Thread & Needle size Tips

What Size Needle Do You Need for Needlepoint?

Choosing the correct tapestry needle is just as important as choosing the right thread.

Needlepoint typically uses a blunt-tip tapestry needle, designed to pass through the canvas openings without splitting the woven threads.

Tapestry needles are numbered by size. The higher the number, the smaller the needle.

Needle Size for 13 Mesh Needlepoint Canvas

For 13 mesh needlepoint canvas, we generally recommend starting with a size 20 tapestry needle.

A size 18 tapestry needle can also work, especially when using thicker wool or specialty fibers.

The larger eye makes threading thicker fibers easier.

Needle Size for 18 Mesh Needlepoint Canvas

For 18 mesh needlepoint canvas, we generally recommend a size 22 tapestry needle.

A size 24 may also work with finer fibers, depending on the thread thickness and stitch.

The goal is to use a needle that passes comfortably through the canvas without excessively stretching the openings or damaging your thread.

Quick Needlepoint Needle Size Chart

Canvas Mesh	Recommended Tapestry Needle
10 mesh	Size 18
12 mesh	Size 18–20
13 mesh	Size 20
14 mesh	Size 20–22
16 mesh	Size 22
18 mesh	Size 22–24
20 mesh	Size 24

These are general guidelines. Needle sizes can vary depending on your chosen fiber and how tightly you stitch.

Can You Use Regular DMC Embroidery Floss for Needlepoint?

Absolutely!

One of the biggest misconceptions about needlepoint is that you need expensive specialty threads to get started.

Regular DMC six-strand embroidery floss is an affordable option for both 13 mesh and 18 mesh needlepoint.

Why beginners love DMC embroidery floss:

• Available at most craft stores

• Hundreds of colors

• Budget-friendly

• Easy to find replacement colors

• Great for practicing stitches

• Useful for DIY needlepoint projects

Unlike DMC Perle Cotton, regular embroidery floss is divisible, meaning you can separate or combine strands to adjust coverage.

For 18 mesh, six strands can be a useful starting point. For 13 mesh, additional strands may be needed to provide fuller coverage.

Always stitch a small test area before committing to your project.

What's the Difference Between DMC Embroidery Floss and DMC Perle Cotton?

Both are popular cotton threads, but they have important differences.

DMC Embroidery Floss

• Six individual strands

• Strands can be separated

• Adjustable thickness

• Extremely affordable

• Great for beginners

DMC Perle Cotton

• Twisted, non-divisible thread

• Available in different thicknesses

• Has a more pronounced twisted texture

• Beautiful soft sheen

• Great for needlepoint and decorative stitches

For our blank needlepoint canvas, we generally suggest testing DMC Perle Cotton #3 on 13 mesh and #5 on 18 mesh.

Do You Need Expensive Needlepoint Threads?

Not at all!

While luxury needlepoint fibers such as Pepper Pot Silk, Silk & Ivory, and Planet Earth Silk offer beautiful textures and finishes, you can absolutely create gorgeous needlepoint projects using affordable cotton threads.

If you're learning needlepoint for the first time, starting with DMC embroidery floss or Perle Cotton can be a practical way to experiment without spending a fortune.

As you become more comfortable stitching, you can explore specialty threads to add texture, shine, and dimension.

Where to Buy Blank 13 Mesh and 18 Mesh Needlepoint Canvas

Ready to start your next needlepoint project?

At Grandma Hobby Co, we offer blank white cotton mono needlepoint canvas for beginners, DIY painters, and experienced designers.

Our blank needlepoint canvas features:

• Available in 13 mesh and 18 mesh

• White cotton mono canvas

• Available in 8" × 8", 8" × 10", and 11" × 14" sheets

• Sold in convenient packs of six

• Compatible with acrylic paint pens

• Great for beginners and experienced stitchers

• Ideal for DIY painted needlepoint canvas projects

Whether you're painting your own canvas, designing ornaments, or practicing new stitches, our blank needlepoint canvas gives you a versatile starting point.

Shop Blank Needlepoint Canvas at Grandma Hobby Co

 

If you're new to needlepoint, choosing the right threads and needles can feel overwhelming. With so many options—DMC embroidery floss, DMC Perle Cotton, Pepper Pot Silk, Silk & Ivory, Essentials, and specialty fibers—how do you know which ones work best for your canvas?

The good news? Once you understand your needlepoint canvas mesh size, choosing the right supplies becomes much easier.

In this beginner-friendly needlepoint guide, we'll explain the best threads and tapestry needle sizes for 13 mesh and 18 mesh needlepoint canvas, including affordable options, luxury fibers, and tips for getting beautiful stitch coverage.

Why Does Needlepoint Mesh Size Matter?

Before choosing your threads and needles, it's important to understand your canvas.

Needlepoint mesh refers to the number of canvas openings per inch.

• 13 mesh needlepoint canvas has larger openings and creates larger stitches.

