Needlepoint is very similar to cross stitch, but it only uses half cross stitches. All the needlepoint designs that we sell are on painted canvases.   The whole canvas is painted, and I think that everyone is fully covered by stitching.   Some are sewn with floss and some with yarn (wool).   The canvas has larger holes than linens and Aidas, and hence the background would not look good if left un-sewn.