Needle art is a classic pastime associated with Grandmothers. However, needle art is becoming more and more popular with all ages. It is a wonderful way to let your creative side shine as well as created beautiful useful pieces. For example, knitting allows you to create beautiful scarves, sweaters, socks and much more. The possibilities are endless. These days' people are creating anything from wall art to drapes with their handy needles.

Styles - There are many different styles and techniques associated with needle art. The two most popular are knitting and needle point.

• Knitting - Knitting is the art of combining two large needles with yarn or thread. Loops with the yarn are manipulated to create knitted fabric. The most basic form of knitting is the knit stitch. The knit stitch is the process of slipping the needle into a loop in the yarn front to back, then looping the working yarn around the needle and then sliding the stitch through onto the second needle.
• Needlepoint - Needlepoint is embroidery which consists of an all over embroidered canvas, usually with a diagonal stitch. Needlepoint will resemble tapestry by covering the whole canvas to create a pattern. It can also be a type of lace work on paper patterns with a needle.

Materials - To get started with your needle art you will need to go to your local craft store or yarn store and pick up a few supplies. The first thing you should consider is a "how to book." There are many techniques associated with this art that will be helpful to research and know. There are many wonderful books out there that can give you the proper leg up on your techniques. The basic materials to get started include:

• Needles - Depending on the technique you will need various needles. From needle point to knitting there are many different size and shapes needed, all depending on the style of needle art you will be performing.
• Yarn or thread - Depending on the style of needle art, yarn or thread are needed. Knitting you will need thick yarns to create your pieces, while needle point you will need thin threads to create your designs. Colors are completely up to you and the piece you wish to create. Yarns and threads come in almost every color imaginable. Threads for needle art are work best if they are a six-strand cotton.
• How-to books - These very informative books can be picked up at your local craft store and if you do not have a Grandmother to pass down her techniques are a wonderful way to get started.

Needle art is a wonderful passed time that is often passed down through generations. If you have not been passed down this beautiful art do not give up. There are many classes and how to books that will make it easy for you to pick up this trait quite easily. Once you master a few techniques of the looping and pulling you will definitely be on your way to creating beautiful pieces. To get started keep these simple suggestions and terms in mind and you are off and running!