The needlepoint technique was first developed to create intricate designs for clothing, but it quickly became a popular method for designing rugs in Europe during the 18th century, when hand-knot carpets became a thing of the past. Similar in construction to French Aubusson rugs, needlepoints are made in the tent or cross stitch, with thousands of stitches sewn into a large piece of cloth. Each stitch is placed by hand, providing an intricate and detailed pattern on one side (these are not designed to be reversible). Each of the thousands of stitches sewn into the large piece of cloth are placed by hand to create a unique work of art for the home.