Needlepoint 101: How to Begin with Needlepoint

Needlepoint is having somewhat of a comeback – though I’d argue it never really left us. I, for one, am completely and totally addicted to it. It started with my grandmother teaching me over Thanksgiving (I talked about my new hobby in an earlier blog post here) and has turned into something I just love doing. Bonus: you can multitask like crazy while you do it.

Here are some FAQs to help YOU get started!

My running fox canvas is by Pip and Roo. Red binding and threads are from The Point of it All in Northwest DC.

Do I have to stitch only tapestries and samplers?
There are some gorgeous canvases (what the empty mesh project is called) that fall into those categories (Ehrman Tapestry is one of my favorites). Companies like Lycette, Pip and Roo, and many others are now creating fun, more modern patterns, too. Needlepoint.com in Raleigh (and online, of course) also carries tons of different patterns. If you fall in love with a sold out canvas or have an idea of a canvas you’d like to try, but aren’t sure where to find it, stop by your local needlepoint shop. They can usually help you track it down.

My Veuve canvas is also by Pip and Roo. Red binding and threads are from The Point of it All in Northwest DC.

What do I do with my canvas once it’s stitched?
There are places all over DC and VA that “finish” projects for you, which is a fancy way of saying they turn your completed needlepoint canvas into a pillow, door hanger, ornament, clutch, etc. The Point of it All in Northwest DC is my go-to local shop for this. They can help transform your completed project into just about anything.

How much does it cost to needlepoint?
In most cases, you’ll buy your canvas and your threads separately. A canvas can run anywhere from $50 or $65 to $150 and up. The cost greatly depends on the project. If you’re stitching an ornament, it will be less than if you are stitching a needlepoint belt or a pillow. Those projects tend to be larger.

Your threads can run anywhere from $3 per set to $6 per set. You can get great quality cotton threads for $3. I’ve been using silk threads on my project and I think they are definitely worth the extra cost. They’re usually about $6 per set. I use Silk and Ivory (50% silk and 50% merino wool) for larger, less detailed projects and 100% silk threads for smaller, more detailed projects. Silk also doesn’t have a tendency to pill as much as cotton does. My theory is if you’re putting this much work into something, spring for the best quality you can find. The Point of it All steered me towards threads that I don’t have to split into multiple ones for smaller projects. How much thread you use depends on the size of your project and what size/type of thread depends on the size of the mesh.

I highly recommend visiting your local needlepoint shop when you buy your first canvas so that they can walk you through picking out the threads. There’s also something that’s so much fun about picking the colors you want and adding any extra design elements to them in person. My friend, Rudy, has the most inspiring Instagram account and Instagram Stories in case you’re looking for ideas! Also, Lycette often shares items available in the shop but not online on Instagram Stories – and there are some great ones. Pip and Roo does the same and often previews canvases that are in the works.

Pro tip: You can often call or direct message a needlepoint shop like Lycette and request that the canvas comes kitted, or with threads (at an additional cost, of course).

“Finishing” costs are also additional and depend on what kind of finishing you’d like to do, i.e. pillow, key fob, etc.

How do I order my first one?
1. Pick a canvas that isn’t too detailed and doesn’t have too many colors to work with for your very first one. This was my first canvas (which I’m turning into a pillow) from The Point of it All. A pillow-sized canvas is a good starter. Look for size 10 mesh canvases as they will be easier to work with as you’re first learning. A good rule of thumb to follow is the larger the mesh, the smaller and more detailed the project will be.

2. Decide on your thread. If you skipped the question above, you’ll want to come back to it for this one!

3. Other things you’ll need to get started:

Needlepoint needles. I definitely recommend heading to your local shop to get all of the basics you’ll need – and they are very minimal (go see Bettina at The Point of it All). Make sure you pick up at least two or three needles as you’ll inevitably lose two your first few weeks. It happens.

Embroidery scissors. Lycette also has some gorgeous ones. You can find vintage scissors on Etsy, as well.

Threader. This is another item that I’d grab in twos or threes. You literally need this to thread your needle since the yarn is thick. A good tip is to tie a tail of extra yarn to it so that when you drop it on the floor, it isn’t lost forever (h/t Laurie during my last visit to The Point of it All).

Stitching is more fun with friends! Tag @MagnoliaStripes in your replies and comments on social media and show us what you’re working on. I’ll feature a few favorites!