Needlepointing on a budget

We’ve all been there - you get interested in a hobby, set up a dopamine hitting cart online, then you see the price. Needlepoint can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean it can’t fit into your budget. Here are some tips on stretching your dollar:

1. Use a digital chart You can purchase digital charts from needlepoint designers or repurpose cross-stitch charts onto needlepoint canvas. Charts typically are about $5 but may be more for complicated designs. DMC also has free charts available to download.
2. Buy blank canvas While harder to find, you can purchase zweigart orange line mono deluxe canvas at a local needlepoint store or right here at Friday Night Needlepoint in precut sizes (under accessories) https://fridaynightneedlepoint.com/products/pre-cut-blank-needlepoint-canvas-13-or-18-mesh-zweigart-orange-line-mono-8x8. When buying online you want to make sure you know where the selvedge edge is to stitch/paint in the proper orientation. This helps prevent warping during stitching. 
3. Use paint pens or acrylic paint any acrylic craft paint will do, but if you find your paints a little thick you can add a painting medium like Liquitex matte medium. Brushes like princeton or Zen spotter 5/0 (found at Michaels) are small enough for an 18 mesh canvas. Not into mixing paint or getting messy? Paint pens are a beginner-friendly choice to quickly stitch paint your intersections.
4. Use cheaper threads - DMC floss is great! Especially for smaller projects, embroidery floss is very versitile for both 13 and 18 mesh. Use all 6 strands for 13 mesh and 4 strands for 18 mesh. Don't want to stand? DMC matte is perfect for 13 mesh and Pearl Cotton #5 is a great alternative for 18 mesh

Hope these tips help and below is a free digital chart of mini sunglasses, perfect for a bag charm!