So which type of needlepoint canvas is right for you? It all depends on the person and their personal preferences. One of the three types of needlepoint may be more suitable for an individual depending on their level of experience and or interest in needlepoint. When purchasing a needlepoint canvas there are several available options, deciding what to needlepoint and the design is important.

There are three basic designs for needlepoint; lines drawn design, charted needlepoint design and a painted needlepoint canvas. A line drawn design is where the basic outline of the design is drawn on the canvas with a waterproof pen and normally comes with instructions. The instruction will give direction on where to place the stitches and suggest types of colors and threads. A charted needlepoint design is similar to cross stitch but the design is drawn out or charted on graph paper giving you a designated starting point. Just like the line drawn design, it will include instructions on stitch placement and thread suggestions. With a charted needlepoint, you will need to be able to follow a graph. A painted needlepoint canvas has the design drawn on the canvas or traced from a template painted with a fine brush. The design is painted with exact precision and placement of a single stitch and is easily determined by looking at the design. A painted needlepoint canvas doesn’t come with suggestions for stitching or threads, unless it comes as a needlepoint kit. The decision is basically all up to the individual on what type of canvas they like working with best.