Needlepoint tool
Needlepoint thread and needle chart
Which thread, how many strands and which needle for this canvas?
18 mesh · Thread
Tapestry wool (one strand, not divided): not suitable: use a finer thread
Persian wool (three strands that separate): 1 strand
Pearl cotton: size 5, 1 strand
Six-strand cotton floss: 4 to 6 strands
Needle size
22
For 18 mesh, from “Tapestry needle size by mesh” below.
“Our suggestion” marks advice that is this site’s own, not a figure from a published chart.
Thread and strands by mesh: a starting point
Scroll the table sideways to see every column.
| Thread | 10 mesh | 12 mesh | 13 mesh | 14 mesh | 18 mesh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tapestry wool (one strand, not divided) | 1 strand | 1 strand | 1 strand | 1 strand | not suitable: use a finer thread |
| Persian wool (three strands that separate) | 3 strands | 2 strands | 2 strands (this site's reading) | 2 strands | 1 strand |
| Pearl cotton | size 3, 2 strands | size 3, 2 strands | size 3, 1 strand | size 3, 1 strand | size 5, 1 strand |
| Six-strand cotton floss | 8 to 10 strands | 8 strands | 7 or 8 strands | 6 or 7 strands | 4 to 6 strands |
- The counts are printed from makers', teachers' and shops' published charts, which do not all agree, so some cells give a range. A cell that is this site's own reading, and not a figure from a source, says so.
- Persian wool: the maker's chart gives 10, 12, 14 and 18 mesh. Two strands on 13 mesh is this site's own reading, between 12 and 14.
- Floss on 18 mesh: two shops' charts give 4 strands, a third gives 4 to 6, and one belt maker's chart uses all 6. On 13 mesh two shops' charts give 7 to 8. On 14 mesh one shop's chart gives 7 and one maker's gives 6.
- Floss on 10 and 12 mesh: the counts are one shop's chart, and one maker's chart does not recommend floss on canvas that coarse.
- Pearl cotton is not divided. Two strands of size 3 on 10 and 12 mesh is one shop's chart; another shop calls size 3 best for 10 to 13 mesh.
- Tapestry wool: one shop's chart uses 2 strands on 10 mesh, and calls tapestry wool not appropriate on 18 mesh.
Tapestry needle size by mesh
| Mesh | Needle size |
|---|---|
| 10 | 16 or 18 |
| 12 | 18 or 20 |
| 13 | 20 |
| 14 | 20 |
| 18 | 22 |
- A tapestry needle has a blunt tip and a large eye. A bigger number is a finer needle.
- Size charts overlap where one range meets the next, so treat this as a starting point: one shop's chart also gives size 22 for 14 mesh and size 24 for 18 mesh. Stitch a little in the margin and see which size suits your canvas and thread.
How it works
- Thread should cover the canvas and pass through the holes without force: thicker threads for lower mesh counts, finer threads for higher ones.
- Drop the needle point first into a hole. The right size stops where the eye is widest and comes through with a gentle pull. If it falls straight through it is too small; if you have to tug, it is too big.
- Before you start, stitch a dozen tent stitches in the margin of your canvas. If canvas shows between them, add a strand or use a thicker thread. Our suggestion
- Upright stitches such as bargello and brick cover less well than slanted ones and may need more strands or a thicker thread.
- DMC pearl cotton uses the same color numbers as its six-strand cotton for the shades it is made in; DMC tapestry wool uses different numbers.
- For silk, blends and metallic threads, follow the maker's own advice for your mesh. Our suggestion
Questions
- What size needle for 18 mesh needlepoint?
- A size 22 tapestry needle.
- What size pearl cotton for 18 mesh?
- Size 5. On 13 and 14 mesh, size 3.