What you need to start needlepoint

Canvas, wool or thread, a blunt tapestry needle, tape and (ideally) stretcher bars.

• Canvas: a painted canvas, or blank mono canvas plus a chart. Cut blank canvas at least 2 in (5 cm) (2 inches) bigger than the design all round.
• 13 mesh for a first piece: the holes are bigger and easy to see.
• Thread: needlepoint wool, or the yarn supplied with a kit.
• A tapestry needle (blunt, big eye): size 20 for 13 mesh, size 22 for 18 mesh.
• Small sharp scissors, and masking tape to bind the cut canvas edges.
• Stretcher bars and tacks (optional): canvas on a frame stays steady and stitches come out more even.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Floss Field: How to needlepoint, a beginner's guide
2. Cozy Stitchery: Needlepoint for beginners