Needlepoint is a type of counted canvas embroidery: you stitch through holes in a stiff mesh canvas using threads or yarns to build up a design.

Originally used for chair covers and tapestries, today it’s popular as a relaxing craft and form of artistic self-expression.

If you want to know more, we suggest you visit our article What is needlepoint, where we talk about the origins of needlepoint, how it was originally used and how it's seen nowadays, as well as other interesting information about this craft!

Needlepoint: stitched on stiff mesh canvas, often with tent or decorative stitches, covering the entire design.

Cross-stitch: stitched on fabric (like Aida) with “X” stitches forming the design, often leaving background areas unstitched.

Surface embroidery: stitched on fabric using decorative stitches, also often leaving background areas unstitched.

Needlepoint is simple to start, relaxing, and forgiving. With just one basic stitch (tent stitch) you can complete an entire design. It’s a great way to unwind, build focus, and create something you'll cherish forever.

A complete kit usually includes:

• Printed mesh canvas with the design marked
• All required threads labeled with color codes
• Tapestry Needles
• Color chart mapping and design guide
• Instructions “how to needlepoint”
• Some designs also include a stitch guide (“what stitches to use where”)
  

Some product categories, like bookmarks, key fobs, cushions, Unwind Studio also provides finishing materials.

Start with:

• Small designs that can be finished quickly (coasters, bookmarks, small wall art)
  
• Lower canvas counts (10–13 holes per inch) — easier on the eyes and faster to stitch
  
• Simple color palettes without lots of shading

If you're just starting your journey with the craft, we recommend our Level 0 kits.

Additionally, you can also look for kits labeled as Beginner or Confident Beginner, if you're looking for something easy yet slightly more challenging.

We have a detailed blog post to help you to choose the right project for you!

Yes, absolutely! All kits come with a printed needlepoint booklet, which contains instructions on how to get started. We suggest to visit our How to Needlepoint page for videos tutorials and detailed instructions. Check also our Beginners collection, with the best projects for you to get started with Needlepoint!

No previous experience is necessary, as needlepoint kits typically include instructions and guidance for beginners! If you still have doubts, you should read about the benefits of needlepoint.

Canvas count (also “mesh size”) refers to how many holes per inch or per 10 cm there are - e.g. 10, 12, 14, 18 count etc.

• Lower count (10–13)= bigger holes = easier for beginners, lower stitch density.
• Higher counts (14–18) = more detailed work, more time, more strain on eyes.

Choose count based on your skill level, patience, time, and how detailed you want your work.

LEVEL 0 / FIRST TIMERS

If you are someone who is just starting to learn the basics of needlepoint, this level is for you. Kits at this stage are designed to help you feel confident from the start, with simple, small designs and no more than three colors. Perfect for learning the very basics, enjoying the process, and discovering the joy of stitching without feeling overwhelmed.

BEGINNER

If you have already had your very first go at needlepoint and are ready to learn the foundations, then Beginner is your level. Here you’ll start becoming familiar with essential stitches, materials, and tools, while exploring slightly bigger designs and more colors. These kits are still simple and approachable, but give you space to practice and build even more confidence.

CONFIDENT BEGINNER

If you have gained a little more experience and are comfortable with basic stitches and techniques, are beginning to experiment with different types of threads, colors, and textures, and your projects are becoming more complex, then Confident Beginner is your level.

INTERMEDIATE

If you have mastered basic stitches and are now moving into more advanced decorative stitches, are comfortable working with a variety of threads and mesh canvases, and can tackle moderately complex patterns, then Intermediate is your level.

ADVANCED

If you are highly skilled and experienced, have mastered a wide range of stitches, and are able to stitch intricate and detailed designs, then Advanced is your level.

The time required to complete a needlepoint project can vary depending on the design, the stitch being used, and the skill level of the person stitching. Some guidelines:

Small piece (coaster/bookmark/key fob): 2–10 hours
Medium design (pillow/medium wall art): 10–40 hours
Large wall art: 40+ hours

Most of the needlepoint decorative stitches require less thread than the continental tent stitch.

Rule of thumb: the larger the stitch is, the less thread will require!

