Updated August 14, 2021.
These days, as some have pointed out, the emphasis seems to be on elaborate needlepoint. Stuff that has many stitches, many threads, fancy finishing, and difficult techniques. If you are a beginner you think there isn’t anything out there for you. That no one cares if you want to learn needlepoint. Or if you succeed in doing so.
That’s just not true.
I’m committed to helping you learn needlepoint with my teaching, ebooks, this blog, as well as my upcoming membership site (contact me to get on the waitlist). Here’s a summary of what’s available.
If You Want to Learn Needlepoint
My free email beginners course has been taken by over 3000 people. Buy it on the linked page.
This course provides an overview of needlepoint, a look at the tools and materials used, instruction of Continental, Basketweave, and ten other stitches. Plus two projects are included.
It’s a great way to teach yourself or a friend needlepoint at a bargain price.
Pick a Project
I also have many ebook projects designed especially for beginning stitchers.
Rainbow Sherbet is designed as a first needlepoint project. You’ll learn stitches and many techniques that will help you create successful projects.
Attic Windows is one of my favorites because the three ornaments will teach you new stitches in a lovely setting.
That’s just the beginning, there are lots of other projects perfect for beginners.
Take a Project Class
Many of my Art Needlepoint and Needlepoint Independent Study courses are great to teach you new stitches. You can find them on the linked page.
Some of the projects and classes, such as Attics Windows, are designed as beginner projects teaching you what might be in a sampler but in a fresh format.
Other projects, such as Amaryllis, are designed to build on the knowledge you have.
Get a Stitch Guide
Unlike many other stitch guide writers, my custom stitch guides meet you where you are and help you meet your needlepoint goals. To learn more about this and my other custom services, please contact me.
Depending on your budget and the canvas, I have three options:
- Quick Stitch Help – gives you stitch and thread suggestions for a background or for an area on the canvas.
- Stitch Maps – Give you stitch and thread suggestions in a “just the facts ma’am” format that is perfect for simpler canvases
- Stitch Guides – go into more detail with explanations on how to do techniques, the reasoning behind choices and ideas you can apply to other canvases,
Always my guides are customized to you: your ideas, your preferences, your stitching level, your stash, and even your local shop. No one else offers this level of customization at such affordable prices.
P.S. If budget is a concern, let me know, I can be very creative and I want you to love needlepoint.
Become a Nut
I also have many projects and tips on this blog for beginners. Click on the beginners category to start exploring.
There are hundreds of posts in this category and they cover everything related to needlepoint. You’ll find
- links to great projects from all over the Web
- original projects on this blog
- reference articles on all kinds of stitching topics
- reviews of great products
- stitch suggestions
- tips
Grab a cup of coffee and come explore!
There’s plenty out there for beginning needlepointers, starting here. Grab a needle and start stitching!
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
I purchased 2 small canvases for my Florida condo–beach chairs–beach house etc. They are small and require small stitches. I have the book Needlepointing in Your Nest–I went to the small stitch section but there is not enough detail for the stitches for me. I am not a beginner but I am not very accomplished either. Is there anything else that might help me? I also am working on a purse that has several sections that are going to require small stitches. Thank you for any help you can offer.