Shopping for your first needlepoint project can be a daunting task! Here are some characteristics that make some projects better for beginners than others.
13 mesh vs. 18 mesh
We recommend starting out with a 13 mesh project for two reasons: the holes are bigger and easier to see, and the designs tend to be a bit simpler.
Keep it Simple
Less colors and detail are the names of the game when shopping for a beginner project. Less colors are better because you don't have to buy as much thread, which means you have a smaller investment for your first project. Canvases with less details are going to be easier to stitch while you get the hang of the continental stitch.
Big Blocks of Color
It's easier to learn the continental stitch when you have long lines of the same color so you can get a feel for the flow of the stitch.
Prioritize Possibility
It may not be your favorite canvas ever, but that's ok! We like to call your first canvas your doodle canvas, because you are going to mess up. That is the nature of learning anything new and is 100% normal! With that in mind, prioritize finding a project that's easy to achieve, versus jumping in on something overly complicated that might make you frustrated and give up.
Shop beginner canvases and kits here!
