Needlepoint for Beginners: What We Wish We Knew Before I Started Stitching
If you've ever scrolled past a gorgeous hand-painted needlepoint canvas and thought,
“She looks like she has her life together,”
…you’re our kind of person.
Because truly? Nothing says quiet-luxury energy like someone calmly stitching in a corner, iced latte beside them, creating heirloom art one tiny square at a time.
Needlepoint isn’t just a hobby, it’s a personality.
And if you're needlepoint-curious (or finally ready to try beginner needlepoint for real), welcome. Let’s skip the confusion, the overwhelm, and the “why are there so many needles” questions.
Here’s everything we wish someone told me before we started stitching.
1. You Do Not Need 57 Supplies to Start Needlepoint
Repeat after us:
✨ Minimalist stitcher era. ✨
Instagram will tell you to buy every gadget since the dawn of thread. But beginner needlepoint only requires:
A tapestry needle
Threads (cotton, wool, or silk)
A project pouch (yes, a cute one like ours)
If you want to feel extra organized?
Add a needle minder.
But you do not need a suitcase of tools to look like a girl who has her life together.
2. Start Small (Save the Needlepoint Mahjong Mat for Later)
Yes, you could begin with a giant Mahjong Mat or a backgammon board.
But unless you enjoy suffering — don’t.
Start with:
Ornaments
Coasters
Keychains
Fast wins = confidence boost
Tiny canvas = maximum cute + minimal emotional damage
3. Pick a Mesh Count You Actually Enjoy (13 or 18 — That’s It)
Mesh count sounds like complicated math.
Good news: it’s not algebra, and nobody’s grading you.
Here’s the chic-girl version:
13-mesh = beginner-friendly, slightly larger holes
18-mesh = smaller, more detailed stitches, very elegant
You can start with either!
But, remember, “reading glasses are optional but recommended.”
4. Threads Matter… But Don’t Panic
People get emotional about thread types. You’d think we were discussing politics.
As a beginner, here’s the simple truth:
Wool: classic, forgiving, cozy
Cotton: smooth, great colors, user-friendly
Silk: luxurious, luminous, treat her gently like she's wearing quiet-luxury cashmere
Just choose threads you like. We love Tilli Tomas threads and our kits have the Essentals
This isn’t a Vogue interview. We promise nobody will ask your thread philosophy.
5. Yes, You Need to Secure Your Thread (But It's Not Scary)
Learning how to start and end your thread feels like learning how to flirt;) Confusing for 30 seconds… then suddenly obvious.
We prefer the away knot for securing your thread. An away knot is one of the cleanest, most secure ways to start a new thread—especially when you don’t want any bulk or tails showing on the back of your canvas.
To create one, simply tie a small knot at the end of your thread and place it an inch or two away from where you plan to start stitching. Bring your needle up at your starting point and begin your stitches like normal. As you work, your stitches will travel toward the knot on the back of the canvas, anchoring the loose tail underneath them.
Once your stitches reach the area behind the knot and the tail is firmly secured, just snip off the knot from the front of your canvas. Nothing shows. No bulky tails. Just a neat, clean start.
It’s quick, invisible, and keeps the back of your canvas looking just as tidy as the front.
Ending threads are easy. Simply weave under existing stitches.
6. A Good Needle Minder Will Save Your Sanity
Dropping your needle on a plane, couch, or hotel carpet? Not the vibe.
A needle minder = magnetic bestie.
Keeps your needle attached like a loyal friend at a cocktail party.
Does it also look cute? Of course it does!
Will you feel like a woman of taste when you use it? Absolutely.
7. Stretch Bars Are Optional, Not Required
Some stitchers swear by stretcher bars.
Some live wildly and stitch in hand.
Both are correct.
(Because needlepoint is a hobby, not a tax form.)
Try both. See what feels good.
8. Mistakes Are Not Failure — They Are Texture & Character
If your first stitch looks like it had too much espresso, congrats! You’re doing beginner needlepoint exactly right.
Permission slip:
-pull out stitches when needed
-leave tiny imperfections
-laugh when your thread knots itself like a toddler’s shoelaces
Perfection is not the goal.
Presence is.
9. It Will Become Your Favorite “Phone-Free” Ritual
Stitching is the cutest way to say:
“I cannot be emotionally available for my phone right now.”
Needlepoint slows your brain.
Softens your nervous system.
Turns scrolling time into stitching time.
Quiet luxury isn’t shopping —
it’s hobbies like needlepoint that make you feel grounded and glamorous.
10. Needlepoint People Are Delightful: Join Us
Needlepoint girls are truly the best.
We cheer each other on.
We share threads.
We gasp dramatically over canvases.
You belong here.
And your future stitch-besties are waiting.
Final Thoughts: You’re Already a Needlepoint Girl
If you’re reading this, you’re basically in the club already.
The cozy-corner-stitchers.
The poolside-canvas queens.
The “I travel with threads and no one can stop me” society.
Welcome to your new favorite hobby.
Want help choosing your first canvas?
Ready to start your chic-stitch era?
We can’t wait for you to grab your first Georgie & Lottie Co. canvas. Let’s go shopping!
Get ready to:
Stitch like a queen.