Needlepoint for Beginners: The Complete Guide

If you’ve ever seen a TikTok of someone needlepointing or watched a friend pull out their canvas and thought, “Wait, I want to do that. But where do I even start?” you are in the right place.

Needlepoint can look intimidating at first, but it’s actually a very simple craft to learn. At its most basic, you’re using a needle and thread to stitch over a canvas, one stitch at a time, until the design comes to life.

You don’t need to know how to sew, and you don’t need to know dozens of stitches to get started. All you really need is a canvas, a needle, some thread, and a little patience.

Let’s start at the beginning.

What Is Needlepoint?

Needlepoint is a type of embroidery worked on a canvas using a needle and thread. The canvas is made up of a grid of little holes that you fill with stitches.

I like to think of needlepoint as paint-by-numbers, but instead of painting, you’re filling in the design with thread. Most modern needlepoint canvases are hand-painted, so the design is already there for you—you simply follow the colors and stitch over the painted canvas.

It’s one of the reasons needlepoint is so beginner-friendly. You don’t need to know how to draw or follow a complicated chart; you just follow the canvas in front of you.

Needlepoint vs. Cross-Stitch vs. Embroidery

If you’re new to needlework, it can be confusing to understand the difference between needlepoint, cross-stitch, and embroidery. They are all forms of stitching, but they are worked a little differently.

• Needlepoint is typically worked on a stiff mono canvas and is designed to cover the canvas with stitches. You typically use a blunt tapestry needle.
• Cross-stitch is usually worked on a softer fabric, such as Aida cloth, and uses X-shaped stitches that follow a chart.
• Embroidery is a much broader category of decorative stitching. It is typically worked directly onto fabric and can incorporate dozens of different stitches and techniques.

If you’re interested in learning more about the differences, check out our guide to needlepoint vs. cross-stitch vs. embroidery.

What Do You Need to Start Needlepoint?

You really don’t need much to get started! Just grab:

• A needlepoint canvas — Choose something small for your first project.
• A tapestry needle — The size will depend on your canvas’s mesh count.
• Thread — Wool, cotton, silk, or whatever you love the look of.
• Embroidery scissors — That’s it!

A Few Helpful Extras

Once you've fallen in love with needlepoint, there are plenty of accessories that can make stitching even more enjoyable.

A needle minder, good lighting, stretcher bars, and a comfortable place to stitch are all lovely additions—but you absolutely do not need them to get started.

If you want a complete list of everything I recommend for beginners, check out What Supplies Do You Need for Needlepoint?.

Understanding Needlepoint Mesh Count

One of the first terms you'll hear when you start needlepointing is mesh count. Mesh count is the number of holes per inch on your canvas. Two of the most common mesh counts are 13 mesh and 18 mesh.

The higher the mesh count, the smaller the holes—and therefore, the smaller your stitches will be.

• 13 mesh: This is my favorite mesh size, especially for beginners. The holes are larger, so your project works up faster and you can really see each stitch clearly.

• 18 mesh: This has smaller holes and creates a finer, more detailed finished piece. It is often used for smaller items like keychains and belts, where the finer mesh can create a more refined and durable finished product.

Every Eva Howard Designs canvas lists the mesh count, so you'll always know exactly what you're working with.

Choosing Your Needlepoint Thread

Picking out thread is my favorite part of stitching a new canvas! Your thread choice can completely change the look and feel of the finished piece, so it’s important to take your time and make sure you have the right thread.

• Cotton: Affordable, widely available, and forgiving. A great starting point for beginners.
• Wool: Gives a classic, cozy, matte texture and provides great coverage.
• Silk: Has a beautiful sheen and creates smooth, elegant stitches, but it can take a little practice and is typically more expensive.
• 50/50 Blend: Many popular threads are a combination of silk and wool. These are great because you get the durability and coverage of wool with the smoothness and sheen of silk.

The amount of thread you need depends on your mesh count, stitch, and how much area you are covering. When in doubt, I always recommend buying a little extra so you have enough to finish your project—and so your dye lots match. For a full breakdown on how to pick threads check out, how to choose needlepoint thread: a beginners guide

The First Stitch to Learn: basketweave

If you learn one stitch first, make it the basketweave stitch. It creates smooth, even coverage, and it is gentle on your canvas, meaning it keeps the canvas from pulling out of shape. It is the workhorse stitch that most needlepointers use for backgrounds and large areas.

We have a full walkthrough with video in our guide to how to do the basketweave stitch. Once you are comfortable there, our starter stitches guide shows you a handful more to add variety.

How to Stitch Your First Needlepoint Canvas 

We have a complete and comprehensive guide to help walk you through the entire process of this. But here is a brief run through of the process.

1. Choose a small canvas. A compact design finishes faster and keeps you motivated.
2. Thread your needle. Cut a length of thread about the distance from your fingertips to your elbow. Too long and it tangles.
3. Anchor your thread. Tie a knot at the end of your thread and push the needle through the top of your canvas about an inch from where you are going to start stitching.
4. Start with the details, then fill the background. Many stitchers stitch the lightest elements first and the darkest elements last. 
5. Keep even tension. Snug, not tight. Pulling too hard distorts the canvas.
6. End your thread. Run the tail under a few stitches on the back and trim.

That is a complete project. Repeat the fill until the whole canvas is covered.

Common Beginner Needlepoint Mistakes

There are a few easy mistakes to avoid when you're first starting out:

• Pulling your stitches too tight: Your stitches should be snug, not tight. Pulling too hard can warp your canvas.
• Cutting your thread too long: Longer threads tangle and wear out more easily. Your thread should be no longer than the tip of your middle finger to your elbow. 
• Using the wrong needle or thread: Make sure your needle and thread are appropriate for your canvas's mesh count. If your thread feels difficult to pull through the canvas, it may be too thick.
• Trying to do too much too soon: You don't need to learn every stitch or technique right away. Start with the basics, get comfortable, and have fun with it!

What Happens When You Finish Your Canvas?

Once your canvas is completely stitched, it’s ready to be finished! Finishing is the process of turning your stitched canvas into the beautiful, functional piece you envisioned.

Your canvas can become a pillow, ornament, stocking, keychain, door hanger, framed piece, and so much more.

You can either finish it yourself or send it to a professional finisher. If you’re new to needlepoint, I recommend starting with a professional finisher—you’ve already put so much time into stitching your canvas, and a good finisher can bring the whole project together.

Ready to Start?

If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’re feeling a little less intimidated by needlepoint!

The most important thing to remember is that you don’t need to know everything before you start. Pick a canvas you love, gather a few basic supplies, learn the basic stitches, and just begin.

Your first project doesn’t have to be perfect. The more you stitch, the more comfortable you’ll become—and before long, you’ll be ready to tackle your next canvas! Browse our hand-painted needlepoint canvases and find your first project.