Skip to content
Free shippingorders over 120€
English
English
Français
Deutsch
  • Shop Needlepoint Kits
    • Shop All Kits & Canvases
    • Bestsellers
    • New In
    • Beginner Kits
    • Starter Kits (all tools inc)
    • Shop by Skill Level and Size
      • for Kids
      • Starter Kits (all tools inc)
      • Beginner
      • Confident Beginner
      • Intermediate
      • Advanced
      • Extra Small
      • Small
      • Medium
      • Large
    • Shop by Category
      • Bookmarks
      • Key Fobs
      • Bag Charms & Patches
      • Portuguese Tiles
      • Starter Kits
      • Sunglasses Cases
      • Coasters & Trays
      • Clutches & Inserts
      • Cushion Kits
      • Ornaments
      • Christmas Products
      • for Kids
      • Long Stitch Kits
      • Digital Charts
      • Magnets
    • Shop by Style
      • Summer Love
      • Floral Garden
      • Folk Art
      • Nature Elements
      • Bold and Colorful
      • Geometric Designs
      • Abstract Visuals
      • Minimal Aesthetic
      • Museum Art
      • Cozy Fall
      • Mental Health Crafts
    • Shop by Theme
      • for Children
      • Animals
      • Flowers
      • Landscapes
      • Tumbling Blocks
      • Museum Art
      • Sayings
      • Portugal
      • Food
      • Christmas
      • Travel
      • Nursery Decor
    • Digital Charts
    • Canvas Sets
    • Sale
      • 25% Off Sale
      • Bundle & Save 10%
  • Accessories
    • Shop All
    • Unwind Studio Frames
    • Acrylic Trays & Coasters
    • Decorative Stitches Booklet
    • Project Bags
    • Needle Minders
    • Embroidery Scissors
    • Blank Canvas
    • Lifestyle Items
  • Finishing Shop
    • Browse our Finishing Guide
    • Shop Frames
    • Shop Supplies by Project
    • Shop All Finishing Tools & Materials
  • Gifts
    • Mother's Day Gift Guide ✨
    • Browse our Gift Guide
    • Gift Boxes
    • Greeting Cards & Gift Tags
    • Gift by Recipient
      • Gifts for Beginners
      • Gifts for Crafters & Makers
      • Gifts for Teenagers
      • Gifts for Kids
      • Gifts for Sisters or BFFs
    • Gifts by Price
      • Under 30€ / $30
      • 31€ - 50€
      • 51€ - 80€
      • Bundle & Save +10%
    • Gift Cards & Stocking Stuffers
      • Shop Gift Cards
      • Shop Stocking Stuffers
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Unwind for Business
    • Say Hello!
  • For Beginners
    • 🪡 Beginner's Guide
    • What's in a Needlepoint Kit?
    • How to Choose a Project
    • Best Stitches for Beginners
    • Guide to Affordable Needlepoint
    • Download our Free How To Booklet
  • Stitch Guides & Tutorials
    • Free Stitch Guides
    • Stitch Library & Tutorials
    • Tips & Tricks
      • Tips to Select Decorative Stitches
      • How to Compensate Stitches
      • Best tips for a perfect Stitching
      • Tips for a perfect Basketweave stitch
  • Needlepoint Finishing
    • ✂️ DIY Finishing Guide
    • Popular Finishing Tutorials
      • How to Block a Canvas
      • How to Frame a Needlepoint
      • How to Finish an Ornament
      • How to finish a Sunglasses Case
      • See all Finishing Tutorials
    • Tips & Tricks
      • How to do a Binding Stitch
      • Sewing 101 for Needlepoint
      • Top Tips to create a Gallery Wall
      • Unique Framing Ideas
      • DIY Finishing FAQs
  • Our Project Gallery
  • Blog
  • Get 10% OFF
    Take our Quiz
    Rewards
    Blog
    FAQs
    Log in
  • instagram Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
Cart
Subtotal
€0,00
Shipping, taxes, and discount codes calculated at checkout.
View cart
Your cart is currently empty.
  • Get 10% OFF
  • Take our Quiz
  • Rewards
  • Blog
  • FAQs

