Beyond the Basics: How to Plan Your Needlepoint project Like a Pro

Astrid Vangenechten
May 1
2 min read

Updated: May 22

So You’ve Mastered the Tent Stitch… Now What?

First of all—yay, you! If you’re feeling confident with the tent stitch and the basics of needlepoint, you’re in a great place to start exploring. That’s when things get really fun.

At Maison Needlepoint, we believe learning the rules makes breaking them more satisfying. I love getting creative with new stitches and testing out different threads (sometimes just because they sparkle). But before diving in headfirst, a little planning goes a long way. Trust me—your future self will thank you.

Needlepoint project planning notebook with stitch samples, a selection of yarns and a finishing fabric

A Little Strategy, a Lot of Fun

Whether you’re working with one of our Maison Needlepoint kits or bringing in your own threads and ideas, it helps to take a few of research and prep before you begin. Writing everything down in a Needlepoint Notebook, it keeps things creative—but also manageable. Think of it as creating a little roadmap for your stitching journey.

Questions to Ask Before You Start

Here are some of the questions I ask myself when planning something beyond the basics. Write the answers down in your notebook so :

The Basics:

What canvas count am I working with?
How many colors are printed on the canvas?
Is this a large area I can play with—or a tiny spot that needs precision?

Creative Goals:

What effect do I want to create—texture, depth, movement?
Do I love the original color palette, or do I want to swap a few?
Am I tempted to add some sparkle, shine, or contrast?
Do I want a certain area to stand out or blend in?

Practical Stuff:

Will the thread I want to use work for this canvas count?
Is this stitch too big or too detailed for the space I want to fill?
Have I stitched with this thread before—or should I test it on scrap canvas?
Am I craving a relaxing flow, or am I ready for a creative challenge?

Give Yourself Permission to Play (and Plan)

At Maison Needlepoint, we’re all about helping stitchers grow from curious beginners to confident creators. We don’t believe in stitching by strict rules, but we do believe that planning gives you more freedom to have fun.

The more comfortable you get with the basics, the easier it becomes to experiment with new threads, swap colors, or pick stitches that match your vision.

I still like to push myself to try something new now and then—it keeps me engaged and creatively refreshed. But I always start by asking the right questions. It saves me frustration and makes the process way more enjoyable.

Not Sure Where to Start? We’ve Got You.

Our growing Stitch Library and Specialty Thread Guides are designed to help you take that next step confidently. Whether you want to make a background pop or add texture to a tiny sweater, we’ve got tips, tutorials, and honest thoughts on what works best where.

Final Thought

Needlepoint isn’t about perfection—it’s about enjoying the process and making something that feels like you. Once you’ve mastered the basics, there’s a whole world of creative options waiting for you. Just don’t forget to plan a little before diving in. Your stitches (and your sanity) will thank you later.