A Needlepointer’s Visit to Washington National Cathedral

Where Faith, History and Hand-Stitched Art Come Together For anyone who loves needlepoint, textiles and the beauty of things made slowly by hand, Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., offers something quite extraordinary. Most visitors first notice the soaring Gothic arches, carved stone, stained-glass windows and immense scale of the Cathedral. But look a little …

Stitch Spotlight: Why Is My Needlepoint Thread Getting Fuzzy?

You’re happily stitching along when you suddenly notice it: your beautiful thread is starting to look a little fuzzy. If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. Thread fuzz is a common needlepoint problem, particularly when working with wool, silk-and-wool blends, and softer fibers. The good news? A few simple changes can make a …

8 Secrets to Smooth Needlepoint Stitches (Beginner to Expert Guide)

There’s something magical about a perfectly stitched needlepoint canvas. The threads lie smoothly across the canvas, the stitches look crisp and even, and the finished piece has that polished, heirloom quality we all love. If your stitches sometimes look twisted, bumpy, or uneven, don’t worry. Even experienced stitchers occasionally battle rough-looking stitches. The good news? …

Digitally Printed vs. Stitch-Painted Needlepoint Canvases

What’s the Difference — and Why Does It Matter? If you’ve ever shopped for needlepoint canvases, you’ve probably seen two terms used often: digitally printed and stitch-painted. At first glance they may look similar, but the production process, stitching experience, and pricing are very different. Let’s unpack it. 🖥️ Digitally Printed Needlepoint Canvases A digitally …

The Best Threads for 13 Count vs 18 Count Needlepoint Canvas

Choosing the right thread for your mesh count is everything. Too thick? Your stitches look bulky and crowded. Too thin? You’ll see canvas peeking through — and nobody wants that. Let’s break it down clearly so your stitches look smooth, full, and professional. 🧵 Best Threads for 13 Count Mesh 13 count mesh has larger …

Why You Should Always Leave 3–4 Extra Rows When Stitching Needlepoint Designs

When stitching a needlepoint canvas, one of the most important — and often overlooked — best practices is leaving extra rows of blank stitches around your design. Professional needlepoint finishers strongly recommend allowing at least 1 and half to 2 inches canvas beyond the stitched design area. It also helps to stitch a couple of …

Creating My Cozy Space

At BeeBee Designs, needlepoint is more than a pastime—it’s a pause. A return to slow beauty, thoughtful color, and craftsmanship. Your stitching space should reflect that same feeling: serene, intentional, and quietly beautiful. If you’re dreaming of a cozy needlepoint corner with chinoiserie elegance and coastal ease, here’s how to create a setup that invites …