Making Needlepoint Affordable
A common question that people ask when they are starting needlepoint is, “why is needlepoint so expensive?” While there are many answers to why needlepoint is so expensive, not many people are focused on how we can make needlepoint more affordable.
I have put together a beginner affordable kit for those just starting needlepoint that want to get started at a lower price point before committing to an expensive canvas. Coming soon, you will be able to buy those kits here.
The main reason needlepoint is so expensive is because many canvases are stitch painted by skilled artists. This adds an extra cost to making the canvas, because artists are paid to painstakingly paint each intersection on the canvas so you (the stitcher) know where the threads are supposed to go. An alternative to a painted canvas is a printed canvas. The difference between a painted and a printed canvas is that many printed canvases aren't printed exactly where the intersections meet. This means that there is a lot of guesswork when it comes to stitching a printed canvas.
There is hope!
There are new developments coming to needlepoint to help with the cost. One of these developments is Needlepaint’s ‘Stitch Perfect Printing.’ These canvases are printed in the US and they claim to be as accurate as hand-painted canvases. When creating my canvases, I went this route, as they are less expensive and I can pass along those savings to you.
Another way to save money on needlepoint canvases is to wait until there is a sale or trunk show. You can also buy a chart that you like or design your own and paint a canvas from the chart. This takes some skill and A LOT of patience… it’s not for everyone as it can be very tedious and time-consuming.
Cost-effective threads
Specialty threads can also be an extra cost when it comes to kitting your needlepoint canvas. The best way I like to save money on my needlepoint is by using less expensive threads. As someone who did traditional embroidery before I did needlepoint, I owned and was familiar with working with DMC floss. While some do not like working with DMC floss, I find that once you learn how to use it, it is a cheap option and has a lot of color options to work with. You may even find that you prefer DMC thread over the fancier specialty threads.
DMC floss is not the only offering from the DMC brand that is affordable. There is also DMC Pearl Cotton Size 5 for 18 mesh, and Size 3 for 13 mesh. DMC Soft Matte Cotton, another great option, is only sold at Michael’s and on DMC's website and is best for 13 mesh canvases. Find out more about DMC thread options here.
Self-finishing
Finishing can also be an extra cost when it comes to needlepoint. That is why I recommend taking a class to learn how to self-finish things like ornaments, stand-ups and even pillows. While this may be a big cost up front, you end up saving money in the end because you do not have to pay somebody to finish all of your needlepoint. Some finishing classes I like to recommend are from the Finishing Fairy, the Nashville Needlepointer, and Cowtown Needlepoint. There are also some products that are self-finishing that are simple to use and take a few minutes to finish yourself. Some people do not enjoy finishing at all and prefer to have someone finish their needlepoint for them. It is, of course, your own personal preference for what you chose to do.
There are many ways to save money and still be able to enjoy the art of needlepoint. It is all personal preference and how you choose to save money. You have to decide what you feel is worth investing in and where you are ok compromising. After all, this is your hard work, and if you do not enjoy what you have created or the process it took to get there, then it takes the fun out of the hobby.
As you are getting started, I do recommend buying simple, inexpensive canvases and DMC threads as you are honing your skills. Making mistakes is part of the learning process, and it’s best to use inexpensive materials at first.