The Binding Needlepoint Stitch is used to create a neat edge on a stitched needlepoint canvas, and it is mostly used in the finishing process of a needlepoint project.

In this blog post you will learn how to do the binding stitch:

• in an horizontal line, or in a stitched canvas with straight edges
• in a stitched canvas with irregular or curvy format
• how to start a new piece of thread at the middle of the binding process

Stitch Details 

• Stitch Structure: Finishing

Needlepoint Binding Stitch Video Tutorial: Straight Edges

Needlepoint Binding Stitch Instructions:

• Start by anchoring the thread to the back of the canvas, in a stitched area. After bringing the needle to the front of the canvas and do a downwards diagonal stitch.
• Go into hole next to where you started, to the left, and repeat the same step.
• After you completed the first two parallel stitches, go back two holes, and do a stitch in the opposite direction.
• Continue making these altering stitches until you reach the end of your edge.
• To do the corners, place some stitches in between the two sides of the canvas, until no more blank canvas is showing. You can cut any excess bits, using small embroidery scissors.
• In the end, the binding stitch should look like the picture of this post!

How to Do Needlepoint Binding Stitch: Curve or Irregular Format - Video Tutorial

Tip: To make it easier and more malleable, you can cut the excess of the canvas to stitch more comfortably

• When you get to the tricky part of your design, where the edge takes an irregular or curve format, you just have to imagine a staircase and do the stitch evenly throughout the edge.
• Keeping the exact same technique of counting two holes to the right, you have to insert the next stitch in the next diagonal hole (the one closest to the design).
• Keep going with the normal binding stitch in the straight areas and the "staircase" binding stitch in the curve parts of the edges until you've made it all around.
• Finish normally by anchoring the thread to the back of the canvas, in a stitched area and cutting the excess.

How to restart the Binding Stitch when the thread ends - Short Video Tutorial here!

• When your thread is ending, you have to memorize your last movement of the stitch: do a downward movement towards the back of the canvas.
• Anchor the thread to the back of the canvas, in a stitched area, as normal, and begin the new piece of thread in the same way.
• Now you know you have to do an upward movement toward the front of the canvas to continue the "fishtail" effect of the stitch.

How to Do the Perfect Binding Stitch - Video Tutorial

While there are different ways to execute this stitch, we're here to share a method that creates a beautiful herringbone pattern on the front of your work, giving it a clean and professional look. After trying it both ways, we believe this technique creates the best final result!

In this tutorial, we show you how to achieve this perfect binding stitch.

If you have doubts about what stitches to choose for your project - check our Tips to select Needlepoint Stitches or Our favorite Needlepoint Decorative Stitches. You can also draw inspiration from our Stitch Guides!

Happy stitching :)