There are numerous crafts done with a needle, cloth and some type of thread. It can be very confusing trying to figure out which is which if you are new to crafting with thread. Here is a quick overview on the most popular terms: Embroidery, Cross Stitch and Needlepoint.

Embroidery goes back a long way, and it continues to evolve to this day.

Embroidery

The term “embroidery” actually encompasses several different fabric crafts. Both needlepoint and cross stitch are types of embroidery. Embroidery’s roots are uncertain, but there is evidence that it goes back at least as far as the Iron Age. Elaborate embroidery designs in clothing were a sign of status in ancient and medieval times. Various forms of embroidery have been passed down through the generations in many cultures.

Its basic definition is the decorating of fabric and other materials by stitching designs onto it. This can be done with thread, yarn, or ribbon. Embroidery also encompasses several subcategories:

Machine embroidery is done with a sewing machine, or with a specialized embroidery machine.

Free embroidery is done without taking the weave of the fabric into account.

Counted thread embroidery uses patterns that are meastured byt he number of threads in the fabric.

Surface embroidery is done on top of the fabric.

Canvas work requires stitching over the entire fabric, in effect making a new fabric.

Cross Stitch

Cross stitch is a type of counted thread surface embroidery. Mostly using X-shaped stitches to create a picture or pattern. Backstitches are used for creating outlines and small details while partial stitches are used for shaping and texture. Materials used in cross stitching include embroidery floss and canvas or aida cloth. Today, cross stitching is most often used in creating pictures for framing.

It has historically been done on household items such as dishtowels and linens, and although not as prevalent, it is still frequently used for those purposes.

Needlepoint

Needlepoint is a surface embroidery technique. Its basic stitch is like a half-stitch in cross stitching. Usually worked on very fine canvas. Needlepoint is used to create upholstery, wall hangings, purses, rugs and more. It creates a look similar to that of tapestry, but instead of being woven on a loom, it is hand stitched.

Needlepoint is most often done with yarn, but sometimes several strands of embroidery floss are used to achieve a different look. Canvas types include mono, penelope and interlock. The canvas is stretched on a frame to keep it pulled tight while working.

Cross stitch and needlepoint are two of the most popular types, but they are not the only ones. There are a wide variety of embroidery techniques out there to try.

When planning a crafting project, one of the most basic yet most difficult decisions to make is what colors to use. There are just so many beautiful colors to choose from! Review these tips and ask yourself these questions to help lead you in the right direction when it comes to color scheme selecting for your projects:

* Who is the project for? If it’s a gift for someone, what is the recipients favorite color? Incorporate their favorite color along with some complimentary colors to make it special for them.

* Is this project for a special occasion? For a wedding try adding or using the color theme of the wedding, this will add a sentimental touch. For a baby shower, the standard boy (light blue), girl (pink) and gender neutral (pastel green and yellow) colors will work. Most holidays have certain colors associated with them or that come to mind which can be used.

* What is your project theme? Is it a nature item, or something in a futuristic theme? Using colors that are commonly associated with a project’s theme is a nice, safe approach.

* Are photographs being used? Sometime they present a bit of a challenge brining in colors that are beyond your control. Find a color that won’t clash with what’s in the photograph. Take hints from the photo itself. What colors stand out? Or if the photograph is just too busy looking consider reprinting in black and white.

* Where will the finished project be displayed? If it’s a personal item for your home, or for a close friend or family member home, look around the room for color suggestions. If you’re creating the item for sale, consider what common colors are most used in those rooms.

* Have you been inspired by another design? If you’ve seen something that had an interesting color scheme, try using it on a project.

* Think outside the box. If you’re going for a formal look stick with traditional colors, but if you want to make your project unique and fun, use whatever happens to strike your fancy at that moment. It’s your project, make it uniquely you.

Color is an important element of any project but there is no right or wrong color to use for a given project. Go with your instincts and use the color scheme you feel is best.