Wondering just exactly what a needlepoint style is? Think of it as your very own personal stamp that you put on your projects.
Just like there are different styles of home decor, there are varying needlepoint styles…
In all my years as a shop owner, I found that most stitchers identify with one of the following needlepoint styles: Minimalist, Classic, Frou-Frou, and Eclectic. (As far as I know, there aren’t any “official” labels associated with the way stitchers approach their projects. That’s just what I dubbed the different styles I recognized over time.)
So, let’s take a peek at each of the different needlepoint styles, as I see them.
The Minimalist style is plain.
And I don’t mean that in a bad way. As a general rule, design lines are clean and color palettes are limited. The Minimalist stitcher tends to prefer understated stitch and thread choices, in keeping with a simple aesthetic.
Needlepoint canvases that might appeal to a Minimalist stitcher are those with just a few design components, like “Sanderlings” from Charley Harper.
Abstract and geometric designs are quite popular among Minimalists.
The “less is more” adage definitely applies to the stitcher with a Minimalist needlepoint style. 😉
Okey dokey – moving right along…
The Classic style is what most people consider “traditional” needlepoint.
And the vast majority of stitchers claim this as their needlepoint style.
Lush landscapes, fabulous florals, and elegant Santas are just a few examples of the kinds of canvases that you’ll find a Classic stitcher working on.
In addition to more intricate designs, Classic stitchers embrace complex stitches and stitch patterns. They just use them with restraint. 😉
Threads tend to be natural fibers, with the occasional addition of metallics. And Classic stitchers use beads – in small doses, of course.
This needlepoint canvas, “Giant Magnolia”, by dede designs, is a terrific example of the kind of canvas you might find in a Classic stitcher’s stash.
That famous quote from Coco Chanel comes to mind when I think of the stitcher with a Classic needlepoint style… “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
In stark contrast to the Classic and Minimalist styles, we have the Frou-Frou needlepoint style.
Frou-Frou stitchers love to “geegaw” things up. In other words, the fancier they can make their needlepoint projects, the better. Using elaborate stitches and threads – and lots of beads, ribbons, and findings – is just par for the course for a Frou-Frou stitcher.
Canvases that appeal to the Frou-Frou stitcher range from realistic to whimsical to downright outlandish. In fact, the more they can embellish the design, the happier they are.
Here’s an example of a needlepoint canvas that might appeal to a stitcher with a Frou-Frou needlepoint style…
It’s “Inimitable Iris” by Kate Dickerson Designs. “Everything – including the kitchen sink” is what comes to mind when I think of the Frou-Frou needlepoint style. 😉
And, finally, we have the Eclectic needlepoint style.
Eclectic stitchers often find themselves stitching a diverse array of canvases that appeal to their unique personalities. For example, they might be stitching an opulent holiday design at the same time they’re working on a classic floral piece.
An interesting characteristic of Eclectic stitchers is that they tend to be more process driven rather than product driven. That means they find more joy in the creative process of stitching a canvas than they get from the finished product.
In fact, eclectic stitchers will, many times, stitch a design just for the “experience”. They adapt their choice of stitches, threads, and embellishments to fit the aesthetic of each design as they interpret it through their unique lens.
“Coral Reef Crab”, by Amanda Lawford Designs, is an example of a canvas that might appeal to a stitcher with an Eclectic needlepoint style…
Wondering how you can determine what your needlepoint style is? Just take a look around your house or in your closet. Then pull out some of your canvases and see if you find any similarities. Many times, your needlepoint style is akin to your decorating style and/or your fashion style.
So – what’s your needlepoint style? Please tell me in the comments below. I love hearing from you! 🙂
And until next time, happy stitching…
XOXO!!
PS: Are you following me on social media? We share oodles of needlepoint goodness on our channels, so be sure to check out our Facebook page and Instagram feed.
Classic with some of my own designs. I also love eclectic canvases and lots of Christmas!
Hi Bonnie! Thank you for sharing your needlepoint style. Sounds like you and I have a LOT in common. 😉
XOXO!
