Introduction to Needlepoint
Welcome to the wonderful world of needlepoint! We are so happy you are here. This is a guide to all things needlepoint that you need to know as a beginner. If you have any questions we are here to help.
Canvas
The first thing you need to get started with needlepoint is a canvas (all about needlepoint canvas here). This can either be bought at your local needlepoint store (LNS), or from one of the many sources online (including here at A Frayed Knot). You can even paint your own design, or paint from a chart to keep the cost down. For a beginner, I usually suggest buying a canvas that is smaller in size, and does not have many colors. If, however, you are feeling ambitious and you see a canvas you really love, go for it and stitch what makes you happy!
Canvases typically come in two different mesh sizes: 18 mesh (18 holes per inch) or 13 mesh (13 holes per inch). I suggest that beginners choose 13 mesh to begin with, because it’s easier to see where your stitches go. However, once again, if you see an 18 mesh canvas you love, stitch it. My one suggestion to beginners when choosing a design is to try to find a painted or stitch printed canvas so there is less guesswork on where your stitches go. All of our A Frayed Knot canvases are stitch printed, which helps save money, and is as accurate and vivid as painting.
Threads
Now that you have your canvas picked out, you need some threads. Many local needlepoint stores sell the specialty threads typically used for needlepoint. There are many to choose from. There are sparkly threads, ribbons, beads, silk threads, wool threads, and many more (more on threads here). The thread you choose will also depend on the mesh size of your canvas.
There are different threads for the different sizes of canvas. For example, Silk and Ivory, a silk wool blend, is made for 13 mesh canvas. If you use a thread made for 13 mesh on an 18 mesh canvas, the thread may be too thick and you might not get the desired look for your canvas.
Many local needlepoint stores will help you choose your thread for your canvas (or in needlepoint terms, ‘kit’ your canvas). If you want to save money, DMC floss is the cheapest option and is often available at any chain craft store (like Michaels). Floss is ‘strandable’, which means you have to separate the strands of the thread (stranding blog) or you can be a rebel like me and refuse to strand it and use it as is. DMC offers other kinds thread that are also affordable to start out with like Pearl Cotton, or Soft Matte Cotton (All about DMC here). If you live in a place that has no local needlepoint store (or in needlepoint terms, a ‘needlepoint desert’), or if you prefer to buy your threads online, many online stores filter the threads by 13 count or 18 count on their site. As you become more experienced and try different threads, you will begin to prefer certain threads over others.
Needles
You will also need a tapestry needle. Use a size 20 needle for 13 mesh canvas and a size 22 for 18 mesh canvas. The smaller the number, the bigger the needle. Needles usually come with the canvas when you purchase it. If you do not get a needle with your canvas, you can always purchase one yourself. I use DMC tapestry needles that you can find at any craft store. There are also specific beading needles for bead work. If you want to splurge, Tulip needles are higher quality, more expensive needles.
Stretcher Bars
You may be asking, what is that wood frame people are using to stitch with? Those are called stretcher bars (more on stretcher bars and scroll bars here). You don’t need use them, but If you choose to stitch in hand, just know that your canvas will warp. You can always ‘block’ your canvas after it has been stitched, or you can send it to a finisher who will block it (this may be an extra charge).
Many people prefer to stitch with stretcher bars, because they keep your hands from cramping and your canvas stays straight. Stretcher bars come in packs of two (that means two sides) and they come in many different sizes. When purchasing, remember that you will need four bars to make the square frame. Bars come in mini and regular. The only difference is the thickness of the bars. This is really just a personal preference.
Measure your canvas before purchasing your stretcher bars to ensure you get the right size. Once you have your stretcher bars, attach your canvas with tacks (many needlepoint stores sell tacks, but you can also find them on Amazon). For larger canvases like stockings or longer canvases - like belts or stockings - you can purchase scroll bars. These roll up your canvas and keep tension so it is easier to stitch the large canvas. Like stretcher bars, scroll bars are not needed unless you want them.
Now it’s time to stitch!
For beginners, I recommend a basic tent stitch like basketweave (learn how to basketweave here) or continental stitch (learn the continental stitch here). There are also many decorative stitches to choose from, but you should probably stick with a simple stitch while you are getting the hang of things.
When you are ready to learn new stitches, there are many books on the market, and many local needlepoint stores offer classes. Classes are a great way to get tips and tricks and learn things you may have missed by just following along in a book.
TikTok is also a great resource for seeing how people stitched their canvases with decorative stitches. Some prefer decorative stitches because they take up more room on the canvas and it is quicker to stitch the canvas. Others prefer basketweave or continental because it requires less thinking and it is more simple. Some also like how decorative stitches look, while others prefer the look of a tent stitch like basketweave or continental.
Now that you know everything you need to get started and have started shopping for supplies, you may be wondering why needlepoint is so expensive. There are many reasons for that, but there are also more affordable ways to enjoy the hobby and get started without a big price tag. See my blog on making needlepoint affordable for more on that. (making needlepoint affordable)
Have fun!
Last but not least, HAVE FUN!!!!! As you stitch, think about how you want to finish your canvas. (all about finishing here) There are many ways to ‘finish’ your canvases, including pillows, purses, belts, keychains, luggage tags, and more. This is just one more way to get creative with your needlepoint.
Share your work
I always love seeing your finished canvases so please post about them or send them to me @afrayedknot_ndlpt on Instagram.