Getting Started with Needlepoint
Everything you need to know if you're interested in trying this fun hobby
You might have noticed I’ve fallen down a new hobby rabbit hole, needlepoint. This vintage craft is having a huge resurgence in popularity right now, as “granny hobbies” like gardening, mahjong, and embroidery are suddenly all the rage again. It’s easy to see why. Needlepoint feels both nostalgic and fresh, giving you something creative to do with your hands that doesn’t involve a screen.
Think of it as a cousin to cross stitch. Both involve stitching thread through canvas, but needlepoint uses a stiffer mesh canvas and offers more flexibility with stitches and designs. Cross stitch usually sticks to little X-shaped stitches on a grid, while needlepoint opens the door to a whole variety of stitches, textures, and patterns. Needlepoint canvases are painted with their design, so there’s no need to count stitches. It’s like a paint by number for embroidery.
For me, needlepoint has become such a fun way to be creative and unplug. I’ve loved having something to do with my hands in the evenings that isn't scrolling my phone. And while it can look a little intimidating at first, it’s honestly very approachable once you know a few basics.
I’m linking below a few helpful YouTube videos that walk you through the two most essential stitches to get started: Continental and Basketweave. These are the building blocks for most needlepoint projects and are beginner-friendly once you get the hang of it.
VIDEO: Introduction to Needlepoint
VIDEO: Learning the Continental Stitch
VIDEO: Learning the Basketweave Stitch
I’ve also pulled together a list of helpful starter tools in my Amazon storefront. These are the exact supplies I’ve been using, everything from needles, to canvases, to my favorite paint pens (more on that in a second).
A Quick Note on Canvases
Once you start looking at needlepoint canvases, you’ll notice two common options: 13 mesh and 18 mesh.
Here’s the difference:
13 mesh has larger holes and can accommodate thicker threads. It's easier to see and great for beginners or quicker stitching. It’s called 13 mesh because there are 13 holes per inch in the canvas.
18 mesh has smaller holes and allows for finer detail. It's often used for more intricate or delicate designs. It’s called 18 mesh because there are 18 holes per inch in the canvas.
I started with 13 mesh, and found it to be perfect for learning and experimenting. It’s also what I’d recommend using if you ever decide to paint your own canvases. Keep reading for more details on that.
One thing I didn’t realize when I first started is that buying painted needlepoint canvases can get very expensive. Some go for hundreds of dollars because each one is hand painted.
So, in true DIY fashion, I’ve started painting my own. I buy mesh canvas by the roll (linked in my Amazon storefront) and use acrylic paint pens to design my own little pieces. It’s honestly been half the fun and a great creative outlet. Here’s a quick tutorial video on how to paint your own canvases.
VIDEO: How to Paint Your Own Needlepoint Canvas
Stitch Guides and Patterns
If you’re thinking about getting into painting your own canvases, you’ll need to download a digital stitch file for the design you’re wanting to stitch. These are pre-designed patterns you can follow stitch by stitch, and usually come with suggested thread colors. I’ll link a few of my favorites below.
Blue Bow Christmas Tree Digital Stitch Chart
Lemon Stripe Digital Stitch Chart
Dirty Martini Digital Stitch Chart
London Phone Booth Digital Stitch Chart
Pink Bow Stamp Digital Stitch Chart
What do you DO with finished pieces?
One of the questions I get asked most often is, “What do you actually DO with these once you stitch them?” And to be honest, right now my interest in needlepoint is more about the act of stitching itself than the finished product. That said, I’m definitely curious to learn more about the finishing side of things. I haven’t had any pieces professionally finished yet, mostly because that’s another surprisingly expensive part of the hobby. Seriously, needlepoint is not a cheap pastime. But I’m really interested in trying self-finishing, and I’m hoping to take a finishing class at my local needlepoint shop (aka LNS) soon. In the meantime, I found this acrylic tray that makes it super easy to display your work— you just slip the stitched canvas inside and it’s instantly functional. I’m planning to create a canvas for each month of the year and swap them out seasonally. It’s a fun and low-pressure way to actually enjoy the pieces I’m making as I learn more.
I hope this little guide gives you a helpful starting point if you’ve been curious about needlepoint. It’s brought me so much joy, and I hope you end up loving the hobby as much as I do. Happy stitching!