Needlepoint Academy

Third Coast Stitches has posted a thirty day short video series about needlepoint geared toward beginners that they call Needlepoint Academy.  It covers the basics and is also a good refresher for those of us who have been stitching since dinosaurs roamed the earth.  You can visit Needlepoint Academy here and start watching each lesson.

https://thirdcoaststitches.com/blogs/news/needlepoint-academy-a-30-day-series-to-help-you-start-stitching?se_activity_id=195844931831&syclid=d7jncpbofecs73dladig&utm_campaign=The+Stitchuation_195844931831&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 21, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Advice for Teaching Needlepoint to Kids

Poppy Monk Needlepoint has some fabulous advise for those who plan to teach needlepoint to kids this summer.  She lays out the benefits, strategies for teaching, and tips to make it more interesting to children.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/teaching-needlepoint-to-screen-native-kids

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 24, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch Beautifully An Essential Guide to Needlepoint UPDATED

Meredith Willet, owner of M's Canvashouse, the Meredith Collection, and an esteemed teacher, has released a book!  It is titled Stitch Beautifully An Essential Guide to Needlepoint.  Waste Knot has posted a short summary of the book on their Facebook page.  

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1852924732315613&set=a.937854437155985

I'm going to quote Waste Knot here as many folks don't have a Facebook account--

"New book alert!  Stitch Beautifully: An Essential Guide to Needlepoint by Meredith Willett is a wonderful new book featuring foundational knowledge and techniques for both beginning and experienced stitchers. There are all kinds of tips and tricks, information about when and where to use different kinds of decorative stitches, and a glossary explaining dozens of terms — among other things!"

The Meredith Collection website describes the book as 8 x 10 inches "with a lay flat wire O binding."  It's starting to be available in all the shops, so call up your favorite to order.

Just as a reminder, Meredith has also just published "Needlepoint Quick Guide" which is a good guide for beginners.

https://www.needlenook.com/product/needlepoint-quick-guide-by-meredith-willett/

UPDATE:  Stitch-Stash says this about the book (I am quoting part of their rave review in a shop e-newsletter)--

"You’ll find chapters covering:

• What is needlepoint

• Foundations for every stitch

• Needles, frames, and tools of the trade

• Threads 101

• Beginning and ending your threads

• Stitch families at a glance

• Decorative and compensating stitches

• How to choose the right stitch

• Beads, baubles, and bling

• Stitch bag essentials

• Tips I wish everyone had told me

…and so much more."

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: New Book from Meredith!

Meredith Willet has a new book coming out in March!  A simplified version called "Needlepoint Quick Guide" is available at her shop, M's Canvashouse, right now.

https://www.facebook.com/mscanvashouselexington/posts/pfbid02YppRWRfvBgK8FWWcDU1BPphnqhdJu1S7wexhDeaXtrH2UPqfhSqcggLrQQX6tZPzl

https://www.mscanvashouse.com/shop/c/p/Needlepoint-Quick-Guide-x98973911.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 9, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kit or Canvas? How to Choose a Beginner's Needlepoint

Needlepoint.com's blog has some sensible advice when you are picking a needlepoint project for a beginner--

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/where-to-start-kit-vs-canvas

Frankly, I'd also think about whether they have done cross-stitch (they'll have some stash) and whether there's a needlepoint shop in their area so they can shop and personalize their own design.  It's fun to start someone on the path toNeedlepoint Nirvana, but you do have to think about their starting point.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 25, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Kids Get It

Blue Dogwood pointed out this Wall Street Journal article about younger people doing needlework and other crafts as a way to de-stress away from screens.

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/relationships/20-somethings-grandma-hobbies-crochet-knitting-795bd985?st=1q8TeQ&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink&fbclid=IwY2xjawK87K5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBwQnk2SjkzdDZqMWxGZlh4AR4JFl5s_3BjOql6JbOh1WWJVedwSGTaKqECVfd58y1n1GABxliV7bai4FHQ9Q_aem_CCCtW40mRvhX_6kkAFJgEw

Yeah, the kids get it.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 16, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Jump Seat Therapy Luggage Tag Kits

I stumbled across cross stitch luggage tag kits from Jump Seat Therapy recently and thought they might be of interest.  Each kit comes with a printed piece of what appears to be Aida cloth, instructions, a plastic luggage tag you self finish, and a limited amount of cotton floss.  

https://www.jumpseattherapy.shop/collections/kits

The luggage tags aren't as nice as the leather ones we are used to, but the rubbery luggage tag looks durable and these are inexpensive, perfect for a beginner or perhaps to use with some scrap needlepoint canvas if you want to design your own monogram.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 7, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Continental Stitch: The Movie

Want to learn continental stitch?  This quick video from Coco Frank Studio demonstrates it very well.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJM0P25vIRX/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 5, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Answers for Beginners

KC Needlepoint has a nice blog posting answering frequent questions they get from new needlepointers about the beginner kits they sell.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/our-most-commonly-asked-questions

Their beginner kits are quite nice, not childish or too hard.  They come with everything you need, including scissors and one needle.  Needles are easy to lose, though, so I recommend you buy a packet of size 20 or 22 tapestry needles.  Tapestry needles have blunt tips.  Size 20 is a little larger than 22, but either size will work on 13 or 18 count unless you are using a very fat thread.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/the-beginner-kit

I have a ton of information for new needlepoints in the tabs just under the header of Blog.  Browse a bit and see what information rings a bell for you.  There are even videos and classes for those who like visual learning.  Take your time.  Wander from link to link and know that there is no rush to learn everything.  

