How to Choose the Right Needlepoint Project

Needlepoint is a beloved craft that offers a wide range of projects to choose from. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, there's a needlepoint project for everyone. But how do you pick the perfect one?

To make your decision easier, we've launched a Needlepoint Quiz on our website to help you find the best needlepoint kit based on your preferences. However, if you're interested in understanding the factors that should go into choosing the right needlepoint project, read on. We'll cover budget, skill level, personal taste, project size, and utility to guide you in your decision-making process.

1. Budget:

Your budget plays a significant role in selecting the right needlepoint project. Needlepoint kits can vary greatly in price depending on factors like the complexity of the design, the quality of materials, and whether the canvases are printed or hand painted. If you want to learn more about this topic, read our dedicated blog post: Differences between Needlepoint Canvases: Printed vs Hand Painted.

At Unwind Studio, we advocate for accessibility and affordability in Needlepoint, so you can find kits for every budget. We've reunited our best tips to find affordable needlepoint in this Guide for Affordable Needlepoint, so check it out if this variable is a concern for you.

• Beginner's Tip: If you're new to needlepoint, start with an affordable kit to practice your skills. As you become more confident, you can invest in more elaborate projects. 

2. Skill Level:

Choosing a project that matches your skill level is essential for an enjoyable and successful needlepoint experience:

• Beginner-Friendly: For novices, opt for projects labeled as "beginner" or "confident beginner". These often feature larger, simpler patterns and clear instructions.

• Intermediate to Advanced: If you're an experienced stitcher, challenge yourself with more intricate designs and techniques, and search for these skill-level labels.

3. Canvas Mesh Size

The mesh size (how many holes per inch) is also something to have in mind, in correlation to the skill level. The lower the "mesh" size, the larger the squares/holes between the canvas strands.

• 10-12 canvas mesh: These are beginner-friendly sizes to get started, because you can se more clearly where you have to stitch, as the holes of the canvas are bigger.
  
  
• 13 canvas mesh: The most common mesh size, and they are also recommended for beginners.

• 14-18 canvas mesh: These sizes are used in more intricate and detailed designs, advisable for more experienced stitchers.

4. Personal Taste:

Your personal taste matters most when selecting a needlepoint project. You should always choose something that resonates with your style and preferences:

• Design: Look for a pattern that you genuinely like, whether it's floral, geometric, abstract, or themed around your interests. We have lots of categories to choose from and you'll certainly find a design that fits your personality and taste.
  
  
• Colors: Consider your color preferences, as needlepoint projects often involve working with a wide range of hues. You can also think about where you want to place your finished piece and choose your design and colors according to that (will it be a cushion for the living room? or a wall hanging for your kitchen?...)

5. Project Size:

The size of your needlepoint project impacts the time and effort required. Consider the dimensions and your available crafting space:

• Extra small Projects: projects like sunglasses cases, bookmarks, ornaments, or coasters are ideal for quick, satisfying results.
  
  
• Small Projects: Usually finished as smaller framed works or small cushions, these can take a little bit more to finish, but are still a simpler and quicker project, depending on the complexity of the design.

• Medium to Large Projects: Larger projects like cushions or framed artworks provide more substantial creative challenges and take longer to be finished, but all of this also depends on how fast or slow of a stitcher you are.

6. Final Utility of the Project:

Think about how you intend to use the finished needlepoint piece:

• Decorative Art: If you plan to frame and display your work, choose a design that suits your home decor.
  
  
• Functional Items: For utility, pick projects like cushions, sunglasses cases or clutches. These can add a personal touch to your everyday items.
  
  
• Gifts: Consider creating unique and fun gifts for friends and family, searching for designs you find perfect for their personality/taste or even holiday-themed items.

 

Our Top Beginner Needlepoint Kits Recommendations:

Needlepoint Starter Kits

Depending on your budget, a starter kit is always our recommendation to start with Needlepoint. You're not only getting the Needlepoint kit with all the instructions, threads, and needles, but also some very useful tools to start with: embroidery scissors, needle minder, needle threaders, and a stitch unpicker!

The Nadia Needlepoint Kit is also one of our favorites! Small, 13 mesh size, also few colors with a simple but stunning floral design. As you can see in the example above, you can even get adventurous with a few decorative stitches if you're feeling it!

 

 

Remember that the most important factor is your enjoyment of the process. Needlepoint should be a relaxing and fulfilling hobby. While these guidelines can help you choose the right project, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.

To further assist you in finding your perfect needlepoint project, be sure to check out our newly launched quiz on our website. This quick quiz will consider all of your answers and recommend the ideal needlepoint kit from our store.

Happy stitching!