Needlepoint canvas
Needlepoint Canvas Mesh Sizes: Yarn, Needle and Stitch Guide
Needlepoint mesh is the number of holes per inch. 13 and 14 mesh are the most popular all-round sizes and suit tapestry or Persian wool with a size 20 needle. 18 mesh gives fine detail with thinner threads and a size 22 needle. 5 to 7 mesh is quickpoint and rugs.
The table below covers all 9 mesh sizes from 5 to 24, with the stitches each square inch holds: 169 on 13 mesh, against 324 on 18 mesh for the same area.
| Mesh | Stitches per sq in | Canvas types | Threads | Needle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mesh | 25 | Rug canvas, Penelope (double) canvas | Rug yarn, Several strands of tapestry or Persian wool | 13 |
| 7 mesh | 49 | Plastic canvas, Quickpoint canvas | Worsted weight yarn, Rug yarn | 16 |
| 10 mesh | 100 | Mono canvas, Interlock canvas, Penelope canvas | Tapestry wool (full strand), Persian yarn 3-ply | 18 |
| 12 mesh | 144 | Mono canvas, Interlock canvas | Persian yarn 3-ply, Tapestry wool, Pearl cotton #3 | 18 or 20 |
| 13 mesh | 169 | Mono canvas, Interlock canvas | Persian yarn 2-ply, Tapestry wool, Pearl cotton #3 | 20 |
| 14 mesh | 196 | Mono canvas, Interlock canvas | Persian yarn 2 to 3-ply, Tapestry wool, Pearl cotton #5 | 20 |
| 18 mesh | 324 | Mono canvas | Persian yarn 1-ply, Pearl cotton #5 or #8, Stranded cotton, Silk | 22 |
| 22 mesh | 484 | Mono canvas (petit point) | Stranded cotton, Silk, Pearl cotton #8 | 24 |
| 24 mesh | 576 | Mono canvas, Congress cloth (about 24 count) | Stranded cotton, Silk | 24 or 26 |
Use the needlepoint canvas calculator to size canvas and estimate yarn for your own design, or the printable needlepoint mesh chart. If you are starting out, needlepoint for beginners covers stretcher bars, the tent stitches and blocking.
Frequently asked questions
What does mesh mean on needlepoint canvas?
Mesh is the number of holes per inch, counted the same way in both directions. 13 mesh canvas has 13 holes per inch, which works out to 169 tent stitches per square inch. A higher mesh number means smaller stitches, finer detail and more stitching time for the same finished size.
Which mesh size should a beginner choose?
13 or 14 mesh. Both take tapestry or Persian wool with a size 20 needle, the holes are easy to see, and a small project finishes in a few weekends. 13 mesh is also the most common size for hand-painted canvases. Below 10 mesh you are into quickpoint and rugs; at 18 mesh and finer most people want magnification.
How much canvas should I buy for a design?
Add at least 2 inches of bare canvas on every side of the design for blocking, mounting on stretcher bars and finishing, so a 14 by 14 inch pillow needs 18 by 18 inches of canvas. Some finishers ask for 3 inches, so check before cutting. The needlepoint canvas calculator sizes it for any design.
Which tent stitch should you use?
Basketweave for backgrounds and any large filled area, because it distorts the canvas least and wears best. Continental suits single lines and outlines but pulls the canvas diagonally. Half cross uses the least yarn but leaves thin coverage on the back. Needlepoint for beginners covers all three.
Researched from manufacturer specifications, owner manuals and verified owner reviews, not hands-on testing, and not professional advice. As an Amazon Associate, Cozy Stitchery earns from qualifying purchases.
