What Is In A Needlepoint Kit?
What is a needlepoint kit? Do they always have the same thread? What is the difference between a kit and a canvas that is kitted? What do you mean I can choose my threads? Why are some canvases “partially kitted”, and what does that mean?
Are you confused by all of the labeling -- just read on and we’ll simplify it for you.
There are many types of kits - even in needlepoint. Some are packaged in the UK or New Zealand, some prepared right here at Needlepoint-For-Fun.
Read on to see the different types of needlepoint kits and which one best suits you. And, learn tips on how to navigate our drop-down menu for thread selection.
Stitch & Zip Needlepoint Kits
Stitch & Zip needlepoint kits have color-printed canvases already sewn into the finished product. This makes them "self-finishing" which means once you've finished stitching you have a finished product - a small purse, scissors holder etc.
Stitch & Zips come packaged with thread, needle and instructions. All you have to do is stitch – no finishing, no thread choice. Just stitch it and zip it up. Your coin purse, eye glass case, or cosmetic bag is ready to use. They’re ideal for the beginner needlepointer, or for anyone taking trip.
Other Needlepoint Kits
The needlepoint tapestry kits we import from the UK, New Zealand and Australia – Primavera, Jolly Red, One Off, Fine Cell Works, Animal Fayre, Elizabeth Bradley, Stitchsmith and Studio Stitches (use the Kit menu in the top navigation to find all of these) - tend to be needlepoint pillow kits.
These kits come packaged with threads (tapestry yarn) and needle, but you’ll still need to see your finisher (we have an excellent needlepoint finisher) to make them into a pillow, eye glass case or wall hanging. Most, but not all, come with charts and stitching instructions.
Handpainted Needlepoint Custom Kitted With Threads
This is any canvas where we pull threads - that is, we "kit" the canvas for you.
I Veuve You by Thorn Alexander
When you order a handpainted canvas and use the drop-down menu to select threads, we pull the threads just for this canvas. We also tape the canvas edges and provide needles. It's time-consuming, and more expensive for you, but you get a lovely custom project.
You will not get a chart or any stitching instructions or stitch guide when you order a canvas with threads.
A “partially” kitted canvas is just that. We provide the threads only for a part of the piece – the background, for example. How do you know if a design is only “partially” kitted? It will tell you this in the product description. There are only a few canvases that are partially kitted.
The drop down menu is the simple way we allow you to choose the threads we pull for your custom kitted piece. It's just like choosing the color dress from your favorite on-line store.
Start with the canvas you’re interested in stitching. Great choice! 
Harbor Town SK-1008
Now go to the drop down menu to the right of the image and click the arrow in the box after the word “Threads”.
You will see several choices. The most common are:
Canvas + cotton
Canvas + wool
Canvas + silk
Canvas + Our Favorites
The drop-down menu gives you choices and prices for each selection. If you click onto your “choice” you will see it pop up in the menu bar.
The description below the image will tell you the type of thread we use – Planet Earth silk, for example. The description also tells you the size stretcher bars to use.
But what if you want us to kit silk and just a bit of Kreinik, and are worried about our choices? Just choose Our Favorites and send us an email explaining what you want. If we can’t provide the type of threads you’re interested in, we’ll let you know.
There are lots of choices with needlepoint, but no wrong choice. Just pick the one that best suits you.
But, most importantly, don't miss out on getting the project want to spend time with. Contact us if you have any questions or need direction.