When I was looking for a hobby that would get me off my phone, I decided to try needlepointing as I already had some experience doing cross-stitch. Like other “grandma hobbies“, needlepoint is creative, technology-free, and an intentional way to slow down and relax. I’ve been needlepointing for over 10 years at this point, and have consistently worked on one project or another during that time. And I’m not alone; recent Google search data shows increased interest in needlepointing over other beginner craft kits.
Needlepointing is the one thing that gets me off my phone at night. If I am working on a needlepoint project, my hands are occupied, and I can stay completely off of mindless scrolling and social media. Read on to hear my take on why needlepoint is a great hobby for moms wanting to decompress and my recommendations for beginners on how to get started.
You May Also Like:
- How to Play Mahjong With Your Friends (Even If You’re a Total Beginner)
- 12 Portable Hobbies You Can Take With You Anywhere
Why needlepoint is a great hobby for moms
After I get my two little girls to sleep at night, I usually don’t have any energy left to do anything productive. I always tell myself I’m going to tackle something on my to-do list after they’re in bed. But then the moment comes that they’re finally down and all my will goes out the window.
Instead, more times than not, I end up on my couch, watching some sort of brain-rotting TV to decompress and relax for a bit. Which is great; I have no qualms about watching TV that will in no way make me more informed or intelligent. But there’s one thing that is a problem. My phone.
I always crave something to do with my hands. Unfortunately, this typically means I’m scrolling while I watch TV, something I know isn’t great for a lot of reasons. Enter needlepointing. For my latest project, I’m working on an ornament as a reminder of a recent trip to Cancun and am trying to finish a cute needlepoint clutch (maybe one day I’ll work up to the Fendi needlepoint bag!).
These are fun projects, but I’ve also done more sentimental ones, like both of my daughter’s Christmas stockings. My mom made me and my siblings stockings growing up, and I really like that I’m continuing the tradition with my girls. I’ve also stitched three pillows of cities I’ve lived in that are permanent decor in our living room. These needlepoint projects have the potential to be heirloom keepsakes, which feels really special to me.
What supplies do I need for needlepointing?
In addition to a needlepoint project, you’ll also need a needle, scissors, as well as some sort of tote bag to keep all of your materials together. I recommend picking a needlepoint kit for your projects so that all of your thread is already picked out and ready to go. Otherwise, you’ll need to shop separately for your thread. Additionally, depending on your project, you’ll need a way to finish the project. Here are a few ideas for beginner-friendly needlepoint kits to start your new tech-free hobby.
What are the best beginner needlepointing kits?
These beginner needlepoint projects only have a couple of colors in them, and there isn’t any intricate detail work. You’ll get lots of practice with basic stitches and some sets even come with needles and scissors.
Basic needlepointing kits
This kit includes the tools you need to master the two basic needlepoint stitches: Tent Stitch and Basketweave Stitch. You’ll be able to practice your stitches on a canvas with shapes and letters.
This vacay vibes beginner set features an original hand-painted canvas, curated threads, scissors, needles and a threader, a blank mini canvas to practice on, a project bag, and a step-by-step beginner’s guide.
This beginner kit features simple, modern designs with just two colors—perfect for learning the foundational stitches. It offers a relaxing and satisfying creative experience.
This kit includes a colorful floral canvas that is designed to make stitching enjoyable and relaxing—perfect for beginners!
This adorable and on-trend girly Western boot needlepoint canvas would be a cute addition to a gallery wall, shelf, or gift for a gal pal.
This kit has everything you need to get started needlepointing—needle threader, DMC thread, mesh canvas—and will make for adorable wall decor when it’s finished!
Love a little coastal grandma moment? This all-in-one kit includes a hand-painted needlepoint canvas with all edges taped using artist tape, DMC standard embroidery thread, needle, scissors, and small tote.
The *it* needlepoint design everyone is searching for, this Golden Retriever kit includes canvas, mesh zipper project pouch, DMC embroidery floss for every color in the design, 1 size 20 tapestry needle, 1 needle threader, 1 pair of embroidery scissors, and printed continental stitch instruction guide.
Creative needlepoint projects to try
If you’re looking for a beginner needlepoint project to add a little color to your home or for a cute, customized gift, try one of these pretty needlepoint kits for keychains, bookmarks, luggage tags, and coasters.
This classic monogram canvas is hand painted on 18 mesh needlepoint canvas and designed for an easy, beginner stitches. It’s the perfect handmade gift for a loved-one—or yourself! Self-finishing needlepoint keychain sold separately.
This complete DIY kit contains everything you need to make a luggage tag: hand-painted canvas, thread (multiple color options), nylon project pouch with “WIP” (work in progress) lettered on it, mini scissors, needle threader, needle minder, seam ripper, floral magnetic needle tin, two tapestry needles, a patch of 10 mesh plastic canvas with DMC cotton pearl thread for practicing stitches, luggage tag, and an instruction card.
Are you a bookworm? This cheeky bookmark needlepointing kit is perfect for the readers who also love to stitch. Three color combos available.
Turn these cute little sardines into wall art or colorful coasters. Note, this only includes the painted canvas, so you’ll need to choose your own thread colors.
Holiday needlepoint kits
Get into the holiday spirit with these adorable, beginner-friendly needlepoint kits.
Choose from 17 ornament designs to craft a special keepsake or holiday gift. Kit includes a 18 mesh count printed canvas, an instruction booklet, and thread.
This holiday kit adds some whimsy to the Christmas season and can make the perfect ornament or holiday gift.
This kit is perfect if you want to create a holiday gift that can last a lifetime! The stocking can include your child’s name and typically takes around 15 hours to complete.
This adorable holiday penguin could be an ornament or keychain and comes with a printed canvas, thread, and self-finishing kit.
How do you do a basic needlepoint stitch?
Even if you don’t have any experience, needlepoint is a relatively easy hobby to get into, with plenty of beginner-friendly projects.
If just starting to needlepoint, try the basic basketweave or continental needlepoint stitches first. Both are repetitive motions and feel almost therapeutic to do. Neither of these stitches requires a super high level of concentration, so they’re ideal for being able to do things like carry on a conversation or watch TV while you work. YouTube has plenty of helpful how-to videos for needlepoint beginners:
Basketweave stitch how-to
Continental stitch how-to
Needlepoint FAQs
What’s the difference between needlepoint, cross-stitch, and embroidery?
Needlepoint, cross-stitch, and embroidery are all needle-based crafts, but have some distinct differences. Embroidery and cross-stitch are often decorative stitches on top of materials, while needlepoint covers an entire canvas, with the design often stamped, printed, or painted. For cross-stitch projects, you’ll make a series of stitches that look like little x’s (hence the cross part of the name), whereas needlepoint often uses thicker threads, a stiffer canvas, and different types of stitches.
How do you finish a needlepoint project?
You can either DIY or have a needlepoint project professionally finished (recommended for heirloom pieces like stockings). To DIY, experts recommend “blocking the design” (steaming it to make sure it’s flat) first on a blocking board. You can then buy self-finishers like coasters, trays, keychains, or frames.
Is needlepointing an expensive hobby?
You can find beginner needlepoint kits for under $100, but needlepointing can get expensive if you’re buying hand-painted canvases and paying for professional finishing. Beginner needlepointers can save money by buying printed all-in-one kits and self-finishing projects.
Elliott Harrell, Contributing Writer
Elliott is a mom of two little girls and is based in Raleigh, NC. She spends her days running a sales team and doing laundry and her nights writing about the things that she loves. She’s passionate about all things motherhood and women’s health. When she’s not working, writing or parenting you can find her trying a new restaurant in town or working on her latest needlepoint project.