Ellen
I’ve done quite a combination of things over the 45 plus years I have been doing needlepoint. Most I guess are for holidays, florals, my house (that the new owners tore down!!) now doing a large elephant for my granddaughter. Also have done quite a bit of bargello, pillows and eight 4 x 4 pieces to fit into a Sudberry music box for my 5 granddaughters, 2 daughters and daughter-in law. So if I see something that hits my fancy, I will get it or design it if it’s an easy pattern.. Also have done quite a few dog bones.
Hi Pat!
You are, indeed, a prolific stitcher. 🙂
I love the canvas you stitched of your home. It’s such a beautiful reminder of a place that I know is still very dear to your heart. People are tearing down houses here, too – to get the highly desirable lots. Blows my mind… 🤯.
Thank you for sharing with us…
XOXO!
Ellen
Definitely classic….I typically stitch a canvas with a purpose- from small jewelry box inserts to large pillows, Christmas stockings, Santa stand ups, etc. Fiber choices are influenced by the end use of the piece, as well as the “look” with other threads.
I love this, Beth! Thank you for sharing your needlepoint style with us. 🙂
XOXO!!
Ellen
I would have to say that I am a combo of minimalist, frou-frou and eclectic. What a mixture! DeeBee Designs, Toni Gerdes, painted canvas-Halloween Boos, Heloise Hooty, Debbie Rowley, Coco and Kay Stanis to mention a few.
That’s the beauty of our hobby, isn’t it?! We can let our creativity shine through our choice of projects, as well as how we choose to stitch them. I’ll bet you don’t get easily bored with your stitching. 😉
Thank you for sharing…
XOXO!
Ellen
Howdy Do! My needlepoint style is Texas/Southwest/Nature. Virtually everything that I stitch is related to Texas or Native American/Southwest…even my Christmas ornaments. The exceptions are Christmas stockings that I do for family members. Fun topic to look at 🙂 Thanks Ellen!
Well, howdy do to you, too, Pam!
Thank you for taking the time to share your needlepoint style with us – and I’m glad you enjoyed it.
XOXO!
Ellen
I’m traditional!
🙂
Thank you for sharing with us, Deborah!
XOXO!
Ellen
I seem to be the Classic style. Interesting article–thank you! Have fun with baby Ruth when she arrives!
Thank you, Margy… Now that we’re to the “countdown”, I’m getting antsy to meet her. 😉
It’s been a long time coming.
And thank you for taking the time to share your needlepoint style with us. I’m glad you enjoyed the blog post. 🙂
XOXO!
Ellen
Dear Grandma (to-be),
I guess I’m a minimalist. But what is YOUR style? I’d love to see you write about it and show some of the canvases that you’ve done over the years. Presumably, your style has evolved, and it would be interesting to see —
Hi Georgia!
Thank you for sharing your needlepoint style with us. I think you’re right – a person’s style can evolve over time. Usually, a stitcher becomes more Eclectic as they gain experience with different threads, stitches, and techniques. And that’s what happened to me… I’m an Eclectic stitcher now, but I used to be a Classic stitcher.
These days, I’m attracted to a variety of different canvases. When I find one that catches my eye, I often see so many possibilities in it that I can’t bear to leave it behind. 😉
I’ll definitely add your idea to my list of blog topics… thank you for sharing that, too. 😉
XOXO!
Ellen
I think my style is one level under frou frou. I like decorative stitches and some embellishments. I am not a pro with beading but I’m getting better.
Oh Congratulations!
Hi Debbie!
Thank you for taking the time to write – and for the kind congratulations. We’re getting very excited. 🙂
Hang in there with the beading… it just takes practice to get comfortable with it. You’ll be a pro before you know it. 😉
Happy stitching…
XOXO!
Ellen
I would say I am a classic stitcher. Try to do some “ fancy” stitches and use metallics. Have never used beads, YET!
Classic stitchers are awesome!! (Of course, I may be a little biased… I used to be one. teehee!!) I highly recommend trying your hand at adding some beads to one of your smaller projects. I think you’ll like the results. It’s not nearly as hard as it might seem. You just have to take your time – and make sure that you have a bead case so you can keep them under control. I have a blog post about beads that you might want to read. You can also get my instructions for making your own bead case. 😉
Happy stitching…
XOXO!
Ellen
Hi Ellen. Love your column.I’m probably an elitist. I love color,variety,different stitches etc. I don’t like to do simple stitches. The more complicated the better.
