Needlepoint yarn is a type of yarn that is constructed of multiple strands, or plies, that are woven together. It is usually made from wool, but might also contain cotton or silk. There are four different types of it, so crafters can create a number of different projects with it. The yarn comes in a variety of colors and is usually purchased in small skeins. It is normally used with a large-eyed needle and plastic needlepoint canvas.
One of the more common types of needlepoint yarn is crewel wool. It normally comes in four strands, but can be separated into fewer plies, if a person is using small-meshed canvas. It normally has a very fine texture.
Tapestry wool is a variety that is typically only a single strand. This type of needlepoint yarn normally has a medium texture. It can be a good choice for projects like wall hangings, coasters, or placemats.
Rug yarn is normally the thickest of all types of needlepoint yarn. It is commonly only a single strand of heavy wool. It is also a durable material, which can make it a good choice for making rugs.
Persian wool is generally the finest of all needlepoint thread. It usually consists of three strands of thread, which can easily be divided. This product may have a slightly silky texture to it as well.
The varieties of this yarn are much thicker than other types of threads that might be used in sewing or embroidery. Even so, they are generally thinner and less coarse than yarns used for crafts like knitting or crocheting. For these reasons, it can be important to purchase a particular type of needlepoint yarn, rather than using a product designed for other purposes.
Many people find that cutting a piece of needlepoint yarn to a length of 18 to 20 inches (45.72 to 50.8 cm) helps keep this thread from fraying or breaking while stitching. It can also help prevent knots and tangling in the yarn itself. Many times, a worker might tie a knot in the end of this thread to keep it from being pulled all the way through the canvas.
Needlepoint thread can often be purchased in a wide variety of colors, so it can be easy to complete a number of different projects. It is usually an easy material to work with, even for beginning needle-workers. Using this type of yarn can give a person's finished product an appearance that is both smooth and soft to the touch.
