Why Every Stitcher Needs a Needlepoint Journal

Needlepoint is more than a hobby—it’s a story stitched one canvas at a time. Whether you’ve been stitching for years or you’ve just picked up your first canvas, keeping a needlepoint journal can transform the way you enjoy (and remember) your craft.  And, if you are like me, you have had at least one occasion where you ran out of thread - mid project and couldn't find the thread tag to buy more GAH!  I used to roll my eyes over journaling, but I'm becoming a convert!

Here’s why you should start one:

1. Record the Details You’ll Forget Later

Ever wonder which thread color you used three canvases ago? Or which shop you bought that perfect silk from? A journal gives you a place to note canvas mesh size, fiber choices, stitch variations, finishing notes, and even where you sourced materials. It saves future-you a lot of guesswork.  There is nothing worse than running out of thread mid-project and realizing you lost the label!

2. Spark Inspiration for Future Projects

Jotting down stitch combinations, thread blends, or finishing ideas means you always have a creative reference to return to. Flipping through your own stitching history can inspire your next masterpiece.

3. Create a Legacy

Needlepoint is a craft that connects generations. Your journal becomes part of that story—a keepsake that shows not just what you stitched, but when, why, and how. Imagine passing along your notes alongside your canvases for family or fellow stitchers.

4. Celebrate the Joy of the Process

A journal reminds you that needlepoint isn’t just about the finished pillow, ornament, or key fob. It’s about the hours of calm, focus, and creativity stitched into the process. Writing down reflections and little victories makes the craft even more meaningful.

Getting Started

All you need is a notebook (or a digital app if you prefer - the reference photo is a product available on Etsy!) and a simple system:

• Project name and start date

• Canvas details (mesh size, designer, size)

• Fibers used

• Stitches experimented with

• Finishing notes

• Photos of progress

Add in a section for inspiration or stitch goals, and you’ve got a tool that makes your needlepoint journey more intentional and more fun.

Final Stitch

A needlepoint journal is more than recordkeeping—it’s your personal stitching story. Start one with your next canvas, and watch how it deepens your connection to the craft.