Blocking is the process of returning the needlepoint canvas to its original shape after it has been stitched. It is usually done using a board with nails arranged in a square. The canvas is moistens to give the canvas some flexibility and then stretched into its original form; square or rectangle. When it dries, it retains its form. I may take more than one process before the original shape is acheived

Canvas is a fabric comprised of crosswise and lengthwise threads that are woven together to create evenly spaced hole. It usually is a neutral color such as white so when the fiber has been needlepointed, the color from the canvas is not visible. Canvas is available in other colors such as red and black. The size of the mesh may vary any where from 10 to 18 stitches per inch.

Blocking boards are made from a flat piece of wood large enough to accomodate various sizes canvas being stretched across it as it is being blocked

Mono Canvas is a single threaded canvas.

Mesh is the points where the canvas threads intersect. The mesh may vary from 10 to 18 intersections per inch.

Penelope canvas is a double mesh canvas formed with pairs of crosswise and lengthwise intersecting threads.

Stretcher bars can be used as a frame to hold canvas taut as it is being stitched. Stretcher bars help to keep the canvas from distorting while stitched. They are essential when using a needlepoint stand.

A waste knot tied at the end of the thread , is to be used to secure the thread as stitching is started. Once the thread is secure, it is then cut away leaving the backside smooth and free of knots.

Bargello stitching, also known as "Florentine stitching", is created from straight stitches that cover four or more canvas threads and are grouped in one to six stitches stepped up or down to create interesting patterns on canvas.

The Continental Tent Stitch is a common needlepoint stitch. Begin this stitch in the upper right, work needle diagonally coming from holes with shared stitches and leaving in those that are empty. When finished, turn canvas around completely to begin to work a new row.

The Basketweave Tent Stitch is worked in diagonal rows across the canvas creating a basket like pattern on the back of the canvas. You are basically stitching the first row down, second row up, etc. For each stitch you should go into a hole that has been stitched (except the first!) and come out in an empty hole. To work down, hold the needle vertically to make stitches. Once you have finished that row, to go up, needle should be inserted horizontally.

The process whereby a stitched canvas is blocked and then embedded or stitched int a pillow, belt, ornament, etc.

A form of embroidery where all the stitches are basically the same - forming crosses at each intersection of the strands of the fabric. Note: All bottom stitches should go in one direction, and all top stitches should go in the opposite direction. "Counted" cross stitch is where the fabric is plain (unpatterned), and a pattern or design chart, the graph, shows where each stitch goes. The graph is a grid (of squares representing all the holes of the fabric) showing the relative position and color of each stitch. A legend shows the conversion of symbols used on the chart to the color numbers of the threads, beads, etc. to be used. This is sometimes called Full Counted Cross Stitch.

Interlock Canvas is a single mesh canvas in which each lengthwise thread is comprised of two thinner threads that have been twisted around each other, and one crosswise thread to "lock" the single mesh.

Stitching through all three layers of the quilt sandwich, typically by hand or machine in decorative patterns, which serves three purposes: 1) to secure all three layers to each other, and 2) to add to the beauty and design of the finished quilt, and 3) to trap air within the quilted sections, making the quilt as a whole much warmer than its parts; for example, a single layer or all three layers used separately. Quilting is usually completed by starting from the middle, and moving outward toward the edges of the quilt. Examples: simple or complex geometric grids, "motifs" traced from published quilting patterns or traced pictures, complex repeated designs called tessellations, or stitching within the seam line itself, i.e., stitching in the ditch.