‘House Guest’ Provides a Beginner’s Guide to Needlepoint That Actually Makes Sense

If your algorithm has been quietly showing you a lot of “grandma hobbies” lately, this episode is your sign to give in. Kenzie Elizabeth welcomes Penny Linn founder Krista Robertson on a recent episode of House Guest for a surprisingly addictive needlepoint 101—complete with the culture, the chaos, and the beginner stuff you actually need if you’re looking to pick up a new hobby.

And Krista gets why the hobby blew up: during COVID, shopping options were basically nonexistent, and she was over it. “There was nobody really online…a lot of stores were like, call us to order. And I’m like, I would rather jump off of a cliff.”

‘House Guest’ Breaks Down Needlepoint With Krista Robertson

From there, they break down what needlepoint is (and why people get so pressed about mixing it up with cross stitch), why it’s pricey, and why the slow, hands-busy pace feels like a relief right now.

Needlepoint vs. cross stitch: yes, people will fight you about it

If you’ve ever posted something remotely stitch-related and gotten corrected within 30 seconds, welcome to the club. Kenzie says she was “annihilated” after sharing a screenshot that sparked the classic confusion, needlepoint vs. cross stitch.

But Krista’s breakdown makes it click without turning into a lecture. Start with the big bucket: “needlework is the general thing.” Then, under that umbrella, you’ve got the “sisters”—cross stitch, needlepoint, sewing, knitting, and more. The reason people mix them up is because they sit close together in the craft family tree. But the materials and method are different enough that stitchers will clock it instantly.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Cross stitch is typically done on what’s called an Aida cloth, which Krista describes as “very durable and flexible.” That and the stitch itself is literally forming X’s. “So the cross stitch is actually [when] you make two X’s,” she explains.
  
• Needlepoint uses a stiffer canvas (Krista name-checks Zweigart as the traditional option) and doesn’t rely on counting out a chart the same way. Instead, the design is “printed or painted on the canvas,” and the process is more like following the artwork in front of you. Many canvases are handpainted, hence the price increase. “Needlepoint is kind of like a paint by numbers,” she states.

Why needlepoint costs more (and what you’re actually paying for)

Kenzie and Krista are clear upfront: “It’s an expensive hobby.” But the reason comes down to how needlepoint is made. Unlike printed charts or mass-produced kits, needlepoint canvases are hand painted. Krista explains that “somebody is literally physically painting every single intersection on your canvas.” Even a small piece can involve thousands of painted stitches, and “even a 4-inch round will take 5 hours if they’re really skilled.”

That labor doesn’t stop at the canvas. Needlepoint is also “hand stitched and hand finished.” There’s no automation behind it—every step involves a person. That’s also why projects take time. “I think people see like a $300 canvas and think they’re going to do it in a weekend. That’s a year-long project.”

LNS, WIPs, kitting, and mesh sizes

If needlepoint feels intimidating at first, it’s usually not the stitching—it’s the language. Kenzie and Krista slow everything down by translating the terms that get thrown around casually online but rarely explained.

First up: LNS. That stands for local needlepoint store, and Krista says you’ll hear it constantly. “If you’re in real life, they say LNS, which is your local needlepoint store.” These shops aren’t just retail—they’re where beginners learn, ask questions, and accidentally stay for hours.

Then there’s a WIP, short for work in progress. Kenzie admits she loves “a whip Wednesday,” which is basically a social media trend where stitchers share whatever they’re currently working on, finished or not. 

Kitting is another term that sounds more intense than it is. Krista explains it simply: “getting all the supplies you need to actually needlepoint your canvas.” That usually means thread, a needle, and anything required to start stitching right away. For beginners, she recommends saying yes to getting canvases kitted—it removes a lot of guesswork.

Finally, mesh size refers to how many holes are in the canvas per inch. “13 mesh has bigger holes…18 mesh, the holes are smaller.” Bigger holes mean thicker threads and an easier learning curve, which is why she recommends beginners start with 13 mesh.

The easiest way to start without getting overwhelmed

If needlepoint feels like a lot, Krista’s advice simplifies everything. Start smaller than you think you need to. The goal isn’t to master the craft, but to finish something once.

Her first recommendation is canvas choice. “If you are a beginner, I would start on a 13 mesh canvas.” Bigger holes are easier on your hands and your patience, and you’re far less likely to fight the thread. She also suggests limiting colors. Early projects work best when you’re not constantly switching threads or second-guessing choices.

Size matters, too. Krista and Kenzie both point beginners toward projects that are physically small and easy to finish. “Usually a key chain’s really easy to do because it’s smaller and it’s really easy to finish too.” Smaller projects mean faster momentum—and less pressure to be perfect.

And if you have the option, get your canvas kitted. Having the thread and needle chosen for you removes a huge mental hurdle and keeps you from spiraling in a store aisle or online cart.

Needlepoint works when your brain won’t slow down

Needlepoint can be a hobby that provides stress-relief too. In a world built on instant results and constant input, the value of the hobby is that it physically pulls you out of that cycle. “There’s something really nice about working on one project for a long time with your hands where you can’t be on technology.”

That part matters. Needlepoint isn’t something you half-do while scrolling. It requires both hands, steady attention, and just enough focus to keep your brain occupied without overwhelming it. Krista calls it a “slow hobby,” especially meaningful in what she describes as an “Amazon Prime” culture where everything is immediate. Here, progress happens one stitch at a time—and that’s the point (ba-dum-tssss).

“It’s so therapeutic. It’s so calming. And it’s so gratifying,” Krista says. For people who struggle to fully unplug, needlepoint offers a rare workaround. You can still listen to a podcast, watch a comfort show, or sit with friends—but your hands are busy, your phone is down, and your nervous system gets a break. That quiet focus is what keeps people coming back, long after the first project is finished.

And finally, don’t overthink learning. Krista reassures beginners that tutorials are everywhere, and that in-person help is a bonus, not a requirement. The only real rule is starting. Once your hands are moving, the rest comes faster than you expect.

To hear Krista Robertson’s full conversation about needlepoint, listen to House Guest with Kenzie Elizabeth wherever you get your podcasts.

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