Gen Z Gets into Needlepoint

Lauren Kessler was introduced to needlepoint at an early age. She started learning how to stitch when she was seven years old, just after her mom, Lisa Kessler had begun to stitch herself. "I began with little projects and I really enjoyed the feeling of finishing a canvas as well as the relaxing nature of stitching," she says. Keep reading and get to know Lauren with this quick Q&A.

Q: What type of canvas do you prefer stitching?

I prefer stitching smaller canvases, such as ornaments. They’re usually quick stitches and give me a real sense of accomplishment once I complete them. I also like stitching bright and colorful canvases that allow me to add a lot of embellishment. So pretty much anything that lets me express my creativity.

Q: How many projects have you finished? 

So many that I’ve begun to lose count. In this last year, I’ve finished about 10 or so projects, such as the Summer Basket and the No Prob Llama Party canvases. 

Q: What are three reasons Gen Z should check out needlepoint?

1. It’s a great hobby for people who want to relax while also doing something creative. I often find myself binge-watching something on Netflix while stitching a new project.

2. It’s really easy to learn new techniques as you go along and allows you to work with a lot of different mediums like ribbon and beads.

3. There’s a canvas for everyone! Big, small, simple, ornate, colorful, monochrome, pop culture related, you name it. No matter what your style or interest is, there’s a project for you.

Q: Tell us about your Summer Basket online class you are teaching this summer?

We found the canvas for the class at the Atlanta Needlepoint Market this past March. I thought the piece was super cute and was something that I could have a lot of fun with. My mom suggested that we perhaps make it into a class, so now here we are! I had a lot of fun coming up with stitches to use in this piece and it was a lot of fun to stitch too. I’m really excited to get to finally teach other stitchers, both new and experienced, how to stitch this piece. Get details here!

Q: What is the best way needlepoint newbies can get started? 

Check out BeStitched Needlepoint on Instagram! We have tons of fun new canvases in stock and on sale that will inspire you. Once you see something you like then check out our online classes, needlepoint books, and NeedlepointFix which has video tutorials on a variety of stitches. 

Finish the sentence. You will most likely find me stitching when...

I have a free day or it’s raining outside. I find myself stitching the most in the afternoon and in the evenings. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day of school, work, or on the weekend. I probably have about 20 different projects in my stash, but who's counting. 

What piece of advice do you have for young stitchers?

My advice for new stitchers is to find a piece that you really like. I’ll tell you from experience that if you don’t absolutely love or even like the piece you’re stitching, it will be really difficult for you to stay motivated. I’d also advise you to learn the basic stitches, such as basketweave, tent stitch, and t-stitch. These are the cornerstone stitches that you will most likely use in almost every piece you stitch. But don’t feel that you have to confine yourself to these stitches either. Finally, don’t be afraid to get adventurous with the stitches and materials you choose for your piece, the worst thing that can happen is you don’t like it and start over. 

If you are interested in giving needlepoint a try, consider signing up for one of Lauren's summer online classes. We will be announcing these soon on BeStitched Needlepoint. She is also offering private facetime sessions all summer long. Simply call our store to schedule 480-991-0706