Language

  • Deutsch
  • English
icon-search Search
Unwind Studio logo on a white background Unwind Studio logo on a white background
account Log in icon-search Search Cart
  • Needlepoint Kits
    Featured
    New
    Bestsellers
    Starter Kits (all tools inc)
    Beginners
    Kids
    Digital Charts
    25% Off Sale
    Bundle & Save 10%
    Kits with Stitch Guide
    Kits with Finishing Materials
    Tools & Supplies
    All Kits & Canvases
    Shop by Category
    All Kits & Canvases
    Starter Kits
    Bookmarks
    Key Fobs
    Bag Charms & Patches
    Portuguese Tiles
    Sunglasses Cases
    Coasters & Trays
    Clutches & Inserts
    Cushion Kits
    Ornaments
    Christmas Products
    Long Stitch Kits
    Magnets
    Kids
    Shop by Style
    Summer Love
    Floral Garden
    Bold and Colorful
    Nature Elements
    Folk Art
    Geometric Designs
    Abstract Visuals
    Minimal Aesthetic
    Colorful Spring
    Mental Health Crafts
    Shop by Skill Level & Size
    for Kids
    Starter Kits (all tools inc)
    Beginner
    Confident Beginner
    Intermediate
    Advanced
    Extra Small
    Small
    Medium
    Large
    Shop All Kits
    ARE YOU INTO?
    Canvas Sets
    Animals
    Flowers
    Landscapes
    Tumbling Blocks
    Museum Art
    Sayings
    Food
    Portugal
    Travel
    Christmas
    Nursery & Kids Decor
  • For Beginners
    Needlepoint Beginner's Guide
    Beginner's Guide
    How to Needlepoint
    Shop
    Starter Kits (all tools inc)
    Beginners Kits
    Start with the Basics
    What's in a Needlepoint Kit?
    How to choose the right project
    Best Stitches for Beginners
    Best Tips for Beginners
    Guide to Affordable Needlepoint
    Download our Free Booklet
  • Accessories
    Stitching Tools
    Stitching Tools
    Shop All
    Decorative Stitches Booklet
    Project Bags
    Needle Minders
    Embroidery Scissors
    Blank Canvas
    Framing by Unwind Studio
    Framing
    Shop our Frames
    All about our High-Quality Frames
    Acrylic Trays & Coasters by Unwind Studio
    Acrylics
    Shop our Acrylics
    Shop Kits & Canvases Inserts
    Lifestyle
    Lifestyle Items
    Shop our Lifestyle Items
    Greeting Cards & Gift Tags
    Aromatic Candles
    Organic Infusions
  • Finishing
    Learn how to Finish
    Explore our Guide
    How to Block Needlepoint
    How to Frame Needlepoint
    See all Finishing Tutorials
    Finishing Supplies
    Shop by Project
    Shop all Supplies
    Tips & Tricks
    How to do the Binding Stitch
    Sewing 101 for Needlepoint
    Tips for Gallery Walls with Needlepoint
    Top Finishing FAQs
    Project Gallery
  • Stitches Guides & Library
    Stitch Guides
    Stitch Library & Tutorials
    Tips & Tricks
    Tips to Select Stitches
    How to Compensate Stitches
    Best Tips for a Smother Stitching
    How to get a perfect Basketweave Stitch
    Decorative Stitches for Needlepoint Booklet
    Decorative Stitches
    Shop our Booklet
  • Gifts
    Gift by Recipient
    Browse our Gift Guide
    Gifts for Beginners
    Gifts for Crafters & Makers
    Gifts for Teenagers
    Gifts for Sisters or BFFs
    Gifts for Kids
    Gifts by Price
    Under 30€ / $30
    31€ - 50€
    51€ - 80€
    Over 80€
    Bundle & Save +10%
    Unwind Studio Gift Box
    Gift Boxes
    See our Gift Boxes
    Greeting Cards & Gift Tags
    Unwind Studio Gift Card
    Gift Cards
    Shop Gift Cards
    Shop Stocking Stuffers
  • About
    About Us
    About Us
    More about Our Story & the Team
    Unwind Rewards
    Unwind Rewards
    Earn while Unwinding
    Our Blog
    Learn and Get Inspired
    Unwind for Business
    Unwind for Business
    Become our Stockist
    Custom Orders
    Special Events & Corporate Gifs
    Our Artists
    Become an Affiliate
    Take our Quiz
    Say Hello!
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts
Home / Unwind Studio Blog /
beginner · tips & tricks ·Sep 15, 2023

