How to Shop Your First Needlepoint Kit — Online or In-Person
Needlepoint is one of those hobbies that looks beautiful and feels intimidating — especially when you're just getting started. You might be wondering where to buy your first canvas, whether it's worth visiting a Local Needlepoint Shop (aka LNS), and how much you really need to spend. I’ve been there. In this post, I’m sharing everything I wish I knew as a beginner, including tips for shopping in-person at an LNS, how to connect with the stitching community, and where to find beautiful beginner kits online that won’t break the bank.
If you’re just starting out with needlepoint, or looking for a way to create more stitch-friends, the price tag of the hobby can be daunting, I know. When I first started, I didn’t know what an LNS was (answer: Local Needlepoint Shop) and really struggled to pick out my first project. It can be intimidating to walk into a niche store like an LNS as a beginner. In this post you’ll find my top-tips for shopping at an LNS as a new stitcher, my favorite places to buy affordable needlepoint kits for beginners, and a few beginner kits I’ve picked out especially for you.
Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Into an LNS
I wish I’d been brave enough to go to an LNS for my first needlepoint project, rather than limiting myself to online shopping. During your first LNS experience, you will probably stick out like a sore thumb, and that’s exactly what you want. I can almost guarantee that you’ll shortly be approached by an employee (often the shop-owner) who will ask if you need any assistance– say yes! LNS shopkeepers and their employees are like the spiritual guides of the needlepoint world– they want to show you the way and help you on your journey, but you have to first open the door to them and let them help you!
They may ask about your skill level, recommend beginner-friendly canvases, or help you find a specific theme. Don’t be afraid to admit you’re new. In fact, embrace it! It’s easy to get distracted by all the gorgeous, intricate designs, but you can always add those to your future wishlist. (That said, if you really want to dive into that $300 showstopper right away, I won’t stop you!)
Why In-Person Shopping is Worth It
Shopping in-person at an LNS also allows you to “kit” your canvas–picking out all of the threads– so that you have all of the threads and tools you need to get started as soon as you walk out the door. Online, you may be able to request your canvas be kitted for you, but you won’t have much say if you wanted specific color swaps or thread brands (and you’ll often have to pay a separate invoice for threads later on). Depending on your LNS, you may be given some options for different price points of thread, or whether you want to use anything decorative, such as sparkly thread or velvet).
At an LNS, you’ll usually follow your “LNS Yoda” as they walk you through how to:
Match thread colors to your painted canvas
Decide how much thread of each color you need
Choose between different thread types (matte, sparkly, velvet, etc.)
Add tools or accessories (like scissors, stretcher bars, or a needle minder)
And yes, they will upsell you on some of the accessories stuff, but I’m not opposed to supporting small, usually women-owned business, so I usually end up walking out of there with a new needle-minder or something else that’s fun.
Let’s Talk About Pricing
Traditionally, Needlepoint is quite an expensive hobby, especially at first. Fortunately, many people are working to make needlepoint more affordable, either by selling stitch charts (that you would paint yourself) for cheap, providing less-expensive canvas options on sites like Etsy, or sharing affordable thread options. I think this is great! I have ordered a few canvases from independent designers on Etsy for way less money than I would have spent at an LNS, and they have been of great quality!
That said, I strongly recommend spending a bit more on your very first project and either:
Visiting an LNS in person
Ordering from an LNS that kits the canvas and sends everything you need
Why? Because:
You’ll learn the craft from experienced stitchers– it’s important to learn more about the hobby from the experts at the LNS– remember you need to open that door to your Yoda/guide!
You’ll support small, often women-owned businesses– remember that many of these LNS-es are women-owned and operate as small, local businesses. I’d like to think that most shop-owners aren’t trying to scam you; the products they are selling are expensive for them to obtain.
You’ll immediately become part of a local or virtual community you can lean on later– by going to your LNS, you’ll be connecting with a community that you can refer back to if you have any questions, to attend open-stitch or class sessions, and meet other people in the hobby!
Prefer to Shop Online? Try These Beginner-Friendly Shops
If you’re like a newbie-me was, and prefer to shop from the comfort of your home, here are three excellent LNS-style shops you can order from online, plus a few beginner canvas recommendations from each:
Unwind Studio
I ordered my first-ever project from Unwind Studio. I love how affordable it is, and high-quality too! Unwinds Starter Kits are all under $100 and include a canvas, threads, stitch booklet, “embroidery essentials” (scissors, seam ripper, etc.), tote bag, mesh zipper pouch, and finishing supplies (if applicable).
Beautiful, modern designs
Affordable kits shipped from Portugal
Great for beginners looking for contemporary styles
NEEDLEPOINT STARTER KIT "Flower Trio"
This was the first needlepoint project I bought & completed! The big blocks of color provided plenty of space to practice my stitches.
Penny Linn is at the forefront of “modernizing” needlepoint, leaning into pop culture and trends while keeping the “millennial grandmother” vibe front and center. You have to request a separate invoice for kitting, but they have a vast selection of canvases at many price points.
Trendy, colorful canvases
Offers starter kits and curated collections
Woman-founded and community-driven
Great online customer service
Well-known LNS that offers full kitting
Friendly staff and excellent beginner selection
U.S.-based shipping and support - Free shipping for canvases/threads in the US!
Honorable Mention: Needlepoint.com
Trendy, colorful canvases
Offers beginner kits & “Needlepoint To Go” kits
Great online customer service
Final Thoughts: Trust the Process, Find Your People
Getting started in needlepoint doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even if it feels like it at first. Whether you walk into an LNS or shop online, the important thing is to choose a project you’re excited about and give yourself permission to learn as you go. And if you're lucky, you'll walk away with more than just a canvas; you’ll find a community, too.
Have questions about shopping at your first LNS? Want beginner kit recs? Drop a comment or send me an email– I love helping new stitchers get started!
