How To Begin Needlepointing: A Complete Starter’s Guide

One of my most requested blog posts has been to share more about needlepoint for beginners because it’s a lot more than just a needle and thread! Even though needlepoint has become all the rage over the last few years (call it the grandmillennial influence!) I grew up watching my mom needlepointing and knew I always wanted to try it for myself.

Finally one Christmas, I asked for a canvas and threads and spent the holiday break learning needlepoint from my mom. It’s been such a fun escape and a new obsession, especially with other friends obsessed as well (Carly and Mackenzie share so many great tips and finds as well!). Because it requires your full attention, I love how needlepoint actually allows me to tune out and put my phone down for once — instead of endless scrolling on Instagram before bed. To help you get started, I’m rounding up some of my top tips for needlepoint beginners! Happy stitching!

HOW TO BEGIN NEEDLEPOINTING

How To Learn Needlepoint

I think learning in person from someone is the most helpful so I would spend an afternoon with a friend or family member who can teach you and walk you through getting started, common mistakes, etc. However, I know that’s not always the case so look into classes at your local needlepoint store or teach yourself! Carly shared this great video and it’s super helpful on how to get started. Penny Linn Designs also offers a beginners guide to needlepoint PDF! You can also visit your local needlepoint store for stitch groups and lessons.

The biggest thing is that you just have to practice so don’t get frustrated if you mess up! It takes time and it’s better to start slow and patient then rush through. This is not a hobby to pick up if you expect to master it on the first day; instead, it’s a hobby and skill you grow over time which I think is so beautiful. There are a lot of basics to learn — like how to make a waste knot to secure new threads, the difference between a tent stitch, a continental stitch, and a basketweave stitch. Don’t rush through the basics because they really are building blocks.

What You Need To Buy To Try Needlepoint

Canvases

The most fun part of needlepointing is picking out your needlepoint canvases. Which is basically the design that you’ll be needlepointing! There are so many amazing accounts to follow now on Instagram (I share my favorites below) which has led me to buy my needlepoint canvases from a few different retailers. I love turning to Needlepoint.com, Etsy and shopping directly from different stores like Lycette, Penny Linn, Third Coast Stitches as well as Annie and Co. Needlepoint , Rita’s and West Village Knit and Needle here in New York City.

How fun is this Nap Dress canvas, this martini canvas and this Mom I am a rich man canvas? Love them all!

Fibers

One of the most overwhelming things for me was choosing what type of fibers (or threads) to use! I recommend going in person to pick threads if you can so you can feel the weight of them and see the colors in real life. It’s honestly surprising how many options there are, ranging from silk to cotton to wool. Personally, I have been using Silk & Ivory for the most part and really like how smooth they glide and of course the finish of them as well. You’ll also need to pay attention to the weight of the fibers as thread weight correlates to mesh size. It’s important that you find the right combination so as not to tug on the fibers to get them to pull through the canvas.

Needles and Embroidery Scissors

Most of my canvases have come with a needle or two. But I recommend making sure you have the correct size needle depending on the canvas. Smaller needles go with finer mesh canvas and vice-versa. I also recommend purchasing embroidery scissors — they’re small, very sharp, and super pointy for snipping threads. I also purchased some travel scissors that came in a leather case so I can travel easily with them!

Stretcher Bars

One tool that’s really helpful to avoid your needlepoint canvas getting wonky are stretcher bars or a needlepoint frame. Basically this is a lightweight wood frame for your needlepoint canvas to keep it straight and keep it pulled taut while you stitch. Stretcher bars typically come in pairs of two so you’ll need to get two pairs for a full frame.

Carrying Case

To easily bring your projects with you, I recommend getting a stitches bag to hold your essentials in. This Penny Linn one and this What’s The Stitch project bag are favorites as they are clear and easy to see everything. For overall storage, I keep a large LL Bean boat and tote near my couch (or wherever you stitch!) and keep all of my threads, canvases and accessories together.

How To Finish A Needlepoint Project

When you hear someone talk about “finishing” a needlepoint project they’re referring to turning their needlepoint canvas into a final product — maybe a pillow, or a sunglasses case, or an ornament. While many who are craftier than me are able to tackle these sewing projects at home, it’s also super easy and hassle free to send your needlepoint canvas off to be finished professionally. Needlepoint.com has a whole list of instructions on how to send in your canvases to be finished. One of my favorite ways to finish is by framing a canvas as well and Framebridge is my go-to!

FAVORITE NEEDLEPOINT ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW

Instagram is FILLED with so many needlepoint accounts to follow for inspiration and encouragement, and it’s how I found so many so great places to buy from. Some of my favorites for inspiration and to shop from include:

@PennyLinnDesigns
@MorganJuliaDesigns
@KenzieElizabeth
@LePointStudio
@WhatsTheStitchNdlpt
@SpruceStStudio
@Alice.And.Blue
@GreystoneNeedlepoint
@EvaHowardDesigns
@ThirdCoastStitches

Related: 5 Recent Needlepoint Projects and What I’m Working on Next

SHOP THESE NEEDLEPOINT ESSENTIALS FOR BEGINNERS: