How to work continental tent stitch

Rows of slanted stitches: the easiest way to learn needlepoint, ideal for lines and small areas.

Step by step

1. Cut about 18 in (46 cm) (18 inches) of thread; longer wears thin.
2. Start with a waste knot: knot the end, go down from the front about 1 in (2.5 cm) away in the path of your row, and stitch towards it so the tail is covered. Snip the knot off later.
3. Starting at the right of the row, come up at the lower left of a canvas intersection and go down at the upper right.
4. Come up in the hole to the left of your last start and repeat, working right to left.
5. Work the next row below, left to right, making each stitch the other way round: up at the upper right, down at the lower left.

Pinny's tip
Continental pulls canvas out of square a little; stretcher bars and blocking help.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Floss Field: How to needlepoint, a beginner's guide
2. Needlepoint.com: Learn how to needlepoint
3. DMC: Step by step tapestry and needlepoint guide