Needlepoint Stocking Canvas: How to Choose One and What to Expect
A needlepoint stocking canvas is a large canvas shaped like a Christmas stocking, with the design painted or printed on it. You stitch it, then you or a finisher sew it into a real stocking. A stocking is a big project, so it pays to choose the right canvas before you start.
How big is a needlepoint stocking canvas?
Sizes vary by designer. Many full-size stocking designs run roughly 10 to 13 inches wide and 18 to 23 inches long. Always check the size on the listing before you buy, and compare it with the stockings you already hang.
13 mesh or 18 mesh?
Stocking canvases usually come in 13 mesh or 18 mesh.
| 13 mesh | 18 mesh | |
|---|---|---|
| Holes per inch | 13 | 18 |
| Stitch size | Larger | Smaller |
| Detail | Less | More |
| Speed | Faster | Slower |
For a first stocking, 13 mesh is the easier choice. You make fewer stitches to cover the same area.
Three kinds of stocking projects
- Full stocking. You stitch the whole front. This is the classic heirloom stocking and the biggest job.
- Stocking cuff. You stitch only the band at the top. A finisher makes the rest of the stocking from fabric, such as velvet. A cuff is a smart choice if a full stocking feels like too much.
- Mini stocking. A much smaller version that takes far less time.
How to choose a stocking canvas
- Pick a simple design. A canvas with fewer colors and less shading is easier to follow.
- Check the name space. Most stockings leave room for a name at the top. Some shops paint the name on the canvas for you. You can also chart the letters yourself.
- Look at what the price includes. Some listings sell the canvas alone. Others sell a kit with thread.
- Match the family. If you plan to stitch a stocking for each person, choose designs from the same artist so the set looks right together.
What you need to stitch a stocking
- The stocking canvas
- Tapestry needles: size 20 for 13 mesh, size 22 for 18 mesh
- Thread for every color on the canvas
- Stretcher bars or a scroll frame
- Scissors and good light
You do not need bars as tall as the whole canvas. Bars that match the width and cover part of the height work fine. Stitch one section, then move the canvas and roll up the part you are not working on.
Tips for stitching a stocking
- Start early. Many stitchers begin right after the holidays so the stocking is ready for the next Christmas. Some take a full year.
- Use basketweave for big areas. Basketweave is a way of working the tent stitch in diagonal rows. It pulls the canvas out of shape less than continental stitch, which helps on a large piece.
- Work one section at a time. Finish an area before you move the bars.
- Stitch the name with care. Count the letters and center them before you make the first stitch.
Finishing a needlepoint stocking
After you stitch the canvas, someone needs to sew it into a stocking with a fabric back, a lining, trim, and a hanging loop. Most stitchers send a stocking to a professional finisher. Ask your shop how much time the finisher needs, and plan for that before the holidays.
Common questions
Is a stocking a good first needlepoint project?
It can be, but it is large. Many beginners start with an ornament, then move up to a stocking. A stocking cuff sits in the middle.
How long does a needlepoint stocking take?
Plan on months, not weeks. The time depends on the size, the mesh, and how often you stitch.
Can I add the name later?
Yes. Many people stitch the design first and add the name at the end.
New to needlepoint? Start with how to do needlepoint, then try a small needlepoint ornament before you take on a stocking.