Some of the few exceptions where you’ll need more thread are: Basketweave Tent stitch, Encroaching Gobelin, French knots. If you know you’ll use lots of these (e.g. basketweave, French knots, etc.), email us ahead or add a note at checkout, and we can include extra thread!

We are more than happy to send you all the extra threads you need! Send us an email to hello@unwind.studio.

In the case you already know that you are going to use the basketweave stitch, please let us know in advance and we'll include more thread before shipping your package.

Don’t worry, mistakes in needlepoint are common! Best approach: unpick carefully back to the error, re-count if needed, then restitch. For skipped holes or uneven tension, blocking (see below) after finishing helps even out distortions.

Needlepoint can be stitched in hand (without tools) or with a frame/stretcher bars - it's a personal choice :)

Beginners often stitch in hand, while larger projects benefit from a frame to keep canvas taut.

We have a detailed blog post to help you decide what's best for you.

The first process is to apply Blocking to your finished canvas, in case it is distorted.

Check our detailed blog post where we explain all the steps for blocking. Then you need to select which finished product you want to obtain (ideally this needs to be considered before starting the stitching).

Visit our DIY Needlepoint section for inspiration and video tutorials!

Blocking means gently stretching and shaping a finished canvas so that it lies flat, corrects distortions (e.g. warping), evens out stitch tension, and helps when framing or mounting.

We have a step-by-step tutorial in our “How to Block Needlepoint” post.

There are many ways to frame a completed needlepoint design, including using a standard picture frame or having it professionally framed.

If you feel confident to do it yourself, we recommend you to visit our post How to frame needlepoint and see the multiple ways you can transform and elevate your needlepoint canvas!

Make sure your canvas is clean, flat, and blocked before finishing; use materials that won’t cause warping or yellowing.

• Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• Avoid washing unless absolutely necessary; if you do, use gentle hand-washing, cold water, mild detergent, and block dry.
• Store in dry, cool place; avoid humid areas.
• When framing, use acid-free mat and backing.

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We process orders within 1-3 working days (longer during sales or if items are pre-order). Shipping costs and time depends on destination and shipping method. At checkout you’ll get an estimate.

Please consult our Shipping & Returns page for more detailed information.

Orders shipped across borders may incur import duties or taxes, depending on your country’s customs regulations.

Please consult our detailed guide for International Customs and Duties to understand how we process duties for your destination country.

If you have an urgent change, please email us at hello@unwind.studio.

Once the carrier has picked up the order, we will not be able to change or cancel it. Please take the time to carefully choose your items and add the correct shipping information before placing your order.

You will receive a shipping confirmation by email once your order has been packed and delivered to the courier service.

We use Portuguese Postal Services (CTT), FedEx Express. In case of international orders, you will receive a tracking code by email to track your package.

Yes, if the item is unused, in its original condition, and returned within 30 days of receipt. For damaged items in transit, contact us with photos.

If you wish to return or exchange an order, please email us at hello@unwind.studio.

Please note: Sale items / downloadable patterns / custom items may have different return policies.

You can download the pattern as a pdf file right after you have placed the order. You will also receive an email with a link for the download.

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We don’t change artists’ original designs once a kit is released. However, we may accommodate minor color adjustments on request - just email us and we’ll see what’s possible.

Yes, we do! If you are a retail shop or want to place a larger order, please fill out our wholesale application form.

To be more sustainable, we try to reduce the materials used for packaging.

During Nov & Dec: All kits and canvases will be shipped in individual tubes/jars or small boxes, unless you tell us you prefer to receive optimized packaging, to help us preserve the planet!

Rest of the year: When you purchase more than one kit or canvas, we always try to accommodate them in a single packaging tube or small box, and only 1 printed embroidery booklet is included.

However, if you add a gift message at checkout, or let us know in advance that you are buying for a gift, we make sure to ship all projects in individual packages!

Don't worry, all our kits come beautifully packaged with our custom-made portable tubes or small boxes, making them a perfect gift for you or a friend.

But if you don't know that person that well, we recommend you to buy one of our gift cards, there are options of 15€, 25€, 50€ and 100€.