A Bargello Needlepoint reader asked this question which prompted me to write a post on buying large pieces of blank needlepoint canvas in bulk and at a discount for making Bargello projects.
“I read your blog almost every day for ideas and inspiration for my bargello projects. My crafts budget allows for the basics and I would appreciate your help in locating suppliers and/or shops who sell canvas in bulk or large pieces on discount. Where do you purchase your canvas? I’m getting back into doing bargello again after many years and find it keeps me creative and relaxed at the same time! Thank you for your time and assistance and please share the info with your readers. –Audrey Jue”
Many Bargello needlepoint projects like chair/bench covers, jumbo throw pillows, vests and other apparel, require large pieces of needlepoint canvas. Oftentimes it’s hard to find blank pieces big enough to stitch the design and allow for 2” or more for finishing. Here are some tips for finding blank needlepoint canvas to meet your project needs.
Start with your local needlepoint shop.
Call ahead to see if they sell blank needlepoint canvas in bulk or single large pieces, and ask about pricing. Blank needlepoint canvas is usually sold by the square inch; so keep this in mind when planning your purchase. Most needlepoint shops carry blank canvas in sizes 10, 14, and 18 mesh. Other sizes will have to be specially ordered.
On routine visits for threads, needlepoint books, stretcher bars and accessories, shop for remnants of blank needlepoint canvas. Most shops have a sale basket or room where from time to time you can find small pieces of blank needlepoint canvas at bargain prices that can be used to make Bargello ornaments, box tops or inserts. Make it a point to look for needlepoint canvas remnants every time you visit the shop.
Shop online for blank needlepoint canvas.
There are many online needlepoint stores that offer blank canvas. Check to see if your favorite store sells needlepoint canvas in large enough sizes for your Bargello project. Here are two shops that sell canvas by the piece and yard.
Discount Needlework – Discount prices on blank mono, interlock, or penelope canvas in a variety of colors and widths to do your own designs. Sold by the yard or by the piece.
Alex-Paras Needlearts – Buy mono needlepoint canvas and other specially fabrics by the piece or yard.
When purchasing blank needlepoint canvas remember that Bargello needlepoint is usually worked on mono or single weave canvas, which is a natural needlepoint ground fabric made of cotton or linen that has been stiffened with sizing.
Thank you for sharing this information, and for being a great resource for Bargello stitchers everywhere! Audrey
Bad link or website is out of business????
Discount Needlework – Discount prices on blank mono, interlock, or penelope canvas in a variety of colors and widths to do your own designs. Sold by the yard or by the piece.
Am searching for blank needlepoint canvas, 14 count, at a reasonable price. Lee Wards in Michigan no longer carries blank needlepoint canvas. Sites I’ve found are charging three times the price. Any suggestions? Would like to find someplace in MI to visit.
Sylvia, I’ll have to find out what happened to the link. When the article was first written this site had an overabundance of blank needlepoint canvas in all size mesh. It could be that they were a victim of the poor economy. As for where you can find shops in Michigan, that’s a tough one. My first recommendation is that you surf the web AND contact the local American Needlepoint Guild (ANG) or Embroiderers Guild of America (EGA) Chapters to see if any members own needlepoint shops or know of places where you can get the canvas. Hope this helps. Keep on Stitchin’ Bargello Needlepoint. Althea