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Needlepoint is a form canvas work created on a mesh
canvas. The threads used may be wool, silk, or rarely
cotton. Stitches may be plain, covering just one mesh intersection with a single
orientation, or fancy, such as bargello.
Plain stitches may be worked as basketweave or half
cross. Basketweave uses the most wool, but does not distort the rectangular mesh.
Finished works may be made into pillows or upholstery, or may be displayed
on the wall. Typical mesh counts range from 5 to 18 stitches per running inch.
Needlepoint is valued as a soothing activity that creates durable and attractive objects for domestic use. Mary, Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Martin, the actress, were
all avid needlepointers.
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