What is canvas embroidery
Canvas embroidery is a way of stitching by hand that is really simple and completely fuss-free. Canvas —also known as needlepoint canvas or mesh— is an open-weave, gridded fabric, and it is the base of our embroidery. Its little squares guide you on where to put the needle in and out for each stitch, and that's why it's so easy to learn.
You can use many techniques on it: petit point, cross stitch, Bargello or what we know as needlepoint with decorative stitches: combining different stitches and playing with them to create your own designs. With it you can make keyrings, cushions, rugs, pictures, table runners and much more.
How to get started, step by step
Canvas embroidery as a way to ground yourself
Canvas embroidery is a very relaxing technique: if you're looking to calm anxiety, turn the noise down and lower your stress, it really does bring you back down to earth. It's also very satisfying, because you move faster than with traditional embroidery and you see your work appear straight away, right from your very first stitches. And it's within everyone's reach: the little holes themselves guide your hand and your eye.
Frequently asked questions
What is canvas?
It's an open-weave, gridded fabric that you stitch on by hand. Depending on the country it's also called needlepoint canvas, mesh or, in Spanish, cañamazo. Its little squares guide your stitch, which is why it's ideal for starting out.
Which embroidery techniques can you use?
Petit point, cross stitch, Bargello or needlepoint with decorative stitches. The big difference between them: petit point and cross stitch are usually worked following a printed design and always repeating the same stitch; with Bargello and needlepoint with decorative stitches, on the other hand, you don't need a printed design — you vary and play with the stitches to create your own designs.
Do I need a hoop?
No. One of the great advantages of canvas is that you don't need a hoop or any extra materials: just the fabric, the needle and the thread. That's why it's so easy to carry around and you can stitch anywhere.
What thread or wool do you use?
Whichever you prefer: wool, cotton, silk or acrylic. What matters is that its thickness, and the needle's, match your canvas. We work with 100% Spanish wool. You can take a look at our wool here.
Can I learn with no previous experience?
Yes. Because it's a gridded fabric, the squares themselves show you where to start and finish each stitch. That way you can create beautiful pieces easily, even if you've never stitched before.
Want to learn our technique and start your canvas journey?
Start with the Bargello Course