Fiber Guide
Let’s Talk Fibers
Silk, wool, metallic, ribbon, novelty — there are plenty of options, but choosing the right fiber doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what to know before you start stitching.
First Things First
What Is Needlepoint Fiber?
Fiber is what you stitch through your canvas to bring the design to life. Different fibers can change the texture, shine, coverage, and overall look of your finished piece.
The good news? There isn’t always one “right” answer. Choosing fiber is part of the fun.
Find Your Favorite
Shop By Fiber Type
Different fibers bring different texture, shine, and personality to your canvas. Here’s where to start.
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Smooth & Vibrant
Silk
Beautiful color, smooth coverage, and a polished finish make silk a favorite for all kinds of projects.
Shop Silk -
Soft & Forgiving
Silk-Wool
A versatile blend with beautiful coverage and a little extra body, making it approachable and satisfying to stitch with.
Shop Silk-Wool -
A Little Shine
Metallic
Perfect for adding sparkle, dimension, and highlights to your canvas.
Shop Metallics -
Bring On The Texture
Novelty
Fuzzy, fluffy, sparkly, or unexpected — novelty fibers are made for adding personality and dimension.
Shop Novelty -
Soft Dimension
Silk Ribbon
Ribbon creates beautiful texture and dimension, especially for florals and decorative details.
Shop Silk Ribbon
Match Your Mesh
Which Fiber Should I Use?
Your mesh size is the easiest place to start when choosing a fiber.
13 Mesh
18 Mesh
Smaller canvas holes generally work best with finer fibers.
A Few To Start With
- Essentials Card - 502 White
- Essentials Card - 844 Ribbon
- Essentials Card - 766 Hedgehog
- Essentials Card 591 - Creme Brulee
Any Mesh
Some fibers can work across mesh sizes, depending on how they are used.
A Few To Start With
- Essentials Card - 502 White
- Milan Skein 1502 White
- Essentials Card - 844 Ribbon
- Essentials Card - 766 Hedgehog
Pick Your Look
What Do You Want Your Stitches To Do?
Smooth
For clean, even coverage.
Shop Silk
Soft
For a plush, classic feel.
Shop Silk-Wool
Shiny
For sparkle and highlights.
Shop Metallics
Textured
For fur, trim, dimension, and playful details.
Shop Novelty
In The Fiber Drawer
Brands We Love
Make It Easy
Start With Your Canvas
Already have a canvas? Choose your mesh size and we’ll show you fibers that work with it.
Good To Know
Fiber Questions, Answered
What Fiber Should A Beginner Use?
Start with a fiber that’s easy to work with and suits your canvas mesh. Silk-wool is soft and forgiving, and silk gives smooth, vibrant coverage.
Shop Silk-WoolHow Do I Know If A Fiber Works With My Canvas?
Start with your canvas mesh size. Our 13 mesh, 18 mesh, and any-mesh collections show fibers that work with each.
Match Your MeshWhat Does “Ply” Mean?
Ply refers to the strands that are twisted together to make a fiber. Some fibers can be separated into individual strands.
How Many Strands Should I Use?
It depends on your fiber, your mesh size, and the look you want. Test a few stitches in a small area first.
Can I Mix Different Fiber Types On One Canvas?
Yes. Many stitchers combine fibers to add texture, shine, and dimension to different parts of a design.
What’s The Difference Between Silk And Silk-Wool?
Silk is smooth and polished, while silk-wool is softer with a little more body.
Shop By Fiber TypeWhen Should I Use Metallic Fiber?
Use metallic fiber when you want sparkle, dimension, or highlights.
Shop MetallicsWhat Are Novelty Fibers Used For?
Novelty fibers add texture and personality, like fur, trim, and playful details.
Shop NoveltyCan I Use The Same Fiber On 13 Mesh And 18 Mesh?
Some fibers can work across mesh sizes depending on how they are used. Our any-mesh collection is a good place to look.
Shop Any Mesh