• 18 mesh needlepoint canvas has smaller openings and creates finer, more detailed stitches.

Because 13 mesh has larger openings, it generally requires thicker fibers for good coverage. Meanwhile, 18 mesh works beautifully with finer threads.

If you're just getting started, Grandma Hobby Co offers blank white cotton mono needlepoint canvas in both 13 mesh and 18 mesh, perfect for DIY painting, beginner projects, and custom needlepoint designs.

Best Threads for 13 Mesh Needlepoint Canvas

13 mesh needlepoint canvas is one of the most beginner-friendly options because the larger holes are easier to see and stitch.

For the best results, choose fibers that provide enough coverage without making the stitches bulky.

Our Favorite Threads for 13 Mesh

1. Silk & Ivory

A popular silk-and-wool blend that offers beautiful coverage, a soft finish, and a subtle sheen. Excellent for pillows, ornaments, and decorative needlepoint projects.

2. Planet Earth Silk

A luxurious silk thread with a beautiful finish. A great option for stitchers who want vibrant colors and a polished appearance.

3. Milan

A soft wool thread with a matte finish. Ideal for stitchers who prefer a traditional needlepoint look.

4. Very Velvet

Perfect for adding plush texture to your needlepoint projects. Great for decorative accents, holiday designs, and dimensional stitching.

5. DMC Perle Cotton Size 3

One of our favorite affordable options for 13 mesh needlepoint canvas.

DMC Perle Cotton #3 is a non-divisible cotton thread with a soft sheen. It's easy to work with and comes in a variety of colors.

6. DMC Six-Strand Embroidery Floss

Looking for the most budget-friendly needlepoint thread?

Regular DMC embroidery floss is a great option, especially for beginners who already have embroidery supplies.

For 13 mesh, you'll generally need to combine multiple strands or lengths to achieve enough canvas coverage. Test your coverage before starting a large project.

Best Threads for 18 Mesh Needlepoint Canvas

18 mesh needlepoint canvas has smaller openings, making it ideal for detailed artwork, ornaments, and intricate stitching.

Because the holes are smaller, you'll want finer fibers that glide smoothly through the canvas.

Our Favorite Threads for 18 Mesh

1. Essentials by Tilli Tomas

A silk-and-merino blend that works beautifully on 18 mesh needlepoint canvas. It offers smooth stitching and a soft, refined finish.

2. Pepper Pot Silk

One of the most popular needlepoint fibers, Pepper Pot Silk offers vibrant colors and a beautiful silk finish.

It's a favorite for ornaments, detailed artwork, and modern needlepoint designs.

3. Vineyard Silk Classic

A beautiful silk fiber with a smooth, polished appearance. Excellent for detailed needlepoint projects.

4. Petite Very Velvet

If you love the texture of Very Velvet but are stitching on 18 mesh, Petite Very Velvet is a great choice for smaller stitches and decorative accents.

5. DMC Perle Cotton Size 5

A budget-friendly cotton option for finer needlepoint projects. Its smooth, slightly shiny finish works well for many 18 mesh designs, although coverage depends on your stitch and tension.

6. DMC Six-Strand Embroidery Floss

Regular DMC embroidery floss is one of the most affordable ways to stitch needlepoint.

It's widely available, comes in hundreds of colors, and works on 18 mesh when you use an appropriate number of strands.

For many tent-stitch projects, start by testing all six strands and adjust based on the coverage you prefer.

13 Mesh vs. 18 Mesh Needlepoint Thread Comparison Chart

Thread	Recommended Mesh	Finish
Milan	13 mesh	Matte, soft
Silk & Ivory	13 mesh	Soft sheen
Planet Earth Silk	13 mesh	Lustrous silk
Very Velvet	13 mesh	Plush, velvety
DMC Perle Cotton #3	13 mesh	Soft sheen
Essentials	18 mesh	Soft silk/wool blend
Pepper Pot Silk	18 mesh	Smooth silk
Vineyard Silk Classic	18 mesh	Polished silk
Petite Very Velvet	18 mesh	Plush, velvety
DMC Perle Cotton #5	18 mesh	Soft sheen
DMC Embroidery Floss (6-Strand)	Both, adjust strands	Soft cotton sheen

These are starting recommendations. Actual coverage varies by stitch, fiber thickness, and personal preference.

 

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Needlepoint Threads and Needles

Choosing needlepoint supplies doesn't have to be complicated.

For 13 mesh canvas, start with thicker threads like Silk & Ivory, Planet Earth Silk, or DMC Perle Cotton #3 and a size 20 tapestry needle.

For 18 mesh canvas, try Pepper Pot Silk, Essentials, DMC Perle Cotton #5, or regular DMC embroidery floss with a size 22 tapestry needle.

Remember, there's no single perfect thread for every project. Experiment with different fibers, test your coverage, and find the combination that works best for your stitching style.

Happy stitching!

— Grandma Hobby Co