Welcome to the world of needlepoint, where thread meets creativity and anyone can become an artist - yes, even you! 

If you’ve ever stared longingly at a beautifully stitched pillow or a vibrant wall hanging and thought, “I wish I could do that,” guess what? You absolutely can! Let’s kick off your needlepoint adventure with a some concepts and terminology to get you going.

First keep in mind, this is meant to be a quick guide to get you going. There are some AMAZING resources out there that go way more in depth on needlepoint. I highly encourage you to seek out those resources (most are free!) to supplement this guide.

What is Needlepoint?

Needlepoint is a form of embroidery that uses a stiff, grid-like fabric (called canvas) as the base for stitching colorful threads into patterns, designs, or even full-fledged artworks. It’s like painting with thread—you use a needle to create intricate or simple designs, one stitch at a time. From decorative pillows to personalized gifts, needlepoint is a timeless craft that’s as relaxing as it is rewarding.

Some Terminology to Know:

Canvas: Your canvas is the stage where all the magic happens. It’s a grid-like fabric with holes that guide your stitches. Beginner tip: Start with a painted canvas—it’s like a coloring book but with thread!

Mesh Size: Refers to the number of holes per linear inch of the canvas. It determines how fine or coarse the canvas is, with smaller numbers indicating larger holes and larger numbers indicating finer holes. For example, a 13-mesh canvas has 13 holes per inch and is great for beginners, while an 18-mesh canvas has 18 holes per inch and is used for more detailed and intricate work.

Thread (Fibers): Threads are the stars of your needlepoint show. From silk to wool  there are endless options. Pro tip: Stick with cotton to begin with; it is cost friendly and easy to work with.

Skein: The name for a unit of thread. Each skein will contain a certain number of yards, so it’s important to know how many yards are in each to ensure you have enough thread for your project. No one likes playing thread chicken...

Dye Lot: Most threads (excluding DMC) are dyed in batches, and each batch creates a dye lot. When stitching a canvas, you generally want to use thread from the same dye lot for each color. Otherwise, small differences in color may appear as you work.

Ply: The number of strands that make up a single thread.

Needle: Not just any needle will do! Look for a tapestry needle. It’s blunt-tipped (no finger pricks here!) and has a large eye to hold your thread. Perfect for gliding through your canvas without a fuss. Size does matter for your needle size depending on what mesh size your canvas is.

Needle Minder: A fun accessory that holds your needle while you’re not using it. It’s much easier to keep track of your needle when you have one of these (speaking from experience).

Tent Stitch: The bread-and-butter of needlepoint. Think of it as the “paint-by-numbers” of stitching. Two main types are continental and basket weave. Both look the same from the front but will look different on the back of your canvas.

• Continental Stitch: A fancy name for a diagonal stitch. Great for covering large areas.
• Basket weave Stitch: Also a diagonal stitch but uses more thread.

Blocking: Sounds intense, but it’s just the process of reshaping your finished piece to look perfect. Think of it as giving your masterpiece a spa day.

Chart: A chart is like a treasure map but for stitches. It’s a grid that shows you which colors and stitches to use where.

Frogging: The (sometimes painful) process of ripping out stitches when you mess up or want to make a change. It happens to everyone—this is where a seam ripper becomes your best friend.

Finishing Once your piece is done, you can transform it into all sorts of goodies: pillows, ornaments, wall hangings, or even sassy little coasters. The sky’s the limit!

WIP (Work in Progress): The project (or projects, let’s be real) you’re currently working on.

LNS (Local Needlepoint Store): A fantastic resource as you get started. This could be a brick-and-mortar shop or, for those of us in a needlepoint desert, an online store. (Some go-to favorites are Penny Linn and KC Needlepoint.)

Let’s Talk About What You Need to Get Started!

Ready to dive into your first needlepoint project? Here’s a list of supplies to have on hand. Some of these are essentials, while others are optional but super helpful for making the process more enjoyable.

Supplies for Your First Project

Canvas: Pick something that speaks to you! Not sure where to start? Here are some tips:

• Look for a design with 2–4 colors; it’ll be easier to manage as a beginner.
• Choose a 13-mesh canvas—it’s very beginner-friendly
• Opt for stitch-painted canvases (versus printed); they make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Thread: Threads bring your canvas to life! For beginners:

• DMC Perle Cotton is a great, cost-friendly choice.
• Other popular options are Planet Earth Silk and Silk & Ivory for a more luxurious feel.

Needle: Use a tapestry needle sized appropriately for your canvas:

• Size 20 for 13-mesh.
• Size 22 for 18-mesh.
• Bonus: Many canvases (like those from Pine Harbor) come with a needle included, so double-check before purchasing extras.

Scissors: Not just any scissors will do! Embroidery scissors allow for precise cuts close to the canvas. Bonus: Some options are travel- and TSA-friendly.

Project Bag: Keep your WIP organized and protected. You can find budget-friendly options, or use any bag you have at home—it doesn’t need to be fancy.

Needle Minder: As mentioned earlier, this fun little accessory keeps track of your needle when you’re not stitching. It’s not essential, but it’s a game-changer (trust me).

Thread Options: Part of the Fun!

Exploring thread options is one of the most exciting parts of needlepoint! Depending on your canvas type, how you plan to finish your project, and your personal preferences, there’s a thread out there that’s perfect for you. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Cotton

Why Choose It? Durable, inexpensive, and a great staple for your stash. Perfect for small areas and cording. Plus, it’s easy to find at craft stores if you don’t have a Local Needlepoint Store (LNS) nearby.

Options:

• DMC Perle Cotton (Size 5) - Best for 18-mesh canvases.
• DMC Perle Cotton (Size 3) - Best for 13-mesh canvases.

Silk

Why Choose It? Luxurious and smooth to the touch, silk threads come in a dazzling array of colors. While not as durable as cotton, they’re versatile and add a touch of elegance to any project.

Options:

• Planet Earth Silk (PH Favorite) - Perfect for 13-mesh canvases.
• Pepper Pot Silk - Ideal for 18-mesh canvases.
• Vineyard Silk - Excellent for 18-mesh canvases.

Silk/Wool Blends

Why Choose It? These blends are fantastic for projects that will see a lot of wear, such as dog collars or background stitching. They offer excellent coverage and durability.

Options:

• Planet Earth Wool (PH Favorite) - Best for 13-mesh canvases. I personally use this for all my dog collars.
• Silk & Ivory (PH Favorite) - Perfect for 13-mesh canvases.
• Vineyard Silk Wool - Another great choice for 13-mesh canvases.

Now the Fun Part: Let’s Start Stitching!

Ready to dive in? There’s no better time to start stitching than now! For a hands-on guide, check out tutorials on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. These platforms are packed with tips, techniques, and inspiration from talented stitchers around the world.

 

Happy stitching!