Christmas is when a lot of stitchers pick up a new canvas. Some want an ornament for the tree. Some want a gift. Some want a funny piece that makes the whole family laugh. The ideas below are grouped by what you want the finished piece to be, with some of our own hand-painted canvases as examples.
Christmas ornament canvases
Ornaments are the classic Christmas needlepoint project. They’re small, so they stitch up faster than a pillow or a framed piece, and they’re easy to finish at home. Most stitchers back them with felt or fabric, add a cord around the edge, and sew on a loop for hanging.
Our Ho Ho Ho mini wreath ornament is a 13 mesh canvas priced at $20. Its round wreath shape makes a simple, cheerful tree ornament. The mini initial Christmas stocking is painted on 18 mesh, so the stitches are finer and the little stocking keeps its detail at ornament size. Stitch one initial for each person in the family and you have a set.
If you’ve never turned a canvas into an ornament, our list of ways to finish a needlepoint canvas covers the main options.
Christmas wreath needlepoint
A wreath is one of the easiest Christmas designs to read from across a room. The round shape frames a word or a few letters, and the greens and reds do most of the work.
The JOY Wreath uses just 3 colors. The design is about 3.6" × 2.2" on a 7.1" × 5.7" canvas. You can buy the canvas alone for $28 or the full kit for $60. The kit comes with DMC Pearl Cotton size 3 threads in the design’s colors, a size 20 tapestry needle, mini scissors and a clear project bag, so you have everything you need to start.
A small wreath like this works as an ornament, a framed piece for a shelf, or an insert for a bag.
Funny Christmas needlepoint canvases
Not every Christmas canvas has to be sweet. Funny canvases are a lot of fun to stitch, and they make good gifts for the friend who’d rather laugh than get another candle.
What the Fa La La is a 13 mesh canvas with a cheeky twist on the “fa la la” from Deck the Halls. It comes with three border options, so you can pick the one that suits your style, and it starts at $40. It’s sold as a canvas only. You’ll find more designs like it in our funny needlepoint canvases.
Christmas bookmark needlepoint
A bookmark is a good Christmas canvas if you want something long, narrow and useful all year. It also makes an easy gift for a reader.
Our Ho Ho Ho Christmas bookmark has pink, red and green stripes on 13 mesh. Stripes are relaxing to stitch. You settle into a rhythm and watch the design build row by row. Bookmarks are usually finished with a felt or fabric back, and some stitchers add a tassel at one end. Browse all our needlepoint bookmarks for more.
Christmas treats and holiday movies
Food and pop culture designs feel festive without leaning on the usual Santa and snowman. The Christmas Tree Cake canvas is painted on 13 mesh and turns a well-known holiday snack cake into something you can hang on the tree.
If you love holiday movies, we have three 18 mesh designs inspired by The Holiday, including the Holiday house and Mr. Napkin Head. The finer 18 mesh lets small details stay crisp.
13 mesh or 18 mesh for a Christmas canvas?
Most of our Christmas canvases are 13 mesh, which means 13 stitches per inch. The stitches are larger, so the canvas fills in faster and the holes are easier to see. 18 mesh has 18 stitches per inch. It gives finer detail but takes longer to stitch. If you’re new to needlepoint or short on time before the holidays, 13 mesh is usually the easier pick.
How to choose a Christmas canvas
- Think about the finish first. Ornament, bookmark, framed piece or pillow? The finish tells you what size and shape to look for.
- Count the colors. Fewer colors mean fewer thread changes. A design with 3 to 5 colors makes a relaxed project.
- Give yourself time. Stitching speed varies a lot from person to person. If it’s a gift for a set date, start early, and pick a smaller piece if you’re unsure.
- Decide on canvas or kit. If you already have thread, a canvas alone may be all you need. If you’re starting from scratch, a kit saves you from hunting down the right threads and needle.
New to stitching? Read how to start your first needlepoint canvas before you pick a design.