How to Choose the Right Needlepoint Project

by Cátia Correia

Needlepoint is a beloved craft that offers a wide range of projects to choose from. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, there's a needlepoint project for everyone. But how do you pick the perfect one?

To make your decision easier, we've launched a Needlepoint Quiz on our website to help you find the best needlepoint kit based on your preferences. However, if you're interested in understanding the factors that should go into choosing the right needlepoint project, read on. We'll cover budget, skill level, personal taste, project size, and utility to guide you in your decision-making process.

1. Budget:

Your budget plays a significant role in selecting the right needlepoint project. Needlepoint kits can vary greatly in price depending on factors like the complexity of the design, the quality of materials, and whether the canvases are printed or hand painted. If you want to learn more about this topic, read our dedicated blog post: Differences between Needlepoint Canvases: Printed vs Hand Painted.

At Unwind Studio, we advocate for accessibility and affordability in Needlepoint, so you can find kits for every budget. We've reunited our best tips to find affordable needlepoint in this Guide for Affordable Needlepoint, so check it out if this variable is a concern for you.

  • Beginner's Tip: If you're new to needlepoint, start with an affordable kit to practice your skills. As you become more confident, you can invest in more elaborate projects. 

2. Skill Level:

Choosing a project that matches your skill level is essential for an enjoyable and successful needlepoint experience:

  • Beginner-Friendly: For novices, opt for projects labeled as "beginner" or "confident beginner". These often feature larger, simpler patterns and clear instructions.
You can also check out multiple online resources to help you start out your journey, such as video tutorials and our How to Needlepoint section.
  • Intermediate to Advanced: If you're an experienced stitcher, challenge yourself with more intricate designs and techniques, and search for these skill-level labels.

3. Canvas Mesh Size

The mesh size (how many holes per inch) is also something to have in mind, in correlation to the skill level. The lower the "mesh" size, the larger the squares/holes between the canvas strands.

  • 10-12 canvas mesh: These are beginner-friendly sizes to get started, because you can se more clearly where you have to stitch, as the holes of the canvas are bigger.

  • 13 canvas mesh: The most common mesh size, and they are also recommended for beginners.
  • 14-18 canvas mesh: These sizes are used in more intricate and detailed designs, advisable for more experienced stitchers.

4. Personal Taste:

Your personal taste matters most when selecting a needlepoint project. You should always choose something that resonates with your style and preferences:

  • Design: Look for a pattern that you genuinely like, whether it's floral, geometric, abstract, or themed around your interests. We have lots of categories to choose from and you'll certainly find a design that fits your personality and taste.

  • Colors: Consider your color preferences, as needlepoint projects often involve working with a wide range of hues. You can also think about where you want to place your finished piece and choose your design and colors according to that (will it be a cushion for the living room? or a wall hanging for your kitchen?...)

5. Project Size:

The size of your needlepoint project impacts the time and effort required. Consider the dimensions and your available crafting space:

  • Extra small Projects: projects like sunglasses cases, bookmarks, ornaments, or coasters are ideal for quick, satisfying results.

