What’s your (Needlepoint) Poison?

Updated July 6, 2019.
“What’s your poison?”

It’s an old-fashioned way to ask what you’re drinking. When we buy cocktails at a restaurant it isn’t strange for weach person to want a different one. But do we realize that in needlepoint for each of us our “poison” is different.

As stitchers, we have different “poisons” as well. One person might like Charted Canvas. Another might prefer line-drawn, a third might be addicted to printed canvas. Or you might like hand-painted canvas.

In case you hadn’t noticed, I like it all and that brings me to the point. No matter what kind of needlepoint project or canvas you buy it should be of good quality.

So ask yourself these questions:

• If there are instructions are they clear and complete enough that you can stitch the project?
• If there are letters or numbers on the canvas themselves are they stitch-drawn?
• Are the materials good quality? A piece stitched in acrylic yarns takes just as long to do as one stitched in wool, but it can’t be blocked properly, feels unpleasant, and will pill. Where do you want to spend your time?
• Are the colors on the canvas distinguishable from each other?
• If there are materials or material lists, are they complete? If it’s printed is the material list there where you can see it? If it’s a kit is everything included?
• Is it stitchable for your skill level? A stitch painted canvas is easier to stitch than one that is not. A canvas with areas of single colors is easier to stitch than one with shading.
• If you are going to stitch it now, does it fit the amount of time you have? This one always gets me.
• Do you love it? Often a challenging project can be worth it if you love the piece.

These questions are good to keep in mind not only when you are in the shop but when you are cleaning out your stash.

Asking yourself these questions & knowing yourself as a stitcher will help you be wiser in your purchases.