.
Another form of embroidery, needlepoint, is a form of canvas work in which yarn is stitched through a stiff open weave canvas. Traditionally, needlepoint designs completely cover the canvas. Needlepoint is often used for cushions, upholstery, and decorative panels.
Quilting is the craft of joining a minimum of three layers of fabric together either through stitching manually, using a needle and thread, or mechanically with a sewing machine or specialized longarm quilting system. The three layers are known as the top fabric (or quilt top), batting (or insulating material), and the backing. Quilting traditions range from Amish patchwork to Japanese sashiko, each reflecting regional aesthetics.
Although not strictly needlework, crochet and tatting share the handicraft spirit, and are often included among the needlework regimens. Crochet uses a hook with various head shapes, using yarns from lace weight to bulky. The crochet hook is used to interlock loops of yarn, thread, or strands of other materials. Beyond the implements used, the key difference between crochet and knitting is that each stitch in crochet is completed before the next one, while knitting keeps many stitches open at a time.
Tatting is a technique for handcrafting a remarkably durable lace from a series of knots and loops. Tatting can be used to make lace edging, as well as doilies, collars, and accessories such as earrings, necklaces, waist beads, and other decorative pieces. Both crochet and tatting involve creating lacework or ornamental designs.
Needlework was the most popular during the Victorian Age, when a growing middle class had more leisure time than ever before, and printed materials offered homemakers thousands of patterns. In the United States, needlework was also very popular during colonial times, with girls learning to stitch as part of their education.
In recent years, needlework has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity among younger generations, with more people engaging in needlecraft projects for personal use and gifts.
Categories
CostumesCrochetingEmbroidery | KnittingLacemakingQuilting |
Recommended Resources
Established in 1972, the Guild was created to teach, promote, and preserve the art of needlepoint, and has grown to become a premier membership organization for stitchers of all skill levels. Membership yields exclusive stitched designs by nationally recognized artists, distance learning programs, and six issues per year of "Needle Pointers" magazine, featuring projects, techniques, product reviews, and other information. Certification programs for advanced credentials are also available.
https://www.needlepoint.org/
The ASG is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the sewing arts through education, community, and advocacy. It was founded in 1978 to serve sewing enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels by offering resources, events, and a supportive network for personal and professional growth. Membership options include local chapters, neighborhood and special interest groups, and members at large. Member benefits are outlined, and contacts are provided.
https://www.asg.org/
National Academy of Needlearts
Founded in 1985, NAN is a non-profit organization devoted to advancing embroidery and other needle arts as a recognized art form. Based in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, the organization hosts conventions and exhibitions nationwide to foster community, share techniques, and celebrate craftsmanship. NAN also develops certification programs for teachers and judges, and publishes resources to deepen both the technical proficiency and artistic vision of practitioners at all levels.
https://needleart.org/
Published by Long Thread Media, Piecework Magazine is available by subscription, with print and digital options. Each issue offers in-depth historical accounts and heirloom-quality project instructions that bridge fine arts and traditional needle arts. Content highlights include historical deep dives, detailed how-to projects, and subscriber-exclusive features on global traditions. Streaming video courses are available by subscription, with several options available.
https://pieceworkmagazine.com/
Punch Needle & Primitive Stitcher Magazine
Published four times a year with issues for spring, summer, fall, and a special "Mega-Issue" featuring Christmas and Winter projects, the magazine is the first needlepoint publication dedicated to stitchers who love cross-stitch and punch needle techniques. Designs focus on primitive, folk, and whimsical styles to inspire both seasoned and new enthusiasts. Subscription options include the print subscription, all-inclusive digital/print, and single-issue purchases through online retailers.
https://www.pnpsmagazine.com/
The online home of Ellen Johnson, Serendipity Needleworks, offers a blend of free workshops, printable guides, a resource library, and a tiered membership called The Stitcher's Club. Key offerings include an on-demand workshop covering essential tools, the workhorse stitch, and thread starts and ends, as well as printable tips and tricks for quick reference, how-to videos, stitch diagrams, technique classes, and thread guides. An online store and a blog are included.
https://www.serendipityneedleworks.com/
The Simplicity Pattern Company is a manufacturer of sewing pattern guides, under the "Simplicity Pattern," "It's So Easy," and "New Look" brands, intended to help home seamstresses reliably create fashionable clothing. Its patterns are manufactured in the United States but distributed in Canada, England, and Australia. Founded in 1909, it is now a subsidiary of the British company, IG Design Group. Patterns are sorted by brand, category, designers and collections, vintage, and PDF patterns.
https://simplicity.com/
Founded in 1877 by Dora Wemyss to teach a skill to local girls to enable them to earn a living, the school is located at Coaltown of Wemyss in Fife, Scotland, and includes a museum and archive. Care of the school passed down through the Wemyss family and the school's seamstresses since 1877 until Mary Birrell, the great-granddaughter of the first mistress, Mrs. Webster, retired in 2011. Its location, operating times, group visits, and an online shopping area are included.
https://wemyssneedlework.com/
Maintained by the Needlework Gazette, Wonderful Stitches features a wide variety of resources for needlepoint, cross-stitch, and other decorative stitching techniques. From stitch libraries to project ideas, it caters to both beginners and seasoned stitchers. Featured is a decorative-stitch reference, curated pattern collections, free downloadable project books and kits, a photo gallery showcasing stitched designs, and links to its video tutorials on YouTube.
https://www.wonderfulstitches.com/
An online destination for stitchers seeking inspiration, education, and supplies across a variety of needle arts, the site features blog posts, tutorials, classes, and an online shop offering canvases, threads, and finishing services. Topics include embroidery and embroidery thread, quilting, cross stitch, needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, sewing machines, fabric, books, and the history of needlepoint, each linking to tutorials, reviews, and project ideas. A sitemap is included.
https://www.worldofneedlepoint.com/
