Needlepoint is a type of embroidery where you stitch yarn or thread through a stiff, open-weave canvas to create a design. Unlike regular sewing, which joins pieces of fabric together, needlepoint usually fills in the holes of the canvas grid with tiny diagonal stitches, kind of like coloring in squares on graph paper, but with yarn.

The canvas has a grid of evenly spaced holes, and you follow a pattern that tells you which color yarn to use in each space. Over time, these stitches build up to create pictures, patterns, or decorative designs. People make needlepoint pillows, chair cushions, ornaments, and wall hangings.

The craft requires patience and attention to detail. Each stitch must go through the right hole at the right angle, and you need to keep your tension even so the finished piece looks smooth. A single needlepoint pillow might take weeks or months to complete, with thousands of individual stitches.

While needlepoint has been around for centuries, it remains popular today as both a relaxing hobby and a way to create personalized, handmade items that can last for generations.