Learn The Basics

Needlepoint Thread Guide

Choosing the right thread can totally change the look and feel of your needlepoint piece! From silky smooth finishes to soft wool blends, there are lots of options out there. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular types of thread and when to use them.

Vineyard Silk

Type: 100% silk

Details: Glides beautifully through canvas with minimal fraying

Best For: 18 mesh

Silk & Ivory (Amy’s Personal Favorite)

Type: 50% wool, 50% silk

Details: More durable for larger projects

Best For: 13 mesh

Essentials

Type: 50% silk, 50% merino

Details: Lightweight and super versatile; comes in 10 yard cards perfect for on-the-go and vibrant colors

Best For: 18 mesh

Perle Cotton (e.g., DMC Perle #5 or #8)

Type: 100% Cotton

Details: The most affordable thread option that you can find at a local craft store

Best For:

  • Perle #3: 13 mesh
  • Perle #5: 18 mesh

Fyre Werks

Type: 60% metalized nylon, 40% nylon

Details: Shiny metallic ribbon that will add glitter to your canvas

Best For: 13 and 18 mesh

Needlepoint Stitches

Just starting out? The below stitches are simple, foundational, and perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to create clean, standard stitches.

  • Basketweave – The most common stitch for covering large areas. It’s simple, even, and creates a beautiful flat surface for your design.
  • Continental Stitch – Similar to the basketweave, but with horizontal stitches. This is another great, straightforward stitch for beginners that creates a clean look.

Interested in learning more types of stitches? We will be carrying some of the most popular needlepoint stitch books very soon!

Want to Learn More?

Be sure to explore our blog and workshops to dive deeper into different techniques and expand your stitch repertoire!