How Long Does It Take to Paint A Canvas?

Clare at Oz Needle and Thread explains how long it takes her to paint some of her canvases.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DX9sZWvPBNb/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 17, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

Watch the Easter Bunny Grow

Aster+Daisy posted a video to TikTok showing Beth's Easter bunny and eggs stocking being painted.  It's fascinating to watch.  

https://www.tiktok.com/@bethstromberg/video/7616440616410483998?_r=1&_t=ZP-94dZTBRYTi3

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 14, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How To Paint Your Own

Quail Run posted five tips for painting your own designs on their Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1338783481610386&set=a.635108881977853

I've taken the liberty of repeating their tips here for the folks who don't have a Facebook account.  Thanks, Quail Run!

"Here are five practical tips for painting your own needlepoint canvas (a fun, budget-friendly way to create custom designs):

1. Choose the right paints and consistency
Use high-quality acrylic paints thinned to the consistency of half-and-half or light cream so they flow smoothly into the canvas intersections without bleeding or clumping. Artist-grade options like Liquitex Soft Body or Golden Fluid acrylics are recommended for better colorfastness and longevity, as cheaper craft acrylics (like some FolkArt or Ceramcoat) can fade, turn milky, or perform poorly over time.

2. Prep your canvas and workspace properly
Secure the edges of your needlepoint canvas (mono or interlock, typically 13–18 mesh) with tape to prevent fraying and keep it taut. Work on a clean, flat surface, and consider taping a printed chart or outline underneath if tracing. This helps keep everything aligned and makes it easier to paint precisely at each intersection.

3. Use affordable tools and the right technique
Opt for inexpensive synthetic brushes (the stiff canvas will ruin them quickly, so cheap packs are ideal). Alternatively, acrylic paint pens/markers (like Posca) are beginner-friendly for cleaner lines and less mess, especially for simple or outlined designs. Paint one color at a time, dabbing small dots or fills at each canvas intersection rather than broad strokes.

4. Plan and reference your design carefully
Start with a graphed pattern (from cross-stitch charts, your own sketch, or digital printout) where each square represents a canvas intersection. Lightly pencil guidelines on the canvas if needed (they'll be covered), then paint methodically—often from the bottom up or section by section—while constantly checking your reference to avoid mistakes. Tracing paper or a light box can help transfer designs accurately.

5. Test and let it cure fully
Do a small test on scrap canvas to check color flow, drying time, and how the paint sits in the holes. Once painted, allow the canvas to dry completely (often 24+ hours) before stitching to prevent smudging or color transfer to your yarn. Avoid over-thinning the paint, as it can weaken adhesion.

These steps make custom needlepoint much more affordable and creative than buying pre-painted canvases! Start simple if you're new. Begin with basic patterns or traced images. Happy painting and stitching!"

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 29, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hand Painted versus Stitch Painted versus Printed

If you don't have a needlepoint shop near you, you might find Stitch-Stash's explanation of the differences between stitch painted, hand painted and printed designs helpful.  Use the side arrow to look at the examples they posted.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGtvVddPGVl/?img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 4, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Paint a Needlepoint Canvas

Abigail Cecile has posted a video on her website showing how to paint a needlepoint canvas.
https://www.abigailcecile.com/pages/how-to-paint-a-needlepoint-canvas

It is a fabulous tutorial, whether you want to paint something special for yourself, whether you are thinking about starting a design business, or just if you want to know how it is done.  Thanks, Abigail!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 11, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hand Painting a Canvas: The Video

This time-lapse video shows SBT Stitches hand painting a canvas.  If you consider she's just using two colors and a fairly straight forward design with no shading, you'll start to understand why painted canvases are so expensive.
https://www.facebook.com/SBTstitches/videos/756772111376545/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 9, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ever Wonder How Stitch Painted Canvases Are Done?

Ever wonder how stitch painted canvases are created?  Kimberly Ann posted a video of herself creating a stitch painted design on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/2047564381987376/

There's another video of hers on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ywspv8PpYzA

The next time you are tempted to complain about the cost of hand painted canvases, think of the work involved.  And Kimberly does small items, with few colors.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 28, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Picking a Beginner Canvas

Jinny explains her rules for picking a beginner canvas.  If you plan to teach someone to stitch this summer, you might be interested in her ideas.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/05/5-tips-picking-first-needlepoint-canvas/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 24,  2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Recycling That Painted Canvas

Suzanne has a great tip on recycling a painted canvas whose colors you don't love.   Very clever, Suzanne!  She also kindly included a diagram for everyone to play with.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2015/04/i-love-houndstooth.html

Here Suzanne uses her houndstooth pattern inside a heart she traced onto plain canvas.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2015/04/love-all-around.html

Suzanne shows off the finished houndstooth mitten, along with a lesson on turkeywork.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2015/04/houndstooth-mitten-with-turkey-work-fur.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 22, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Who Paints Canvases from Photographs? UPDATED

People are always looking for recommendations for artists who will transfer a photograph to a needlepoint canvas. After all, there are special places, people or animals we'd like to stitch if only....

This came up on Facebook's needlepoint group.  Listed below are the shops and companies folks recommended.  Some paint by hand, some use transfer printers.  You'll have to follow up with each for samples of their work and pricing.  I have no personal experience with any of these folks so I can't tell you who does the best work.  These are recommendations from customers or postings from folks who offered their services.

Julie Paukert
Email Julie for a quote at repauk@att.net
Julie doesn't have a website but you can see her work at Wellesley Needlepoint.
http://www.wellesleyneedlepoint.com/JuliePaukert.shtml

Jebba Needlepoint (artist is Jan) in Corona del Mar, CA
no website or Facebook page

Needlepoint for Fun
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/shop/Frames.htm

Needlepaint.com and Needlepainters (Seth Berman)
https://www.etsy.com/shop/NeedlePainters
http://www.needlepaint.com

Ridgewood Needlepoint
http://www.ridgewoodneedlepoint.com

Stitch By Stitch
http://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com

Helene Mclaughlin
email her at Helenemclaughlin@yahoo.com

Tammy Sryigos Irrera (contact through her Facebook page)
https://www.facebook.com/tammy.irrera

Deborah Purtell Designs
http://www.deborahpurtelldesigns.com/custom.html

The Needlepoint Novelist
Contact her via her Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/The-Needlepoint-Novelist-Custom-Belts-and-More-443057675768673/?fref=photo


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 30, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.