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.
Thanks Pat for your help.
What an interesting discussion, sorry I didn’t know about it earlier.
I’ve checked the Zweigart catalog for you and the only 11 mesh canvas they show available is Double Mesh (Penelope) in White. It’s 24″ wide and right now is $14 per yard.
Available in brown (tan) Mono Deluxe is either 10 mesh or 12 mesh. These are 40″ wide and run $43.00 per yard.
I hope this helps in your search for canvas.
Hello Grace, it is rare these days to find this gauge and color of needlepoint canvas. You can either search online or call various needlepoint stores to see if they have a leftover supply. You may discover a shop owner who would be delighted that you are interested in taking it off their hands. Althea
I too have been searching for the 11 gauge tan mono canvas. I tried Discount Needlework and Stitcher’s Workshop and it wasn’t available. Any other source?
Hello Jena, Discount Needlework has some tan canvas that might meet your needs. Click on their name in this reply and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Stitcher’s Workshop has an even larger selection in various sizes and multiple colors. Hope this helps, and thanks for visiting. Althea
If you have a source for purchasing 11 gauge tan mono canvas I would greatly appreciate it.
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
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.
Thank you for sharing this information, and for being a great resource for Bargello stitchers everywhere! Audrey