Plain English
The Glossary.
Every needlepoint word, defined the way you wish someone had said it the first time — with a picture where words aren’t enough, and a link to the lesson where you’ll meet it. A reviewer checks each definition before it’s final.
Search will understand beginner words, not just the official ones.
Canvas · also “the picture part”, “the mesh”
The stiff, open grid you stitch on, instead of soft fabric. Its regular holes are what make counted stitches possible.
You’ll meet it in: Getting started · Related: Mesh count, Printed vs. painted
Reviewed by [reviewer] · [date]
Coverage · “why does the canvas show?”
How fully the thread hides the canvas underneath. Thin coverage lets canvas peek through — usually a thread-count fix, not a mistake.
You’ll meet it in: Your first tent stitch · Related: Ply / strand
Reviewed by [reviewer] · [date]
Finishing
Turning the stitched canvas into a final object — an ornament, a framed piece, a pillow. Often the last step, and sometimes done by a professional.
You’ll meet it in: Finishing · Related: Blocking, Stretcher bars
Reviewed by [reviewer] · [date]
Mesh count · “the holes”, “13-count”
The number of holes per inch in the canvas. A lower number (like 13) means bigger holes and faster progress. Beginner-friendly canvases are usually 13.
You’ll meet it in: Reading a canvas · Related: Canvas
Reviewed by [reviewer] · [date]
Printed vs. painted canvas
Both have the design on the grid; painted is done by hand, printed by machine. A beginner kit usually gives you a printed design so you can focus on stitching.
You’ll meet it in: Choosing a first kit · Related: Canvas
Reviewed by [reviewer] · [date]
Ply / strand
The separable filaments that make up a length of thread. How many you use affects how well the canvas is covered.
You’ll meet it in: Threads & materials · Related: Coverage
Reviewed by [reviewer] · [date]
Stretcher bars · “the frame thing”
A simple frame that holds the canvas taut while you stitch. Optional for small pieces, helpful for bigger ones.
You’ll meet it in: Threads & materials · Related: Tension
Reviewed by [reviewer] · [date]
Tent stitch
The small diagonal stitch that covers one canvas intersection. The one stitch most beginner designs are built from.
You’ll meet it in: Your first tent stitch · Related: Tension
Reviewed by [reviewer] · [date]
Tapestry needle
A blunt needle made to slip through the canvas holes without piercing the threads. The bluntness is a feature, not a flaw.
You’ll meet it in: Your first tent stitch · Related: Mesh count
Reviewed by [reviewer] · [date]
Tension
How tightly you pull each stitch. Even tension is what makes stitches look neat — and it evens out with practice, not talent.
You’ll meet it in: Your first tent stitch · Related: Stretcher bars
Reviewed by [reviewer] · [date]
Waste knot
A temporary knot placed on the front of the canvas to start you off, trimmed away later. Yes, the front — it’s meant to be removed.
You’ll meet it in: Your first tent stitch
Reviewed by [reviewer] · [date]
This grows as new terms come up in the lessons. Every definition carries the reviewer and date once checked — nothing here is published as fact until a reviewer signs off.