Updated March 14, 2020.
Recently I got asked about this by a beginning stitcher on a budget who would like to use Cross Stitch charts as a less expensive alternative to pricey hand-painted canvases.
The answer to the question “Can I Use Cross Stitch Charts for Needlepoint?” is Yes, but . . .
In looking at using cross stitch charts on needlepoint canvas first you need to evaluate the chart.
By looking at the chart & checking these things, you’ll be able to find charts that will convert easily to needlepoint. The charts pictured in this post are all free cross stitch charts I found on Pinterest. Click the picture to go to the pin.
- Are all the stitches whole stitches? You cannot make 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 cross stitches on needlepoint canvas. If a chart has these, it is not suitable for conversion to needlepoint as is.
- Look at the Backstitching on the chart. In Cross Stitch Backstitch is often used to outline stitched areas. When this is the case, it can safely be left out of your needlepoint.
- If Backstitch is used to make small details over Cross Stitches, features on a face for example, these stitches can be made over your needlepoint.
- In many Cross Stitch charts lines of Backstitch are used to make thin lines that stand on their own. Converting these to needlepoint is not easy. If a chart has these I don’t recommend it for use in needlepoint.
If your chart is suitable for needlepoint stitching from it is easy. Every block of the chart is one needlepoint Tent Stitch. A block on the chart equals one intersection on the canvas instead of one block of the fabric.
So you just stitch it as charted.
There are many great charts out there that use whole stitches only. I have a group of Pinterest boards that have many of them. They are:
- Miscellaneous charts
- Alphabet
- Christmas & Hearts
- Easter & Christian
- Ethnic & Flags
- Plants & Animals
- Quaker, Sampler & Sayings
- Houses & Buildings
- Vintage, Squares & Biscornu
Go out and stitch something fun!
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Karen Brideau says
I have used many cross stitch charts for my needlepoint, for the same reason as the stitcher that asked you, In many cases the back stitching can be left out. Particularly if the the contrast between the colours around it is great enough or it’s a fancy that you don’t need or like. If there are multiple similar colours, for example various shades of red in a flower the colour changes can be reduced by using a single colour family varigated thread. This makes stitching easier. I use a lot of Perle Cotton and Watercolours for these projects. Perle Cotton is easy to find and watercolours can be ordered from almost any stitching shop.
Gboutemy says
Thank you! This is very helpful. This opens up a world of possibilities for me.