My best tip is to cultivate a relationship with a needlepoint shop.  They will be your best buddy when you have questions, need help, or just want to talk about your new love of making something with your own hands.   

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 6, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tips on Choosing A Needlepoint Project

Needlepoint.com's latest blog posting is called "How to Choose the Right Needlepoint Kit for You."

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/how-to-choose-the-right-needlepoint-kit-for-your-style

The shop sells a lot of kits that include threads, embellishments, stitch guide and canvas.  They also rate their kits as to difficulty level, which is helpful if you are unsure.

Also keep in mind if you are just starting out that threads you have to separate and combine again in the needle's eye is a bit harder than a thread that you just cut off the skein or card and thread into the needle.  If you have any questions, just ask.  Most shops, including Needlepoint.com, are happy to help you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 13, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Happy Stitching with KC Needlepoint

KC Needlepoint has a new venture called Happy Stitching.

https://www.happystitching.com/

The website is a one-stop shopping needlepoint experience where you can buy a kit with everything you need including self-finishing items.  They even have a section of video tutorials to help folks who've not needlepointed or perhaps not used self-finishing goods before.  It's a great idea.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Starting the Needlepoint Adventure

Needlepoint.com has a nice blog article up for beginners with some basic stitch diagrams and information about the tools you might need.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/starting-your-needlepoint-journey-a-beginners-guide

Really all you need is a canvas, threads, needle and scissors, but the other things make stitching a bit easier.  You can always pick them up as you work on your second (or third) project once you get hooked, though.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 23, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Single Strand versus Pliable Threads

Needlepoint.com's latest video talks about the differences between single strand and pliable threads.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/thread-talks-single-strand-vs-pliable-thread

It's useful information for the newer stitcher who is just starting to explore all the available threads, but Needlepoint.com's Cheat Sheet that lists how many strands/plies should typically be used is something everyone will refer to now and again.

https://needlepoint.com/pages/tips-tricks

Note that the number of strands/plies is just a suggestion.  If you have exceptionally tight or loose stitching tension you will need more or less thread.  The stitch and effect you are going for matters, too.  Still, the cheat sheet is a good starting point.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 27, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Gingham Is My Safe Word (and more)

Oz Needle and Thread has a series of beginner videos to introduce folks to the basics.   There are also videos about how to finish a key fob and even a free "Gingham Is My Safe Word" chart for those who can't get enough gingham plaids in their life.

https://www.ozneedleandthread.com/pages/instructional-videos-and-resources

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 26, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Moving On From Beginner Status

Aren't quite a beginner any more?  Want to try something a bit more advanced?  Coco Frank has some good advice for choosing a more advanced needlepoint project which applies to both stitchers and those choosing a new project for a new-ish needlepointer.

https://cocofrankstudio.com/blogs/blog/beginner-next-steps

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 12, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stretcher Bars: The Movie

Fireside Stitchery in Pennsylvania has posted a video tutorial on how to use stretcher bars on their Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C2AxLo8PNyl/

The Corjac kit comes with tacks.  Shop around; prices vary.  Stretcher bars vary some in price, but not much.  Note that the skinnier Mini stretcher bars don't come in as long a length as the thicker ones.

https://www.officesupply.com/craft-supplies/sewing-quilting/notions/sewing-notions/lacis-corjac-tack/p413625.html?q=lacis%20corjac%20tack%20kit

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 13, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Beginner's Guide to Choosing Stitches

Poppy Monk Needlepoint has written a nice article about choosing stitches for painted canvases that is geared towards beginners.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/what-needlepoint-stitch-to-use

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 1, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Poppy Monk's Ideas About Stitching Order

Poppy Monk Needlepoint has written an interesting essay about the order in which you stitch your painted canvas.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/needlepoint-where-to-start

It's geared toward beginners and has good ideas but once you start stitching, you'll find that you naturally  deviate from The Rules.  For example, I almost always do the background first.  That's just me.  It's more important to stitch the way that works for you than following rules.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 17, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Best Needlepoint Kits: A Review

Poppy Monk Needlepoint has posted an article on their blog with their reviews of what they think are the best needlepoint kits.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/best-needlepoint-kits

I don't agree with many of their choices but they make some good points about what to look for and what threads are easier for a beginner to use (although they skip perle cotton entirely, which is a great and not very expensive choice for designs).

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 4, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Rittenhouse Videos

Rittenhouse in Philadelphia started out their YouTube channel with thread videos.  It was a great place to learn about various threads.  Now they are branching out with video channels for beginners, finishing, tips, store tours and something called "The Expert Series" which is the thread channel with introductions to all sorts of thread types and brands.

https://www.youtube.com/user/RNeedlepoint/playlists

It's a great browse and a good resource.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 30, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.