Hi Jane!
Thank you for your kind words about my blog posts. 🙂
I, too, adore color, texture, and all the fun things that we can do to bring our canvases to life. I admire your love for the complex and intricate designs and techniques. 😉 Please tag me if you share pictures of your work. (I’m @serendipityneedleworks on Instagram and Ellen Moore Johnson on Facebook.)
Happy stitching…
XOXO!
Ellen
I fit into the eclectic group. I stitch anything that catches my eye. I love trying new and using favorite stitches, always willing to try new fibers (I love texture). If the piece is intended as a gift, then the recipient’s tastes are key to what I choose to stitch and how I accomplish the piece. I’m currently stitching an ornament using Artic Rays for the snowman, a floral piece using silks and velour and a patriotic piece that will include metallics, silks, cottons and blends of blending filament with cotton floss.
Hi Theresa!
Thank you for taking the time to share your needlepoint style with us. 🙂
Your projects sound lovely! If you decide to post them on social media, please tag me (@serendipityneedleworks). I’d love to see them.
XOXO!
Ellen
I am an eclectic stutcher. In my current rotation is an Ehrman Tuscany traditional needlepoint for a pillow, acounted geometric design, a silk and metal piece and an old crewel piece with flowers in an cloisinee vase. I can’t help my self, on the Ehrman piece I changed some of the areas to chain stitch,fern stitch and others. On the crewel piece the French knots became beads, I am considering doing ribbon work for some of the flowers!
Oh Sharon… you are a gal after my own heart!! And I highly recommend trying silk ribbon work if you’ve never done it. It’s SOOOO much fun!! 🙂
Thank you for sharing with us.
XOXO!
Ellen
Hi Ellen,
My comfort zone is classic but looking to extend my horizons with fun canvases and experiment with new stitches and threads.
Best wishes to you and your family on the upcoming arrival of your new grand daughter!
Hi Ginny
Thank you for sharing your needlepoint style with us! And thank you, too, for your warm wishes for our family. Baby Ruth arrived on June 8 and we’re absolutely smitten! 🙂
I look forward to watching your progress with those fun new canvases…
XOXO!!
Ellen
Minimalist is my style and it’s evolved over 50 years. I started out as a classical stitcher but now I like simple canvases. The end product is my goal and I don’t really concern myself with the process – oh my! Love the name Ruth which came from the Old Testament.
Hi Catherine!
Thank you so much for your sweet note. 🙂
It’s so cool how our style evolves over time – I appreciate you taking the time to share with us here. (Ruth is my mother’s name, so you can just imagine how over-the-moon happy she is about meeting this new baby.)
Happy Stitching!!
XOXO!
Ellen
I am new to needlepoint, so I would lean toward “Minimalist”. I have always done x-stitch doing some of my own designs. I like the texture needlepoint may give me. Like I said, I am new to this.
Hi Judy!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your needlepoint style with us. It sounds like you’re quite the talented stitcher… creating your own designs! That’s terrific!! I think you’re going to L-O-V-E needlepoint and my guess is that you’ll take to it like a duck takes to water. 😉
Have a fantabulous rest of your day and happy stitching!
XOXO!!
Ellen
PS: I love the texture we can use in needlepoint, too.
Hello Ellen! Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your first grandchild baby Ruth! That’s so exciting and your are going to be in heaven. Grand babies are so much fun.
I think I’m a combination of Minimalist, Classic and a bit Eclectic. I enjoy florals, bargello, landscapes and Christmas canvases. One of my favorites that I finished was The Wintergreen House and I love designs by Mindy and have done several Charley Harper. I’m pretty much all over the board with my canvas choices. I’ve only been doing needlepoint for ten years but love stitching each piece and it’s so gratifying to see what’s been accomplished when it is completed.
Thanks for your blog and for sharing.
Blessings, Marilynn
Hi Marilynn!
Thank you so much for your sweet note. Ruth arrived on June 8 and everyone is doing well. We’re so thankful!!
I loved reading about your needlepoint style. I have a tendency to be all over the map with my canvas choices, too. 😉
Watching a piece come to life is, by far, my favorite part of stitching. It sounds like you and I have a lot in common. I appreciate you taking the time to share with us. Have a wonderful week…
XOXO!
