10/22/2025
Fleurish
What’s the Stitch? | Needlepoint 101
Kappa has woven itself into the fabric of our lives — beloved threads of blue and blue all the way through. And with the popularity of needlepoint on the rise, we couldn’t think of a more fitting Fleurish event! You’re sew going to love it. Let’s get crafty on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 8:30 p.m. ET. Psst … We’re going to have some sew-per cool giveaways!
MEET YOUR HOST
Courtney “Coco” Urfer Vujtech, Hillsdale, the creative mind behind the needlepoint Instagram account @memories_institches, is hosting our event, and we couldn’t be more excited! Coco has 30 years of needlepointing under her belt (one she probably stitched a pattern for) and a passion for teaching others. She also runs the Sound Shore Stitch Club in New York City/Westchester area. Follow along on Instagram for details if you’re in the area and interested in attending.
What to Expect
Coco will walk us through the basics of needlepoint, demo-ing along the way. Bring your preferred stitching supplies or order some of Coco’s recommended basics to get you started. And no matter what your needlepoint experience is, everyone is welcome! You can even just tune in to watch and connect with Kappas.
Gather Your Supplies:
- Needlepoint mono canvas (13 mesh recommended)
- DMC 5 thread (Select the color that’s just right for you! You already know we’re picking blue.)
- Tapestry needle (size 22)
- Needle threader
- Scissors
- Portable light (Good light can make all the difference when stitching!)
Needlepoint 101
The Needlepoint Language
- Basketweave stitch: One of two basic, beginner stitches. It’s worked across the canvas in a diagonal pattern.
- Canvas: What you’re creating your masterpiece on.
- Continental stitch: The other basic, beginner stitch. It goes across the canvas right to left.
- Fibers: Also known as threads. These are the colors that bring your project to life. Note: There are many different materials to choose from.
- Finishing: Once you’re done stitching, you get to choose how to finish it. It can become a keychain, pillow, etc. Many independent needlepoint finishers and shops offer finishing services to help complete your project.
- Mesh: Canvases come in various mesh sizes. The mesh size is the openness of the canvas holes you’re threading through.
- Stretcher bars: These keep your canvas taut as you work.
The Perks of Needlepoint
- It’ll help bring those screentime hours down.
- The relaxing, repetitive movements can help calm your mind.
- It’s a portable craft you can take from room to room or on the road!
- Your needlepoint creations can make great gifts (for you or others) — and who doesn’t enjoy seeing their hard work pay off?
alumna events
Fleurishing Together
This virtual event is part of Fleurish, an event series for alumnae. Your commitment to alumnae dues makes programs like this possible.