Choosing Your Needlepoint Canvas: A Beginner's Guide
Browse a needlepoint shop or a website like Annie Bouquet, and you'll quickly discover that not all canvases are created equal. From mesh count to design style to size, there are many variables to consider.
Understanding Mesh Count
Mesh count refers to the number of holes per linear centimeter. It's one of the most important factors when choosing a canvas.
- 7 holes/cm: Very large holes. Ideal for quick projects.
- 13 holes/cm: The most popular choice for beginners. Versatile and forgiving.
- 18 holes/cm: Finer canvas for more detailed work, subjects, and portraits.
- 24 to 40 holes/cm: Ultra-fine canvas for petit point, the tradition associated with Parisian workshops.
Hand-Painted Canvas vs. Printed Canvas
Hand-painted canvases are individually painted by an artist. Each one is slightly unique: a true collector's item. The colors are rich and nuanced. Discover why hand-painted canvases are worth every penny.
At Annie Bouquet, every canvas in our collection is hand-painted in our Parisian workshop, perpetuating an artisanal tradition that dates back to 1978.
What size to choose?
For your first project, resist the temptation of a large canvas. A smaller piece, around 13x18 or 20x25 cm, will allow you to finish quickly and experience the satisfaction of completing it before your enthusiasm wanes.
Our recommendation for beginner needlepointers
Choose a hand-painted canvas on 13-mesh with a colorful and bold design that excites you. Something with well-defined color areas, like a charming animal or a floral pattern, will be the easiest to stitch and the most satisfying to complete.
Read also
- What is Needlepoint? A Complete Beginner's Guide
- How to Start Needlepoint: Everything You Need to Know
- Why Hand-Painted Needlepoint Canvases are Worth Every Penny
Our Canvases
Find your first canvas in the Annie Bouquet collection. Popular designs: The Toucan, The Titmouse, The Squirrels.