Skip to content
The Fabled Threadreturn to home page

Needlepoint kits for Beginners

Whether you're just beginning or already have some experience, needlepoint is a craft anyone can pick up. Our kits are designed with beginners in mind, so you can get started even if it's your first time holding a needle. In this section, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect starter needlepoint kit. Tapestry kits produces durable, functional items—such as cushions or stockings—that can be cherished and used for generations.

Is needlepoint hard to learn?

Choosing your first needlepoint project

Needlepoint couldn't be easier! Our kits (also called tapestry kits in the UK) are among the simplest and easiest to start with. Using pre-cut lengths of wool and a single stitch, you'll effortlessly cover the printed canvas. It's like to paint-by-numbers, but with wool!

You’ll pick up all the skills you need in under 30 minutes! One of the advantages of needlepoint over embroidery is the durability of the finished pieces, which makes them perfect for functional items like cushions or stockings.

Needlepoint Kits for Beginners

How The Leopard Got His Spots - Original
 

How The Leopard Got His Spots - Original

£125.00
Archibald
 

Archibald

£125.00
The Crab Who Played With The Sea - Alternative
 

The Crab Who Played With The Sea - Alternative

£125.00
How The Whale Got His Throat - Original
 

How The Whale Got His Throat - Original

£125.00
Fernando
 

Fernando

£125.00
The Elephant's Child - Original
 

The Elephant's Child - Original

£125.00
The Crab Who Played With The Sea Stocking
 

The Crab Who Played With The Sea Stocking

£140.00
Englebert
 

Englebert

£125.00
How The Whale Got His Throat - Alternative
 

How The Whale Got His Throat - Alternative

£125.00
How The Camel Got His Hump Stocking
 

How The Camel Got His Hump Stocking

£140.00
Cornelius
 

Cornelius

£125.00

What's included in a needlepoint kit?

Everything you need to begin needlepoint

Our needlepoint kits include everything you need to begin your first project, all beautifully packed in our signature sewing bags. From the moment it arrives, you’ll be ready to take your stitching with you—whether you’re on a train, plane, holiday, or simply at home.

Each kit includes 100% British wool pre-cut into stitching lengths, a cotton canvas printed in the UK with your chosen design, a needlepoint chart, and tapestry needles. All you need is a pair of scissors and a little time to yourself!

How is needlepoint different from embroidery?

Embroidery vs Needlepoint

At its most basic, the difference between embroidery and needlepoint comes down to the fabric you stitch on. Needlepoint is done on an open-weave canvas, while embroidery is typically stitched on fabrics like cotton or linen. While needlepoint can use a variety of stitches like embroidery, it's less common.

However, we think the core differences you'll care about when deciding which hobby is for you are:

Needlepoint is more meditative: Needlepoint tends to be a simpler and less varied process - that's why it's suited to beginners! It's meditative, repetitive and requires a little less focus. We always say needlepoint is the perfect craft whilst watching TV whereas embroidery is better suited to an audiobook

Needlepoint creates functional items: Needlepoint kits result in more durable finished products, thanks to their small, dense stitches that don’t unravel. That’s why needlepoint cushions and chairs from centuries ago are still around! It’s ideal for creating functional items like cushions or stockings.

Needlepoint kits are slower: The process of tapestry stitching takes longer to complete, often taking months for a finished piece. In contrast, embroidery can be completed in just a few hours. If you enjoy a slow, immersive process, needlepoint is perfect. But if you're after quicker results, embroidery might be a better fit.

Fancy a challenge? Here are some of our more advanced needlepoint kits

The Flame in Pink - Lumbar
 

The Flame in Pink - Lumbar

£115.00
Calypso
 

Calypso

£275.00
The Florentine in Yellow - Lumbar
 

The Florentine in Yellow - Lumbar

£115.00
The Flame in Blue - square
 

The Flame in Blue - square

£95.00
The Flame in Green - Lumbar
 

The Flame in Green - Lumbar

£115.00
Nautilus
 

Nautilus

£275.00
The Lanterns in Yellow - Square
 

The Lanterns in Yellow - Square

£95.00
The Weave in Yellow - Square
 

The Weave in Yellow - Square

£95.00

How to finish your needlepoint?

Cushion piping, tassels, backing fabrics and more.

We aim to make our kits as easy and enjoyable as possible from start to finish. If you'd like to finish your cushion or stocking just like ours, we offer a carefully curated selection of piping, backing velvets or wools, tassel kits, and more. For UK customers, we even provide a cushion making service. If you’re confident with a sewing machine and prefer to finish it yourself, we also have a helpful video guide to walk you through the full process!