35+ Free Needlepoint Patterns and Projects

We have so many pages devoted to all types of needlework, but if you are looking for free needlepoint patterns and projects, you've found the right page! This is the perfect place to find information about needlepoint!!!

Needlepoint is a form of embroidery, and it is the oldest form of canvas work.  With needlepoint, yarn is stitched through a very stiff and open weave canvas with the designs covering the entire canvas.  

Interestingly enough, there have been some notable needlepointers in history.  Who knew that Mary, Queen of Scots, Marie Antionette, Queen Elizabeth I, and Princess Grace were avid needlepointers?!

What is the difference between needlepoint and embroidery?

There are several differences between needlepoint and embroidery.  First, needlepoint designs are worked on a mesh canvas with tapestry wool yarn. Embroidery, however, uses floss to create a line or filled design on linen or other fine types of fabric.

Needlepoint is also hand-work, while embroidery can be done on both a machine or by hand.

To learn more about the basics of needlepoint itself, please see our needlepoint topic page. 

This free pattern page is devoted to so many fun and exciting free needlepoint patterns and projects. From beginning needlepoint projects, to more advanced needlepoint such as Bargello needlepoint patterns, there is something for every stitcher.

There are wonderful tutorials on the stitch directory for the more common needlepoint stitches such as several tent stitches, and even instructions for diagonal needlepoint stitches.

What is the easiest needlepoint stitch?

There are three basic tent stitches in most needlepoint work, which make up the easiest stitches. Many needlepointers will say that the Continental Half Cross Stitch is the easiest needlepoint stitch.  However, the two other basic tent stitches are not complicated.

The Basket Weave Stitch and the Continental Stitch are not much more difficult.  There are tutorials below for each of the tent stitches.

The stitches above are worked diagonally on the canvas. Most diagonal needlepoint stitches come from one or a combination of the three tent stitches mentioned. Scroll down to find tutorials for the diagonal stitches in needlepoint.

This page is full of exciting free needlepoint patterns. Besides the typical needlepoint patterns, Bargello needlepoint patterns, based on lovely Bargello quilt designs, are also found by scrolling down.

Bargello has patterns that repeat over and over in two ways.  The sequence of colored yarn repeats throughout the piece of work, as does the basic design or line. 

There are Bargello needlepoint patterns to make lovely mini stockings, bell ornaments, and even an elegant Bargello needlepoint wallet. Check out these patterns below to see the unique movement found in Bargello needlepoint.

Plastic canvas work is also considered needlepoint.  There are cute plastic canvas patterns below.  To explore even more plastic canvas patterns and projects, please see our free plastic canvas project page.

Check out the links at the bottom of this page to explore needlepoint, this old needlework craft, that is experiencing a well-deserved resurgence!