Affordable Needlepoint Tools & Accessories: Must-Haves for Beginners
Needlepoint is a beautiful, calming craft, but getting started shouldn’t be as complicated or as expensive as it sometimes is. At Unwind Studio, we believe that entering this world of needlepoint should be simple, accessible, and stress-free, especially for beginners who are just starting to experiment with this craft. That’s why we try to offer a curated selection of affordable and useful tools that make the needlepoint experience smoother and more fun, while avoiding breaking the bank.
Below is a list of our best suggestions of beginner must-haves (and a few nice-to-haves) that help you stay organized, confident, and ready to stitch!
Essential Needlepoint Tools (the basics)
1. Tapestry Needles
Why you need it: Blunt-tipped needles are essential for stitching through canvas without damaging it or the thread.
Why it’s affordable: They come in pairs in every kit you purchase at Unwind Studio, and last you a looong time (if you don't end up losing them on the couch...but we have a solution for that later on).
Available for individual purchase here: John James Tapestry Needles
2. Embroidery Scissors
Why you need it: Clean thread cuts make stitching easier, prevent the thread from fraying or becoming too fuzzy, and make your finished piece look neater.
Why it’s affordable: We have a selection of more affordable scissor options available in our collection and a single good-quality pair lasts for years.
Included in our Embroidery Essentials Bag or sold individually here: Embroidery Scissors Collection
3. Embroidery Essentials Bag
Why you need it: This is the perfect all-in-one starter set. It includes four needlepoint beginner-friendly tools that will certainly help you start your journey: embroidery scissors, a stitch unpicker, three needle threaders, and a needle minder.
Why it’s affordable: Instead of buying tools separately (which would be more expensive), this kit gives you everything you need at a bundled price.
Available at Unwind Studio: Embroidery Essentials Bag
Here’s what’s inside:
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Embroidery Scissors – precise, sharp, and travel-sized
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Needle Threader – helps thread the needle effortlessly, especially great for beginners
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Stitch Unpicker – perfect for fixing small mistakes without damaging the canvas
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Needle Minder – keeps your needle safely in place when not in use
Useful Needlepoint Tools & Accessories (optional)
4. Magnetic Tin Case (Optional but Great for Organization)
Why you might want it: Keep your needles, needle minders, stitch unpickers, and even the embroidery scissors secure in one place. The magnetic base stops them from getting lost!
Why it’s affordable: Durable, portable and super helpful for organization at an affordable price, plus you just have to purchase it once.
Available at Unwind Studio: Magnetic Tin Box for Embroidery and Crafting
5. Stretcher Frames + Thumb Tacks (Optional but Helpful)
Why you might want it: Framing your canvas keeps your stitches more even, especially for beginners using the continental tent stitch, which causes a lot of distortion to the canvas due to the tension of the stitches. It also makes the stitching experience more comfortable since it gives your hands a better grip.
Why it’s affordable: The frames are reusable, and thumb tacks are very affordable.
Available at Unwind Studio: Wood Stretcher Frames + Thumb Tacks
6. Needle Minders (Also Sold Individually)
Why you might want it: These magnetic tools hold your needle when you pause stitching so it never gets lost in the couch again!
Why it’s affordable: You just need to purchase one to be functional (although it's easy to want more, they're all too cute)
Included in the Embroidery Essentials Bag or for individual purchase (multiple cute designs) here: Needle Minders collection.
7. Needle Threaders (Also Sold Individually)
Why you need it: Makes threading much easier for beginners, especially with thicker threads or small needle eyes.
Why it’s affordable: A tiny and super affordable tool that saves a ton of time and frustration.
Available at Unwind Studio: Needle Threaders
8. Stitch Unpickers (Also Sold Individually)
Why you need it: Mistakes happen, and that’s more than okay! A stitch unpicker helps you remove errors and cut stitches with precision, without damaging the canvas.
Why it’s affordable: One of the lowest-cost tools, and it can save a project - also, you just need one.
Included in the Embroidery Essentials Bag or for individual purchase (two sizes) here: Stitch Unpickers/Seam Rippers
9. Project Bags (Optional but Great for Portability and Staying Organized)
Why you might want it: A project bag helps you carry and store your needlepoint pieces, tools, and threads safely, whether you’re stitching on the couch or on the go. They're also super cute and a great travel companion.
Why it’s affordable: One purchase = a lifetime of neat, portable stitching.
Available at Unwind Studio: Needlepoint Project Bags
10. Blank Canvas (For Practice or Freestyle Projects)
Why you might want it: If you want to experiment, sketch your own design, or practice stitches, a blank canvas is perfect. You can also practice/plan on the margins of your bigger needlepoint projects, so you can save this cost.
A piece of blank canvas is also included in our digital charts (the most affordable option to start stitching).
Why it’s affordable: Sold in small sections so you can test the waters.
Available at Unwind Studio: Blank Needlepoint Canvas
Final Thoughts
Needlepoint doesn’t require a huge investment to get started. With just a few well-chosen tools, you can dive into your first project feeling confident, relaxed, and excited to create.
At Unwind Studio, we’re here to support beginners every step of the way—with affordable tools, beautiful kits, and a community that loves to stitch. Whether you're just getting started or leveling up your toolkit, our essentials are here to make your creative time more joyful and stress-free.
Happy stitching!
