A needlepoint canvas is the ground fabric on which the stitches are made. Needlepoint canvases come in a wide range of sizes or mesh based on the number of threads per inch. Most canvases are made of cotton because of the natural fiber in the cotton allows for the canvas to stretch and breather. The most common of colors for a canvas are white and beige but in recent years that has begun to change. You can know find canvases in grey, green and dyed marbled effects these tend to give more of a vivid and striking design. The most common sizes are 14-mesh and 18-mesh canvases.

You should choose a size canvas that will compliment the design and threads you plan to use. You want to make sure you choose the correct mesh. If the mesh is too small, it will damage the threads or if the mesh is too large the thread will not cover the canvas well. The two main types of basic needlepoint canvases are mono and Penelope. The mono canvas is a single thread and is the preferred canvas for beginners. The Penelope canvas is woven with double threads creating both wide and narrow spaces. This type of canvas is not recommended to use for upholstery designs like pillow or chair covers. Penelope canvases are used when the needlepoint designs have a lot of detail and mixture of tiny stitches. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, anyone with experience would be happy to share their knowledge of needlepoint.