NEW TO NEEDLEPOINT?

Get started with a lifelong hobby

Welcome to needlepoint, a hobby I hope you will enjoy for a lifetime! Everyone has different reasons for taking up needlepoint, but I find it to be a relaxing, meditative hobby that encourages creativity yet is flexible for different phases of life.

Not only is the process of stitching a project a true joy, but the finished piece is a beautiful heirloom that you (or a very lucky loved one you gift it to) will enjoy for many years to come. No matter how you found us, I am so glad you’re here and I hope you feel encouraged to try out needlepoint!

Ready to get started? This page covers all of the basics for you to start your needlepoint journey!

Happy stitching!

All you need is a needle, thread, sharp scissors, and a canvas that you love!

Like any hobby, there are plenty of other tools you can add to your repertoire as you gain experience stitching, but you truly only need the basics to get started.

Shop Beginner Kits & Scissors

THE TENT STITCH

The most basic needlepoint stitch (the “tent stitch”) is simply one diagonal stitch covering one intersection of your canvas. That’s it! It is the only stitch you need to complete any needlepoint project.

Learn HOW TO STITCH

HAND-PAINTED, STITCH-PAINTED

Stitch-painted canvases (like the ones sold in our shop) have been painted so each intersection is meticulously hand-painted (yes, hand-painted!) with a particular color. This makes stitching very similar to "paint by numbers" - all you have to do is stitch over each intersection with the corresponding color thread. The design has been mapped out for you, so you don't have to count out the stitches like you would with cross stitch.

SHOP CANVASES

The Materials

Canvas Mesh Size

Canvas mesh size refers to how many holes per inch exist on the canvas. The two most popular sizes are 13 mesh and 18 mesh. 13 mesh canvases have bigger holes than 18 mesh.

Needle Size

You will want to get tapestry needles that work best with the mesh size of your canvas. I prefer to use size 20 on 13 mesh and size 22 on 18 mesh.

Threads

Because threads can vary in thickness, you will also want to make sure you purchase thread (aka “fiber”) that works well with the mesh size of your canvas. There are many fun fibers that you can mix and match for your project. I wrote more about my favorite fibers in this blog post.

Embroidery Scissors

You will want sharp embroidery scissors so the end of your fiber doesn’t fray, which would make it hard to thread your needle.

FINISHING

Once you finish stitching your project, the next exciting part begins: making your canvas into an heirloom piece to enjoy for years to come! You can either finish your piece yourself, or take it to a local needlepoint store or finisher to have them put the finishing touches on your project. Some popular finishes are ornaments, pillows, trays, door hangs, coasters, bag decals, framed pieces, stockings, scissors cases, and much more! I have more detailed blog posts coming on this soon!

View Finishing Inspo Gallery

Learn the Lingo

NDLPT

Shorthand for needlepoint, needlepoint in the US is typically stitched on interlock mono canvas made of cotton. The two most common mesh sizes of canvas are 13 and 18: this refers to the number of stitches per linear inch.

LNS

Local Needlepoint Store. An independently owned shop with connections to its specific local community. Needlepoint stores are a destination in their own right, each shop carries unique varieties of canvases, threads, and accessories and offer different levels of teaching and guidance both formal and informal. They are like a candy store!

WIP

Work In Progress, a canvas you have started but haven’t yet finished stitching. Some folks stitch one canvas at a time, while others (like yours truly) have many projects going at once. It’s fun to stitch different canvases based on your mood, the time of year, and your stitching environment!

Stash

Your personal collection of canvases and threads. As you get deeper into the hobby, it is common for stitchers to have multiple canvases and start stitching them when the mood strikes! Because needlepoint canvases are hand-painted, they can take a long time to produce. Many people like to buy a canvas they love when it is available so they do not have to wait months for it to restock.

Skein

A length of thread collected in a loose ring. This is typically how you will purchase thread from a shop or online retailer. *Of note, different vendors have different amounts of thread included on a skein. I find most, not all, tend to be around 30 yards.

DYE LOT

Threads are dyed in batches, referred to as dye lots. Different dye lots of the same color have subtle differences in color, so it is important to ensure you have more than enough of the color you are stitching a canvas with so you don't have unwanted color variation.

I hope this gives you the confidence to jump right in and try out needlepoint for yourself! Just like any other skill, it takes a little bit of practice to increase your confidence level. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out - we are happy to help!