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 produce durable, functional items—such as cushions or stockings—that can be cherished and used for generations.
What makes our kits different?
Made by beginners to be cherished as heirlooms
At The Fabled Thread, we don’t think needlepoint should be complicated. In fact, our cushion kits are basically colouring by numbers—just with thread. No tricky techniques, no need for years of practice, just bold, vibrant designs that are fool-proof to stitch and bursting with folk-art charm.
Yes, they’ll take you a little longer to complete, but that’s what makes them special. These aren’t throwaway projects; they’re made to last, to be treasured, to bring a splash of colour to your home for generations. And don’t worry, each kit is beautifully packed and designed to be a joy from the very first stitch to the final flourish.
All our needlepoint kits are suitable for first-time stitchers, but if you’re wondering where to start, here are some of our most popular collections with beginners.
Perfect Picks for Beginners
Just So Cushions
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The Pride
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The Just So Stockings
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Woolies
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Needlepoint Kits for Beginners
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. You'll effortlessly cover the printed canvas using pre-cut lengths of wool and a single stitch. It's like paint-by-numbers, but with wool!
You’ll learn all the skills you need in under 30 minutes! One advantage of needlepoint over embroidery is the durability of the finished pieces, which makes them perfect for functional items like cushions or stockings.
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!
Fancy a challenge? Here are some of our more advanced needlepoint kits
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: Thanks to their small, dense stitches that don’t unravel, needlepoint kits produce more durable finished products. 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.
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!
