Tuesday, January 19, 2021

UK Needlepoint Kit Designers UPDATED

I just realized there are a ton of UK companies selling needlepoint kits.  So I've listed them below in alphabetical order so you can browse the websites.  Some of these only sell their own designs, some sell a variety of designers.  Note that these are usually kitted with wool, the designs are printed on the canvas, and the canvas size varies between 10, 12 and 14 count most of the time.  Painted canvases on 18 count needlepoint canvas are an American thing.  The only exceptions are Kirk and Bradley and Tapisserie's hand painted designs.

Anna Pearson Needlepoint - This designer also holds classes and retreats

Beth Russell Needlepoint - Well known for their Arts and Crafts style

Cleopatria's Needle - lovely classic designs

Ehrman Tapestry - The grandfather of them all with a huge range of designers they represent, look for some of their books with charts if you are a counted fan

Elizabeth Bradley -  Huge range of designs in all sizes including rugs, look for some of their books with charts if you are a counted fan - This UK company is widely available through Needlepoint.com in the US, which is a sister company.

Fine Cell Work - Started out as a prison charity they mostly sell finished work instead of kits but they also offer finishing services. They have a brick and mortar shop now.

Glorifilia Needlepoint - look for their books with charts if you are a counted fan

Jolly Red - they have a nice finishing service for their designs

Kirk and Hamilton (now Kirk and Bradley) - This UK company's painted designs are widely available through Needlepoint.com in the US, which is a sister company

Millenia Designs - Another shop with classic British designs

One Off Needlework - Some designs are available as charts, too - they also offer finishing, such as the "cone" door stop and their bunting flag charts are darling

Primavera is known for their flora designs.  These are printed.

Tapisserie - A fun London store with many unique hand painted designs (see Hayat below) that stocks French wool and silks and a few "fun" threads from the US to stitch them with.

Did I forget anyone?  Email me at chillyhollow at hot maildotcom so I can update the list.

UPDATES:  Many thanks to the nice folks who helped add new UK tapestry companies to the list!

Hannah Bass - well known for her charming map designs but also has graphic letters, fun bird pillows and a set of darling animal Christmas ornaments which are cross stitches on a wooden form

Hayat Needlepoint - Hayat Palumbo's designs are often found in Tapisserie (apparently she founded the shop) and she is said to have an Instagram account and a small website but I haven't found them.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 14, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.