Needlepoint Canvas Mesh Sizes: 10, 13 and 18 Mesh Explained
Mesh size tells you how many stitches fit in one inch of needlepoint canvas. It decides how big your project turns out, how much detail it shows, and which thread you need. Most beginners do well on 13 mesh. This guide explains the common sizes and how to choose.
What mesh size means
The mesh count is the number of holes per inch. A 13 mesh canvas has 13 holes per inch, so you make 13 stitches in one inch. The higher the number, the finer the canvas and the thinner your thread needs to be.
Common mesh sizes compared
The most common sizes are 10, 13, 14 and 18 mesh.
| Mesh | Stitches in one square inch | Best for | Threads that fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 100 | Extra large designs and projects for kids | Tapestry wool and other thick threads |
| 12 to 13 | 144 to 169 | Standard kits, beginners, textured stitches | Soft matte cotton, size 3 pearl cotton, wool, silk |
| 14 | 196 | Small projects such as key fobs and bookmarks | Soft matte cotton, size 3 pearl cotton, wool, silk |
| 18 | 324 | Detailed designs and fine work | Size 5 pearl cotton, stranded cotton floss, silk |
On 18 mesh, stitchers usually use 4 to 6 strands of six-strand cotton floss. For a closer look at fibers, see what needlepoint is and the supplies it uses.
13 mesh vs 18 mesh
These are the two sizes you will see most on painted canvases.
- 13 mesh has bigger holes and bigger stitches. The work goes faster, and the holes are easier to see.
- 18 mesh shows more detail. It also takes almost twice as many stitches to fill the same area: 324 per square inch against 169.
Which needle goes with which mesh
Use a tapestry needle, which has a blunt tip and a long eye. Use a size 20 needle on 13 mesh and a size 22 needle on 18 mesh. A higher needle number means a thinner needle.
How to work out the finished size
Divide the number of stitches by the mesh count. The answer is the size in inches. Take a design that is 130 stitches wide:
| Mesh | Math | Finished width |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 130 ÷ 10 | 13 inches |
| 13 | 130 ÷ 13 | 10 inches |
| 18 | 130 ÷ 18 | About 7.2 inches |
The same design gets smaller as the mesh number goes up.
Which mesh should a beginner pick?
Start with a larger mesh, a simple design, and only a few colors. For most people, that means 13 mesh. The holes are easy to see, the stitches build up quickly, and most beginner kits use it. See our guide to needlepoint kits for beginners, then learn the first stitches in how to do needlepoint.
How to check that your thread fits the mesh
The thread should cover the canvas without being hard to pull through. Test it before you start:
- Stitch a small patch in a corner of the canvas.
- Look for gaps. If bare canvas shows between stitches, the thread is too thin. Add a strand or switch to a thicker thread.
- Look for crowding. If the stitches bunch up or the thread drags, it is too thick. Remove a strand or switch to a thinner thread.
- Hold the patch up to a light. If light shines between the stitches, the canvas will show.
