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Needlepoint is a form of counted thread embroidery in which yarn is stitched through a stiff open weave canvas. Most needlepoint designs completely cover the canvas. Although needlepoint may be worked in a variety of stitches, many needlepoint designs use only a simple tent stitch which rely upon color changes to construct a pattern.

The degree of detail in needlepoint depends on the thread count of the underlying mesh fabric. Needlepoint worked on fine canvas is known as petit point. Due to the inherent stiffness of needlepoint common uses include wall hangings, pillows, uplholstery, holiday ornaments, purses, and eyeglass cases.

The differences between needlepoint and other types of embroidery:
Needlepoint refers to a particular set of stitching techniques worked upon stiff openwork canvas. "Needlepoint" is not synonymous with all types of embroidery. Needlepoint is often referred to as "tapestry" but differs from true tapestry, which is woven on a vertical loom rather than stitched on canvas mesh. When worked on fine weave canvas it is also known as "Petit point". "Needlepoint lace" is also an older term for needle lace, a historic lacemaking technique. When referring to handcrafted textile arts which a speaker is unable to identify, the appropriate generalized term is "needlework".

Materials for needlepoint:

• threads (wool, silk, cotton, combinations such as wool-silk blend, metallic cord, metallic braid, ribbon, raffia, etc.)
• canvas (mono, penelope, interlock mono, rug and plastic)
• scroll frame or embroidery hoop
• needles

Source and photo credit: wikipedia.org