Half stitch is ////// full stitch is / then returning over to make this / then \ to make this X.

OR a full stitch can be a series of ///// then returning over each of these stitches to make X.

Hope this makes sense. you may want to google the stitches you are interested in for a better visual. It really is simple to see but not to explain.

Hope this helps

Needlepoint is different than what's sold here (mainly cross stitch, some stamped on fabric, some counted using a graph)

Needlepoint is done on canvas, somewhat resembling the old screen door. They use a lot of half crosses, though they're done differently than ours. You might like it. It's mostly printed on the canvas.

I'm confused! Wouldn't needlepoint "half cross stitch" be the continental stitch?

This is one reason I didn't buy the needlepoint.....too complicated to figure if it comes with instructions suitable for x stitch, fabric or canvas, yarn or silk floss....and far too expensive a pattern not to come with clear, concise instructions....one of these days, maybe, but I've got way too many projects to be pulling hair over this! But it WAS gorgeous...... :)

Continental stitch on needlepoint is exactly the same as half cross /////. The name of the material it is stitched on has left my mind. It is not soft like aida or linen. You have to be very careful not to get your work stretched out of shape. Yes, it is much more expensive. There are a whole lot of different stitches that you can do. It is more expensive and I wish that I could afford to do it.

Look on Google for instructions using Basketweave stitch. It looks exactly like the continental but I cannot describe it for you here.

Interesting note; here in Everett WA the is a NEEDLEPOINT store but carries NO. Cross stitch supplies, except needles! I ALMOST bought a how to book, but decided no, I will stay loyal to my counted cross stitching!!

The needlepoint store in Fresno carries yarn, in additionto the hand-painted canvases the pointers love. 18 ct mono canvas usually, tacked to stretcher bars. Some use scroll frames.

I get Anchor floss there, other specialty threads, John James needles, & toys (like needle nanies, or a tiny sticky box for beads, which has magnets & attaches to your scroll frame) Pointers use a lot of the things we use. The thread is sometimes thicker, like #8 braid instead of #4. Fun to talk to the staff there, too!

MARLENE --Before you invest in a needlepoint book try your local library or read tutorials on line. There is a NEEDLPOINT shop a couple miles from my home. They have some floss but I can't remember what kind. The canvases are beautiful but way out of budget.

A needlepoint always has a picture printed with colors on a fabric they call it mono.

A needlepoint always has a picture printed with colors on a fabric they call it mono or interlock. It is up to U to do what U like half or full XXXXXXXXXX. Good luck.

Not always, Miss C. I've taken up geometric needlepoint, which is charted. You use plain mono canvas. I've also seen some chartsd pictures. However, needlepointers like to choose their stitches, so the hand-painted canvases are the most popular & most accurate as to matching the holes.