Needlepoint for Beginners

Welcome to Needlepoint 101. If you've found yourself on this post, you are more than likely interested in taking the leap into becoming a needlepointer. Getting started can seem overwhelming at first, but I promise you that you will quickly get the hang of it. Below you will find my best advice for getting started with needlepoint. 

Choosing Your First Canvas

As a beginner, you will want to start with a small canvas that has no more than 3-4 colors. Check out my beginner friendly canvases and my beginner kits for some options. Canvases can often be very complex, but your first project should feel simple in terms of size and color options. Choose something that you will be excited to work on, but keep in mind that your first canvas is a learning experience and definitely won't turn out perfectly. 

Mesh Size

When choosing a canvas, there are two mesh size options: 13 mesh and 18 mesh. This means that there are either 13 stitches per inch or 18 stitches per inch. 13 mesh has bigger holes, making it easier to stitch when you are first learning. 18 mesh typically has more unique details within the canvas. My first project was 18 mesh and I now stitch a healthy mix of 13 and 18 mesh.

Fibers and Threads

To stitch your canvas, you will need threads (also called fibers). 13 mesh uses different threads than 18 mesh, so it is important to pay attention to what the mesh size of your canvas is when selecting your threads. There are SO many thread options that it is easy to become overwhelmed. If you are just starting out, I highly suggest buying a beginner kit that is already kitted, meaning the threads come with the canvas. If you purchase a canvas without threads, you will need to visit your local needlepoint store (LNS) or reach out to a LNS that can kit virtually for you. I am happy to offer thread recommendations for any canvas that you purchase from Canvas Queen, but other than my beginner kits, our canvases do not come with the option to be kitted. 

You can also visit Michaels or Joann's and purchase DMC Perle Cotton 5. This can be used for either 13 or 18 mesh, but looks better on 18 mesh. DMC will be the most cost effective when you are just starting needlepoint. 

My favorite 13 mesh threads are Planet Earth Silk and Silk and Ivory while my favorite 18 mesh threads are Essentials and Vineyard Silk. 

Needles

Your canvas should come with a needle to begin with. There are different needle brands, but we supply a Bohin France needle with each of our canvases. When purchasing your own needles, you will want to be sure to purchase a tapestry needle. Just like canvases, needles come in different sizes. I recommend a size 20 needle for 13 mesh and a size 22 needle for 18 mesh. Tulip needles are my favorite, but often stitch with whatever needle comes with my canvas. 

Accessories

As a beginner, there are really only two accessories that are must haves: a needle threader and scissors. All of our beginner kits come with both of these items, but you will definitely need these items when stitching even if you don't purchase a beginner kit. A needle threader helps you to easily thread your needle while a good pair of sharp embroidery scissors allows you to cut your skeins of thread and snip your thread after finishing a section of canvas. 

Other accessories that I love but aren't must haves are stretcher bars, a needleminder, and a fun project bag.

Stitching: Continental or Basketweave

The two most basic stitches in needlepoint are continental and basketweave. Both will look the same on the front of your canvas, but will have totally different looks on the back. I suggest starting with continental as it is the easiest and most straight forward to learn. Here is a great video that explains the stitch and walks you through how to do it. Once you master continental, I suggest making basketweave your next learned stitch. Again, they will look the same from the front, but basketweave literally looks like a weaved basket on the back of your canvas. 

Finishing

Once you complete the stitching of your first project, you will want to do something with it. The cool thing about needlepoint finishing is that the options are endless. You can have your canvas turned into an ornament, a standup, a framed picture, and the list goes on and on. The most common form of finishing is having your canvas made into a Christmas ornament. Finishing is a very specialized skill and although there are great self finishing tutorials out there, I suggest having your first pieces sent to a finisher. Your LNS has the option to do finishing for you or you can find an independent finisher. One thing to note is that finishing takes a long time; it is not uncommon to send a canvas to a finisher and not receive it back for over 6 months. Needlepoint is definitely a hobby that requires patience. Finishing can also be very expensive. The going rate for most ornaments starts out around $50.  

Tips and Tricks

YouTube and TikTok are great resources for learning the basics and learning new stitches. I highly recommend using these videos to help learn your stitching. 

Find a community! I am fortunate to have a great group of stitchers locally that I meet up with to stitch on a regular basis. Search stitch clubs in your area and you will more than likely find some incredible people to build community with. There are also lots of ways to connect online. Stitchers are very active on Instagram and you can meet new stitcher friends that way. 

Enjoy the process! Stitching takes patience and you WILL mess up. Don't be discouraged and enjoy the creative process. Listen to an audiobook while you stitch or put on your favorite tv show in the background.