Hi! Welcome to needlepointing 101; a guide made especially for the beginner that's excited to get started. This guide is going to be super simple, and I want it to be that way; needlepoint shouldn't feel like an arduous task to get started with, it should be fun!
Canvases: Which is best for beginners?
TLDR: Small canvas= good, 3-4 thread colors max
I would recommend starting with a small project that has a maximum of 3-4 colors. Ornaments/rounds are a great project to start with. You should view your first project as an opportunity to get a feel for the craft, so it's good not to be overly ambitious with the canvas size. Starting with smaller projects will help you keep momentum and get you excited for your next one!
Mesh Size: 13 vs. 18
TLDR: 13 mesh has less stitches per inch, better for beginners, larger stitches
Mesh size refers to the number of stitches per 1in section of canvas! A 13 mesh canvas has 13 stitches per inch, whereas an 18 mesh canvas has 18 stitches per inch. 13 mesh will generally be a bit less detailed and quicker to stitch.
*There are many more canvas mesh types in the world of needlepoint, but the ones that I use in my shop are 13 & 18 mesh.
Thread: What's the deal?
TLDR: Thread is about what your project will be finished as & the mesh size of your canvas. There are so many places to buy thread!
Great guide for in-depth analysis
When picking threads consider 2 things:
1. What do you want to finish you project as? Are you making something that needs to be durable or is it purely decorative? If it needs to be durable, invest in more expensive threads. If it is to be purely decorative you make the call! There are so many fun threads out there to try and so many beautiful materials to pick from, but a classic in my book is good old fashioned pearl cotton.
2. Mesh Size of your canvas will dictate what thread type and density to purchase. Browse here for more info.
Where to buy thread? There are so many options!
- Visit your local needlepoint shop with your canvas and I'm sure they will help you color match it. They are a wealth of knowledge and excited you are there!
- Craft stores like Joanns or Michaels- these are good for DMC pearl cotton
- In a pinch you can try an Embroidery shop, they may have different supplies, but there is generally some overlap.
- Online! There are tons of needlepoint shops online that sell threads.
What stitch type do I start with?
TLDR: Continental, Tent, Basketweave
Start with a basic one so that you can get the feel of the craft. There are so many beautiful stitches, but better to walk before you run! Some good ones to start with are Continental, Tent, and Basketweave.
How should I finish my project?
TLDR: It's up to you for the most part & find a good finisher
What is finishing? It's the next step that comes after you're done stitching your canvas.
For many projects what you finish something into is up to you! Some things are obvious as to what they'll become like purse inserts, coasters, belts, keychains, etc., but many things are open ended. This is your opportunity to get creative! Some common finishings are framing, ornaments, pillows, paper weights, and stand-ups; there are so many options! Check Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook groups (Needlepoint Nation and Grandmillennial Needlepoint are good ones) for some finishing ideas.
There are so many finishers you can use. I've had good luck finding them with the help of my local needlepoint store and Instagram. Many finishers will have extended timelines for finishing your project, so just bear that in mind.
If your project is simple you can try finishing it yourself, but be warned it's much harder than it looks!
What supplies do I really need?
- Snipping scissors Regular Travel Decorative
- Needles that correspond to the mesh size of your canvas (13 mesh = size 20, 18 mesh = size 22)
- Threads (see above)
- Needle Threader
- Snag nab-it (for smoothing small snags/bumps in your stitching)
Nice to haves
- Needleminder (Magnet to keep your needle handy)
- Project Pouch for storing your projects
- Stitch Guide
- Stretcher bars- some love them, some hate them; really it's all about preference. You can stitch without them, but definitely helps the canvas retain its shape. I prefer to stitch with them!
Good luck on your needlepoint journey! I hope you have so much fun stitching and that this is just the beginning!