Setting Needlepoint Goals for the New Year

Going into 2024, my biggest goal was to reduce my to be finished pile. While I started the year with 53 pieces to finish, my current back log is down to 31 (in spite of stitching 38 new projects this year).

As we approach the end of the year, I’m taking a moment to pause and reflect on what I’ve accomplished over the past year. This may or may not have been the year I thought it would be, but I’m grateful for the time I did have this year to spend time focused on needlepoint. As we head into 2025, I’m excited for the opportunity of a fresh start. As I set needlepoint goals for the year ahead, I thought I’d share some inspiration for setting goals as well as templates to help keep you on track.

Tips for Setting Goals

Setting goals is one thing, but setting goals you’ll actually achieve is another. A few things that I find helpful when thinking about my goals:

1. Set goals that are true to you! It is so easy to get caught up in trying to achieve based on what someone else is doing. Needlepoint is a hobby and should bring you joy so make sure the goals will help keep needlepoint fun.

2. Reflect on the past year and think about how what you did or learned might sway what you want to achieve in 2025.

3. Set goals that are achievable. You want to be able to hold yourself accountable, but you also want goal setting to help keep you motivated (and not make you dread needlepointing).

4. Break down bigger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Sometimes a goal may seem too daunting to complete. For example, instead of setting a goal to stitch a stocking, set a goal to work on your stocking at least one night a week.

5. Track your progress and celebrate wins! I fully support rewarding yourself (big or small) as you achieve your goals.

Remember: Setting and achieving goals is a journey, not a race. Be patient with yourself, stay flexible, and keep the joy in needlepointing!

A few ideas for goals:

• Stitch with a friend at least once a month (in person or on FaceTime).

• Try a new fiber or decorative stitch.

• One in, one out - only purchase a new canvas once you’ve stitched one from your stash.

• Create a needlepoint gift for each member of your immediate family.

• Learn to bead and add beads to three canvases.

• Self finish one odd shaped ornament.

• Purchase an item from a needlepoint store you haven’t shopped at before.

• Stitch a piece completely in basketweave.

Templates for Tracking Goals

I am incredibly grateful for the community I have both here and on Instagram. I find that sharing my goals with others helps keep me accountable and ensures I keep working towards my goal. I’m sharing two different templates that you can populate and share to your Instagram stories (or your preferred social media platform) as you start the new year.

One is blank and meant for you to set goals however you like.

The other is the same format, but encourages you to set goals around four different prompts (in case you need help with brainstorming).

To use these either of these templates - download the photo, open as an Instagram story, add your text to the photos, and publish to your Instagram story. Make sure to tag me (@HiFiMakes) so that I can reshare!

As a bonus for paid subscribers, I’ve also created a page to track 2025 needlepoint goals that can be included in the needlepoint journal you are building using HiFi Prints.