Let's talk needlepoint kits: what they are, what's included, why I love them, and why I think you will too.
Our kits will provide you with everything you need to stitch your canvas. This is how I started needlepointing and it's also how I prefer to buy new canvases. When people offer kits, it usually means they will provide skeins of thread with your canvas. Unless otherwise noted, when you buy a canvas, you will only be buying the canvas itself.
Most kits from stores offer you a choice of threads, and they will pick colors that are closest to the canvas color. More experienced needlepointers may know specifically what they like to stitch with, have preferences as to what kind of thread they like to use, and will sometimes get adventurous with their thread choices and colors.
But with new needlepointers, ones who enjoy the convenience of having threads come with their canvas, or those who are indecisive, kits are a great option.
What's different about our kits is we provide you with the correct amount of thread needed (plus extra just in case!) versus the entire skein. We do this for a few reasons. One, it brings the cost of the kit down. Since we're breaking up skeins into threads and providing maybe 10 canvases via one skein, it lets the price go from $6-8 a skein to $2-3 a thread group.
Second, it produces less leftover thread. Say, with our Ew David Sweater above, you just need one strand of grey. Would you rather buy a one or two strands, or an entire skein (60 strands)? I know I would because it's one of my biggest pet peeves.
Having entire skeins leftover is great for the more advanced needlepointer. They can dip into their stash for their next project. But even I find that no matter the canvas, I'm always buying new threads versus checking to see what colors I already own. It's not the *best* way to do it, but that's why I love kits like this.
With our kits, I'll pick out the thread type and colors for you. The goal is to hopefully introduce you to more new threads to find what you like. I have also gone through the process of stitching all the canvases myself, so I know the amount of thread I need to include and I usually will add extra just in case.
In addition to the thread needed to stitch the image, I'll also add thread to add to your border for finishing. When you go to finish an item (I drop mine off at our local store), it's customary to add 3-5 extra rows to each design so it doesn't get cut off when finishing it. It's always best to check with your local store to see what they suggest.
For the background, you can pick any color you'd like, but I will include a white thread for you. White is a universal background color, but feel free to buy your own to make it more unique.
When you buy our kits you'll also receive a needle to stitch with, a seam ripper (for any oopsies!), a needle threader, and a small project bag to hold all your accessories and threads. It has truly everything you need to complete your project.
If you happen to lose a needle or need to replace anything from the kit, it's best to head to your local store to replenish your stock. If you happen to need more threads, you can always reach out to see if I have extra you can buy, or check with your local needlepoint store to order more of the same color.
All thread and color information can be found in the individual blog posts for each canvas. That way you never have to worry about losing any of the information. These posts will also have stitch guides and recommendations on how to best stitch and finish your canvas. You can check those out on our blog!