I’m always on the lookout for small alphabets that work for needlepoint. That’s because, all too often, the alphabets I find are too big to work for the phrases I want to stitch. I pin lots of alphabet charts, I buy books of charts, and I design my own (one is pictured above). Even so, I’m still looking for more.
The problem I’ve found so far is that smaller alphabets tend to be in only a very few styles or only use Backstitch. I used to think this was because the small size hampered creativity. Then I found this wonderful post on Lord Libidan’s cross stitch site. It has 53 different alphabets in sizes from 5 to 16 stitches high.
I love that these alphabets are small. That will make them so easy to use for sayings or to add names to personalize projects. Also I am so happy that ever one of the alphabets uses whole stitches. No partial stitches, no Backstitch alphabets. That mean every one of them can be used as charted for needlepoint.
Bravo!
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
The “post” doesn’t work!
When I clicked on post said server could not be found.
I’ve corrected it and tested it, thanks for pointing it out. It had worked yesterday when I had checked it, so who knows what happened.
Keep stitching, Janet
I’ve corrected it and tested it, thanks for pointing it out. It had worked yesterday when I had checked it, so who knows what happened.
Keep stitching, Janet
Hi Janet, thanks very much for including a link to the post that includes 53 different alphabets. I am relatively new to needlepoint. What I see at the post are examples that have letters made up of filled-in squares. Since needlepoint stitches cross the intersections of canvas threads, could you please tell me how to adapt the cross stitch charts at the link for needlepoint stitches? Thank you!
No problem. The stitched examples you see are cross stitch, where the X’s cover the boxes of the fabric. When you stitch needlepoint, those same symbols of the chart will be a single Tent Stitch going from lower left to upper right going over an intersection on the canvas.
I hope this clears things up.
Keep stitching,
Janet