Needlepoint Ornaments: How to Stitch and Finish Your First One

Needlepoint ornaments are small canvases that you stitch and then finish into decorations for the tree. They make a great first needlepoint project because they are small, they use very little thread, and you can finish one in a few evenings.

This guide covers what to buy, how to stitch an ornament, and how to turn the stitched canvas into something you can hang.

What is a needlepoint ornament canvas?

An ornament canvas is a small piece of needlepoint canvas with a design painted or printed on it. Most ornament designs measure about 3 to 5 inches across.

Most ornament canvases use 18 mesh, which means 18 holes per inch. Some use 13 mesh. The difference matters:

• 18 mesh has smaller holes. You get more detail, but the stitches are smaller and take longer.
• 13 mesh has bigger holes. The stitches are larger, easier to see, and faster to work.

If this is your first project and you want an easier time seeing the holes, look for a 13 mesh ornament.

What you need

• An ornament canvas. Round and rectangular shapes are the easiest to finish.
• A tapestry needle. Use size 22 for 18 mesh and size 20 for 13 mesh.
• Thread. Wool, cotton, and silk all work. Pick a thread made for your mesh size. A little metallic thread adds sparkle to stars, snow, and trim.
• Small sharp scissors.
• Optional: small stretcher bars to keep the canvas flat while you stitch.

How to stitch a needlepoint ornament

1. Tape the edges. Cover the raw canvas edges with tape so your thread does not snag.
2. Cut short lengths of thread. About 18 inches works well. Cut metallic thread even shorter, because it frays fast.
3. Stitch the design. Use the tent stitch and fill each painted area with its color. If you have not learned the tent stitch yet, read how to do needlepoint first.
4. Stitch the background last. Simple tent stitch works fine. Later, you can try a decorative background stitch.
5. Check for missed stitches. Hold the canvas up to a light. Any gap shows right away.

How to finish a needlepoint ornament

Finishing means turning the stitched canvas into an ornament. You have three choices.

Finish it yourself

1. Trim the bare canvas around the stitching and leave a narrow margin.
2. Fold the margin to the back.
3. Cut a piece of felt to the same shape and sew it to the back. Felt works well for beginners because it does not fray.
4. Sew cording or trim around the edge to cover the seam.
5. Add a loop of ribbon or cord at the top.

Use a finishing service

Many needlepoint shops finish ornaments for you. If you want yours back before Christmas, ask the shop early how much time it needs.

Buy a self-finishing ornament

Some shops sell self-finishing ornaments. You stitch the canvas and mount it in a ready-made form, so you skip the sewing.

Ornament ideas for beginners

• An initial with the year
• A simple tree, star, or candy cane
• A stocking shape in two or three colors
• A snowflake on a solid background
• A pet or a house, once you have one or two ornaments behind you

Many families stitch one ornament a year and add the date. After a few years, you have a set that tells a story.

Common questions

How long does a needlepoint ornament take?

It depends on the size, the mesh, and how many colors the design uses. Plan on several evenings for a small ornament.

Which mesh works best for a first ornament?

Choose 13 mesh if you want bigger, easier stitches. Choose 18 mesh if you want more detail and do not mind smaller stitches.

What thread should I use on 18 mesh?

Use a thread sized for 18 mesh. Thick tapestry wool is too heavy for it. If you buy a kit that includes thread, that thread already matches the canvas.

Want a kit that includes everything? Read how to choose a needlepoint kit for beginners.