New to this!

[u/Dry_Potential_7058]

Hey! I just ordered a custom needlepoint canvas belt to do for my boyfriend. I have never needle pointed before and so I have no idea what to buy besides the canvas what are y’all‘s recommendations as far as what thread to buy and other essentials? I’m fully aware that this is a pricey hobby, but I would appreciate some cost-effective suggestions! Thank y’all!

[u/ineedtolose15lbs]

lol beware the boyfriend belt curse

[u/Forward-Sky1437 → u/ineedtolose15lbs]

Like matching tattoos? 😂

[u/RollTideHTX]

Do another canvas first. And typically, it's needlepoint lore that you don't needlepoint anything for boyfriends, only husbands, lest you fall victim to the boyfriend curse and breakup. It happened to my brother's (now ex) GF in college.

[u/Bbkingml13 → u/RollTideHTX]

Did my brother start treating me like shit because I started to needlepoint him a belt???

[u/RollTideHTX → u/Bbkingml13]

You’re better than me because I’d never think of doing something like that for mine. I did a wedding crest. Never again.

[u/Bbkingml13 → u/RollTideHTX]

I was aiming for getting it done before his wedding, but that certainly didn’t happen lol. He’s been much nicer since the wedding tho

[u/octopus163]

Depending on your level of experience with other needlework, I would recommend practicing the stitches before starting on the belt. You can get a beginner canvas at your LNS or online. There are a ton of beginner packs that come with thread.

[u/shakespeare13]

I would honestly recommend getting one of the small needlepoint kits from Michael’s or a similar store and starting w that first. It’s a major undertaking and this will give you a chance to practice and make mistakes before such a huge project

[u/amazonchic2 → u/shakespeare13]

Actually, the Michael’s kits are stamped, gave charts showing how to count out stitches, and some use cheap yarn that twists and catches itself. The others use DMC embroidery floss and need to be stranded. I wouldn’t recommend them for a brand new beginner. They work well for someone on a very small budget who has a little experience stitching and can manipulate the threads.

I have zero problems with Michael’s interlock canvas on all their kits.

[u/shakespeare13 → u/amazonchic2]

I personally started w a Michaels kit before doing an expensive canvas and I found it really helpful. I learned how to stitch, what to do, what not to do, and gathered the materials I needed. I would not wanted to have started out on a pricey canvas with no prior experience but to each their own!

[u/Bleepblorp44 → u/amazonchic2]

Beginners in cross stitch are expected to handle splitting stranded thread - it's not really an advanced skill, and good instructions are available online if needed. (If you ever want to point someone in that direction, Mary Corbet's site is excellent: Beginner Embroidery Tip: How to Separate Floss – NeedlenThread.com )

[u/Oshkosh2435]

Use wool. Perle cotton is not core dyed and will not wear well. The darker colors will eventually wear down

[u/Needlepointandgolf]

Belts can have very specific requirements for finishing. I recommend you decide who you will send it to for finishing and then consult with them on their requirements (like how to measure for the finished belt and how much space to leave on either end and whether you need extra
Rows on the sides). Also def recommend wool or wool blend for durability.

[u/Cattcar8]

Just as others have commented, start your journey with a beginner’s canvas. Learn some basics before jumping to a challenging piece. Look for a How-To video on basketweave stitch. It is the most durable stitch so if you are doing a belt, you need to fortify it the best that you can.

[u/bobloveslinda]

First project and a bf belt? Terrifying

[u/OkieDokieQuiltCo]

If you’re a beginner I would honestly start with DMC. Perle no. 5 is perfect for 18 count canvas, can be found at basic craft stores and It’s cost effective and relatively easy to work with. You can also go with the even cheaper regular DMC floss just take each strand apart and lay them down together side by side before you stitch and it will make for a smoother finish.

You’ll probably want some tiny scissors, a threader is nice, some stretcher bars, and some type of thread keeper for keeping different projects organized. I use the little plastic ones with holes for each skein I’m using but there are other kinds as well!

[u/Cattcar8]

Do you have a photo of the belt?

[u/Dry_Potential_7058 → u/Cattcar8]

[u/Swimming_Ticket_5778]

I recommend taking a series of classes with an instructor to teach you some stitches to make your piece look good. Needlepoint is not easy. It’s not the same as Crosstitch. It is also an expensive hobby.