New to the world of needlepoint and looking to get started? You’re not alone- needlepoint has seen a huge swell in popularity! Welcome to Morgan Julia Designs, we’re so happy you are here and can’t wait to help you get going! Needlepoint is beginner-friendly and we’ve got the perfect tips and tricks to get you stitching. Let’s jump into our beginner’s guide!
What is Needlepoint?
At its core, needlepoint is a type of hand embroidery that uses a stiff, open-weave canvas as its base, with stitches forming a design that provides full-canvas coverage. Unlike freeform embroidery, which can be done on nearly any fabric, needlepoint follows the grid-like structure of its canvas, making it easier to learn and more forgiving for beginners. Most needlepoint canvases have a design painted on the canvas, which helps you determine which threads to use where to bring the project to life (not unlike color by numbers, to put it simply). The majority of Morgan Julia Designs canvases are designed by Morgan which makes our collection very unique! Needlepoint embraces a variety of fibers, cotton, velvet and even metallic threads for a little extra flair. There’s tons of room for creativity in needlepoint and honestly, no “wrong way” to approach your first project! A final benefit of needlepoint is it’s highly functional—from stylish sunglasses cases, fun throw pillows, an insert for a purse or tray, or even a Christmas stocking if you’re feeling ambitious, there are SO many different types of projects that allow you to incorporate your finished piece into your everyday life!
Essential Supplies for Needlepointing
Now that you're excited to start stitching, let’s talk about the must-have tools all needlepoint beginners should have on hand.
- First up is your canvas—needlepoint is stitched on a stiff, open-weave material usually measured in “mesh count,” which determines how big or small your stitches will be. If a canvas is categorized as 13 mesh, that means 13 intersections per linear inch. 18 mesh meanwhile means 18 intersections per inch.
- To keep your canvas taut and prevent warping, you might consider stretcher bars, which are wooden frames that hold your canvas in place with brass tacks, making stitching easier and more even.
- Next, you’ll need threads, which come in a variety of materials like wool, cotton, silk, or even sparkly metallics for extra pizzazz.
- A good pair of sharp scissors is a must for trimming threads neatly (bonus points if they’re cute and tiny for portability).
- You’ll also need tapestry needles, which have a blunt tip and a large eye to accommodate thicker threads. Remember, 13 mesh holes are larger than 18 mesh holes which will impact the best type of fiber and needle to use for that canvas. We recommend size 20 tapestry needles for 13 mesh canvases and size 22 needles for 18 mesh canvases. Most canvases include a needle appropriately sized for the project you’ve selected!
- To keep your project organized, a project bag is a game-changer—it holds your canvas, threads, and tools so you can stitch on the go.
- And for a little extra flair (and practicality), a needle minder is a small magnet that keeps your needle in place when you're not stitching—because nothing’s worse than losing a needle in the couch!
- While not essential, a needle threader is another extremely handy accessory for those picking up needlepoint. It makes threading all different types of fiber through your needle a breeze!
- Finally, for anyone interested in exploring different stitches I can’t recommend “Stitches To Go” enough! It features stitch descriptions paired with charted images and simple instructions for anyone looking to get outside their comfort zone. If you prefer step by step directions on a specific canvas, we offer a selection of Stitch Guides for our favorite MJD canvases!
Essential Stitches
A tent stitch is the most basic and commonly used stitch in needlepoint, leading to small diagonal stitches over a single canvas intersection. Because of its simplicity and versatility, the tent stitch is perfect for beginners! There are two basic tent stitches I suggest familiarizing yourself with before beginning your first project: Basketweave and Continental. The basketweave stitch and the continental stitch are two common techniques for stitching needlepoint, each with distinct characteristics.
The basketweave stitch is worked diagonally across the canvas, alternating direction with each row, creating a woven effect on the back. This method provides the best coverage, durability, and helps prevent canvas warping, making it ideal for large stitched areas. This stitch goes down the “steps” of the weave and up the “poles” of the weave.
By contrast, the continental stitch is worked across the canvas in rows. When stitching to the left, your stitches should go from lower left to upper right. When moving on to the next row and stitching to the right, your stitches should go from upper right to bottom left. While the continental stitch uses less thread than basketweave, it can distort the canvas over time if not properly blocked.
Both stitches create the same appearance on the front of the canvas, but the choice between them often depends on the project size, thread usage, and desired durability.
How to Start Your First Needlepoint Canvas
Getting started with your first needlepoint project is easier than you think, and the key is to keep it simple! Start by choosing a beginner-friendly canvas design—look for something with larger mesh (like 13-count) and bold, color-blocked sections rather than intricate details. Take a look at MJD’s Stitch Level for help selecting the perfect beginner piece!
Once you have your first canvas, it’s time to thread your needle—cut a piece of thread about 18 inches long (I usually measure from the tip of my finger to my elbow!), then using your needle threader, pull the fiber you’ve just cut through the eye of the needle. Now you’re ready for your first stitch. To begin stitching, bring your needle up from the back of the canvas and pull the thread through, then follow your design, working row by row or in small sections to keep things neat and even. When you reach the end of the thread, secure it by weaving it under a few stitches on the back of the canvas before trimming. Full details on how to secure a thread can be found in this blog post!
