Beginner's Guide to Needlepoint
I’m so excited you’ve taken the plunge and decided to join the wonderful needlepoint community. Welcome! Not only has needlepoint been a great outlet for stress for me, but I’ve been able to build a beautiful collection of pieces personalized for me.
I know getting started might seem a little daunting at first - I’ve been there! To help answer some frequently asked questions and make things a little easier, I’ve curated some of my best posts for beginners here.
I’ve bought a needlepoint canvas, where do I begin?
There are several steps to take a piece from canvas to finished needlepoint. I walk you through how tackle a needlepoint canvas in two posts.
There are so many different tools for needlepoint. Which items do I really need?
There are a lot of tools on the market, but you definitely don’t need all of them. I have a list of what I consider essentials, these are the items I keep close by whenever I am stitching.
What’s the difference between mesh sizes and what thread do I use for each size?
In two posts I give a run down of 18 mesh and 13 mesh including needle size and other key differences. I also share a link to an spreadsheet highlighting a list of threads, which mesh size to use the thread for, coverage, and more (I refer to this spreadsheet often when I’m kitting and shopping!).
I really like a canvas but the colors don’t match my decor, can I swap the colors?
Absolutely yes! I’m a huge fan of swapping colors and have shared more on how I do this.
I’ve mastered Continental or Basketweave and want to try another stitch, where do I find stitch ideas?
Books are a great place to find stitch ideas and diagrams! There are so many great options, but I’m sharing some of my favorites to get you started.
If you’re looking for more ideas, I’ve curated some of my favorite stitches by use in the Stitch Library. Check it out!
Help! I’m building quite a stash of canvases, how do I keep them organized?
I can relate to this. Everyone has a method for organizing needlepoint items, but I shared what works for me.
Final Thought
I hope these articles will help make tackling needlepoint a little easier. I’d be remiss if I didn’t share a few additional tips to get you started:
Start Small: I always suggest starting with a small project with only a couple of colors as you get comfortable with the basics. You’ll be more likely to finish a canvas you’re excited about
Practice Makes Perfect: Don't get discouraged if your first few stitches aren't perfect. As you stitch more, you’ll get the hang of it and your stitches and tension will become more even.
Have Fun! Needlepoint should be a relaxing and enjoyable hobby, so opt for the projects, stitches, and finishes that bring you joy!
But most of all, this is a wonderful community and we are here to support you. Feel free to reach out to me here or on Instagram with any questions. Welcome to the wonderful world of needlepoint, I’m so glad you’re here. Happy stitching!
xo, HiFi