Ellen
Embroidery is a new adventure for me and learning the skills needed as I progress. I didn’t know there were many styles and variations. I’m curious as to how my style develops as I learn. An informative article, thank you.
Hi Maria!
Thank you so much for your note. Embroidery is a multi-faceted hobby, for sure. There are lots of different forms of embroidery, with needlepoint (aka canvas work embroidery) being just one. In addition to needlepoint, I love to do freestyle surface embroidery. I find that I use a lot of the stitches from that form of embroidery on my canvases, too. 😉
I think you’ll probably experience all of the different needlepoint styles before finally settling into one that best suits your personality. I’m so glad you enjoyed reading this blog post and I hope you’ll visit again soon.
Have a terrific rest of your day… and happy stitching!!
XOXO!
Ellen
Hi Ellen,
I’m definitely a Classic stitcher. I like to try complex stitches and use beads and different threads. But I’m venturing out to do Whimsical piece in a few months so I’m open to other things!
Currently I’m still working on my Baby is Sleeping canvas, where I’m using beads for the words as you suggested :). I am a month behind you on becoming a first time grandmother (and am way behind on getting my Baby is Sleeping finished!). We don’t know what or who the baby will be yet – they opted for a surprise. I am over the moon excited!
So congratulations to you!! It’s going to be so much fun!!
Erin
Hi Erin
It’s so nice to hear from you. I can’t wait to see your “Baby Sleeping” canvas… I know it’s adorable! And how fun that your new grand will be a surprise!! Please be sure to let us know when he/she arrives. 🙂
Being a grandmother is pretty surreal… all I can say is buckle your seatbelt, because it makes all kinds of blessed memories come roaring back (in a good way, of course).
I just started “I love you to the moon and back” – I couldn’t wait! 😉
Please keep us posted when you start your whimsical piece. I’d love to watch your progress on it, too. 🙂
Have a terrific rest of your day – and happy stitching!!
XOXO!
Ellen
Eclectic (love Charley Harper) with bright colors and big projects.
Hi Linda!
Eclectic is a fun place to be, for sure!! Thank you for sharing…
XOXO!
Ellen
I believe I am an Eclectic stitcher with a splash of classic thrown in!! LOL. I love the Ewe and Eye Americana canvases as well as many others (VNG, designs by Toni Gerdes, Abagail Cecile to name a few) but mostly depending if I like the picture. I sort of feel it is hard to check a box of one or another as it really all depends. Had that trouble in school as well, always wanted to pick between the two boxes never just one. Oh well, c’est la vie!!!
Hi Nancy!
Thank you for sharing your needlepoint style. It sounds like we are birds of a feather… I, too, am an Eclectic stitcher with lots of Classic tendencies. I love stitching canvases “for the fun of it”, but when I stitch for my home or myself, I tend to use a more Classic approach. 😉
It’s always great to hear from you… happy stitching!
XOXO!
Ellen
Although I tell people my decorating style is ‘early attic’ I think eclectic sounds better! 😊 I am all of the above except frou-frou. I love working with threads and stitches. Painted canvases and geometrics top my list along with camels, Halloween and “OMG! That is gorgeous!” I have been stitching since the mid 70’s and still believe in taking classes. There is always something to learn. Best of all I enjoy meeting other stitchers (from everywhere) and seeing their accomplishments and efforts. Stitchers are the nicest people. Ellen, your enthusiasm for stitching is contagious. Your knowledge of stitches and threads is mind blowing. I have enjoyed Serendipity Needleworks very much. We have baby Ruth to look forward to meeting. Thank you!
Hi Nancy!
Thank you so much for your note – and you’re absolutely right… stitchers ARE the nicest people! My life has been blessed by all of the wonderful stitchers I’ve met on my needlepoint (and embroidery) adventure. I can hardly wait to teach Baby Ruth how to stitch… gotta keep that grandmother/granddaughter legacy going. 😉
I agree that there’s always something new to learn – I still take classes, too! (I’m a “lifelong learner”, for sure!)
I’m tickled to have you in our Serendipity Needleworks family – and I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your kind words. It’s a joy to share what I’ve learned along the way.
Have a splendiferous rest of your day and happy stitching!!
XOXO!
Ellen