How to Needlepoint to Make Wall Art, Throw Pillows, and More

Choose and Prepare the Canvas

Needlepoint canvases are stiff and consist of small square grids. They are usually measured by their mesh count (the number of holes per inch). The most common mesh counts are 13 and 18. Smaller mesh counts can be easier for beginners.

There are two ways to get a needlepoint canvas with your desired pattern—paint your own design on a blank canvas or purchase a ready-to-go one from a craft or needlepoint store. Printed canvases are often more affordable than painted ones.

If you are making your own, sketch your design on the canvas in pencil and paint over it with acrylic paint. Whether you make or purchase your canvas, you'll get a better result if you use stretcher bars or an embroidery hoop to keep your project taut and prevent any warping while stitching.

Thread the Needle

Cut a strand of thread no longer than 24 inches long using embroidery scissors. Pinch the end of the thread and slide it through the end of the needle (use a size 22 needle on a 13-mesh canvas and a size 24 on an 18-mesh canvas). If you are having a hard time threading your needle, try using a needle threader to make it easier.

Make a Waste Knot

A waste knot refers to a knot used to anchor the thread in your canvas while stitching. To make a waste knot, all you have to do is tie a knot (or multiple knots to make it thick enough to not slide through the holes in the canvas) at the end of the thread opposite of the needle. You now have one end of thread through the needle and the other in a knot.

Begin Stitching

Start at the upper-right side of the canvas. Run your needle through the front of the canvas, about one inch from where you will begin stitching your design. Your waste knot should secure the thread in place.

Thread your needle up through a hole from the back of the canvas and back down through the opposite hole diagonally. When you are working left to right, you will go from the bottom left-hand corner to the upper right-hand corner of each intersection in the canvas.

When you work from right to left, you will go from the upper right-hand corner to the bottom left-hand corner. This stitch is called the tent stitch, which is most common for beginners. If you have a pattern, it may give you different directions for a more specific type of stitch (continental, basketweave, half-cross, etc).

Continue this diagonal pattern in a line or block with the color of thread that corresponds with the color on your canvas.

Switch Colors (Optional)

When you need to switch colors, secure your current thread by weaving it through the back of existing stitches. Begin your new color in a nearby hole with a new waste knot. End waste knots by cutting off the knot and securing it the same way as if you switched thread color.

Turn Your Canvas Into a Product

To turn your beautiful, newly-finished canvas into wall art, throw pillows, keychains, ornaments, stockings, or other decor, you'll need to finish your product. You have two options for this—send it off to a professional or do it yourself.

If you choose to do it yourself, you may need some more supplies depending on the goal of your finished canvas. If you're going to frame it, consider using foam board, matting, and pins to secure it before framing. If you're going for something more complex, like an ornament or pillow, there are countless blogs and videos to give more detailed instructions on how to finish your project.