  • Small Projects: Usually finished as smaller framed works or small cushions, these can take a little bit more to finish, but are still a simpler and quicker project, depending on the complexity of the design.
  • Medium to Large Projects: Larger projects like cushions or framed artworks provide more substantial creative challenges and take longer to be finished, but all of this also depends on how fast or slow of a stitcher you are.

6. Final Utility of the Project:

Think about how you intend to use the finished needlepoint piece:

  • Decorative Art: If you plan to frame and display your work, choose a design that suits your home decor.

  • Functional Items: For utility, pick projects like cushions, sunglasses cases or clutches. These can add a personal touch to your everyday items.

  • Gifts: Consider creating unique and fun gifts for friends and family, searching for designs you find perfect for their personality/taste or even holiday-themed items.

 

Our Top Beginner Needlepoint Kits Recommendations:

Needlepoint Starter Kits

Depending on your budget, a starter kit is always our recommendation to start with Needlepoint. You're not only getting the Needlepoint kit with all the instructions, threads, and needles, but also some very useful tools to start with: embroidery scissors, needle minder, needle threaders, and a stitch unpicker!
A Espera/The Waiting is an amazing kit to start with! Small canvas, 12 mesh size, few colors, and a pretty simple but mesmerizing design.


The Nadia Needlepoint Kit is also one of our favorites! Small, 13 mesh size, also few colors with a simple but stunning floral design. As you can see in the example above, you can even get adventurous with a few decorative stitches if you're feeling it!

 
Peaceful Mountains is one of our all-time best sellers! Although it has a few more colors, it's still a pretty simple design, easy to stitch and loved by so many of our customers. If landscapes are your thing, you may fall in love with it as well and we definitely recommend this one for a first project.
The Rainbow Heart Patch is very small kit, perfect for the first experience with needlepoint. With a canvas mesh size of 10, it's really easy to stitch and a very cute design to finish as a patch. You can follow our DIY Needlepoint Patch tutorial!

 

 

Remember that the most important factor is your enjoyment of the process. Needlepoint should be a relaxing and fulfilling hobby. While these guidelines can help you choose the right project, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.

To further assist you in finding your perfect needlepoint project, be sure to check out our newly launched quiz on our website. This quick quiz will consider all of your answers and recommend the ideal needlepoint kit from our store.

Happy stitching!

Share Share on Facebook twitter Tweet Tweet on Twitter Pin it Pin on Pinterest

icon-left-arrow Back to Unwind Studio Blog

Our Most Recent Articles

View all
11 Creative Ways to Use Your Needlepoint Trays
Jul 30, 2025
11 Creative Ways to Use Your Needlepoint Trays
How to Finish Your Needlepoint Projects: Stop Stashing, Start Stitching
Jul 30, 2025
How to Finish Your Needlepoint Projects: Stop Stashing, Start Stitching
Best Needlepoint Stitches for Skies
Jul 23, 2025
Best Needlepoint Stitches for Skies
Invalid password
Enter
Unwind Studio logo with design

Unwind and Save

Get a 10% discount when you subscribe to receive special offers, updates on new product launches, needlepoint inspiration, and more.

  • instagram Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok

Shop & Resources

  • Shop All Needlepoint Kits
  • Tutorials
  • Blog
  • Take our Quiz
  • Unwind Rewards
  • Refer a Friend
  • Become an Affiliate
  • FAQs

Info

  • Contact Us
  • Track my Order
  • Imprint
  • Shipping & Returns
  • About Us
  • Our Artists
  • Accessibility
  • Store Locator
  • Wholesale
  • Unwind for Business
  • Work With Us

Language

  • Deutsch
  • English
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Maestro
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Union Pay
  • Visa

© 2025 Unwind Studio | Terms | Privacy Site by Aeolidia

How to Choose the Right Needlepoint Project