Brillant Basics
One of the keys to achieving a polished, professional-looking needlepoint project is maintaining even stitches and balanced tension—but don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds! Using stretcher bars or a frame to keep your canvas taut can make a huge difference, preventing warping and helping you stitch with consistent pressure. When pulling your thread through the canvas, aim for a gentle, even tug—too loose, and your stitches may look sloppy; too tight, and your canvas can become distorted. Try to keep your hand movements smooth and consistent, and resist the urge to yank the thread forcefully. Another tip I’ve found useful is laying your thread flat as you stitch, meaning don’t let it twist up or bunch—this helps create smoother, more uniform stitches. If you notice uneven tension or puckering, take a step back and lightly adjust your stitches as you go. Like any skill, achieving even stitches takes practice, so don’t stress—just enjoy the process, and soon enough, your stitches will feel effortless!
Finishing your Needlepoint Project
Finishing your first needlepoint project is such an incredible accomplishment, congratulations! Now it’s time to continue the creativity and consider how you’d like your piece finished. Some popular finishing ideas include pillows, eyeglass cases, ornaments, coasters, door hangers, clutches….and the list goes on! You can also incorporate different fabrics and trims to make your project a piece you will treasure forever. If you have a Local Needlepoint Store (LNS) in your area, connect with them to discuss finishing options! Otherwise, we’ve linked a few of our favorite finishers who do beautiful work. Keep in mind that finishing can take several months, but it’s always worth the wait!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a needlepoint project usually take?
- You can gauge the time commitment a needlepoint project will require by assessing the size of the design, the canvas mesh size, and the number of colors required. All three of these factors really work together to dictate how much time you’ll spend on a project (trust me - a small design isn’t always fast if the mesh is small and the color changes are intricate!). Fun fact - the average stitcher spends about 1 hour per square inch on an 18 mesh project. With that math in mind, a 4x4 square design on 18 mesh will take about 16 hours.
What thread should I use?
- Something to consider when determining what material of fiber to stitch with is the mesh size. If a canvas is categorized as 13 mesh, that means 13 intersections per linear inch. 18 mesh meanwhile means 18 intersections per inch. 13 mesh holes are therefore larger than 18 mesh holes which will impact the best type of fiber to use for that canvas. You’ll definitely want to keep the size of your mesh in mind when selecting your threads! Feeling apprehensive? Many of the MJD canvases can be purchased “kitted" which means you’ll receive all the fiber you need, a needle, and our signature seersucker project bag! Feel free to also shoot support@morganjuliadesigns.com an email and we can provide thread recommendations.
Can I wash my needlepoint?
- No, needlepoint is not washer friendly!
Where are the best spots to find beginner-friendly needlepoint supplies?
- Our MJD Accessories are some of our best sellers! Our needle minder collection is a fan favorite, as are our project bags. While we don’t have a huge fiber selection available online, we have a selection of my favorite fibers of the moment, as well as the option to have many of our designs kitted so all fiber will be included in your order.
How should I have my needlepoint project finished?
- The options are truly endless! Popular ideas for finishing include Christmas Ornaments, an insert for an acrylic tray, door hangers, clutches and pillows. Beginners will likely send their project to a professional finisher (a few of my favorites linked here if you don’t have a local needlepoint shop). As you become more familiar with needlepoint, you might want to attempt self-finishing a project! If you’re looking for finishing inspiration, there are so many incredible ideas featured on our Instagram and Pinterest!
How do I know where to start on a canvas?
- One of my favorite tips is to start with the light colors first! You run the risk of dark colors transferring color as you stitch around them (meaning little strands of the dark fiber can start to cling to your lighter fiber leaving a visible coloration). By saving the dark colors for last, you avoid this!
What should I do if I make a mistake?
- Mistakes happen to everyone- even stitchers with years of experience! Everything in needlepoint is totally fixable - just be patient and handle your work in progress delicately. Using a seam ripper, gently remove the stitches you’d like to re-do and then pick back up where you left off! I do not recommend re-using fiber - even if it’s still intact it’s been worn down.
Why is needlepoint so expensive?
- Each needlepoint canvas on MJD is hand-painted so you’re investing in art! Luckily it’s a fairly time consuming process, which means you’re limited in the number of canvases you can realistically stitch (and purchase!).
I hope this helped equip you with the knowledge and confidence to get started! The biggest tip I can leave you with: just get started! The needlepoint community is incredible; you’ll find tons of resources online and if you’re lucky enough to live near a Needlepoint Shop, definitely pay them a visit! If you still have questions please reach out to the MJD team! We’ll be here cheering you on one stitch at a time!
XO,
Morgan
PS- Is there a skill or technique you want us to cover in our next blog post? Email us at partnerships@morganjuliadesigns.com!
