Tools of the Trade

The Essential Needlepoint Supplies

One of the wonderful things about needlepoint is that you need surprisingly few tools to get started.

Over time, many stitchers build a collection of favorite accessories, but these basics will carry you through your first project.
✦ Erica's Beginner Recommendations

If you're just getting started, I recommend:

  • A 13 mesh canvas
  • DMC Perle or Matte Cotton or another beginner-friendly thread
  • A size 20 tapestry needle
  • Small embroidery scissors
  • A pack of stretcher bars
  • Good lighting

And that's it.

You do not need every tool, accessory, or gadget to become a good stitcher. Start simple, discover what you enjoy, and build your collection over time.

Remember…

Needlepoint has been enjoyed for generations because it is ultimately a simple craft: canvas, thread, and a needle.

Everything else is simply part of the fun!

Painted Canvas

Painted canvases come in 2 styles: stitch painted, and artistically painted.

Stitch painted means that every intersection is marked clearly with a color - these canvases are the easiest to stitch and the most popular.

Artistically painted means the artist didn't cleanly paint intersections - these canvases often involve a lot of detail and shading, and it is up to the stitcher to decide where best to place colors. These canvases are more challenging, but quickly become minature works of art.

Due to shortages and long lead times at paint houses, printed canvases are starting to become more popular - however, not all of these canvases are stitch-printed. Lower quality printed canvases can sometimes be tricky to stitch and often require a chart.

Thread

Different threads create different textures, finishes, and effects. Depending on your canvas mesh size, you can select corresponding threads to have proper coverage. See our All About Threads page for more information.

Tapestry Needles

Needlepoint uses blunt tapestry needles with large eyes that accommodate thicker threads and glide easily through the canvas. Popular brands include Bohin and Tulip; each stitcher has their preference so it's good to try both.
✦ GENERAL GUIDELINES

10-12 mesh → Size 16 or 18 needle
13 mesh → Size 20 needle
18 mesh → Size 22 needle
22-24 mesh → Size 24 or 26 needle

Embroidery Scissors

A small pair of sharp scissors is perfect for trimming threads and keeping your stitching tidy.
✦ ERICA'S RECOMMENDATION

A good pair of scissors is worth the cost; my favorite are the Gingher Epaulette, and they're very affordable (compared to Maison Sajou, for example!). Also, a small pair of snips are great to have on hand for traveling or to stash in a project bag.

Helpful Accessories

Stretcher Bars

Wooden bars that help maintain the shape of a canvas and provide more even tension while stitching. Stretcher bars come in multiple sizes to fit various canvas dimensions. If using bars, you'll need either tacks or staples to attach your canvas to the bars.

Stretcher bars are completely optional, and many experienced stitchers prefer to "scoop" their canvas or stitch in hand. It's important to note, however, that not using bars means more blocking for the canvas when it comes time to finish it.
✦ ERICA'S RECOMMENDATION

If you have arthritis (like me!) save your hands and never skip the bars, or a scroll frame.

Scroll Frame

For larger canvases (stockings, pillows, etc.) you may want to consider using a scroll frame. Previously, scroll frames worked in a couple ways; you either basted your canvas onto the frame or sandwiched it between to slats that would screw in place. Nowadays, new scroll frames use removable clips which make loading your canvas a breeze!

Scroll frames can be loaded two ways; canvas at the top, with excess rolled underneath - or canvas at the bottom, with the excess rolled on top of the canvas. Both options have their pros and cons, it's important to figure out what works best for you!

Needleminders

Magnetic accessories that hold your needle while you stitch. These are completely optional - many stitchers just tuck their needle into a corner of canvas when done stitching. But needleminders can also add a bit of whimsy to your stitching and many people collect them!
✦ ERICA'S RECOMMENDATION

Honestly, I didn't buy my first needleminder until I had been stitching for almost 40 years. You don't need to join a needleminder club or start a collection UNLESS they bring you joy!

Project Bags

A wonderful way to organize canvases, threads, and accessories to keep your projects neat and tidy.
✦ ERICA'S RECOMMENDATION

Truthfully, I own exactly one project bag. I use a "project basket" that I keep next to the sofa for stitching. However, I only have 1-2 WIPs at a time. A friend who has 10 WIPs has a stash of project bags to keep them organized. So this is definitely a personal preference - don't feel you need to run out and purchase a pricey one, there are many great options at Target, believe it or not!

Needle Threaders

A small piece of metal with two or more hooks to help you thread tricky fibers into your needle.

Good Lighting

Perhaps the most underrated needlepoint tool of all. Proper lighting makes stitching easier and significantly reduces eye strain. Daylight is best, but stitching-specific lights (neck lights, Stella, etc.) are available for nighttime or low-light stitching.
✦ ERICA'S RECOMMENDATION

A lightweight, rechargeable clip light from Amazon works perfectly to start! And as a bonus, you can use it as a reading light.