13 vs. 18 Mesh Needlepoint Canvas: Which Should a Beginner Choose?
If you've started shopping for needlepoint canvas, you've seen numbers like "13 mesh" and "18 mesh" and probably wondered what they mean. The short answer: mesh count is the number of holes per inch on the canvas, and for beginners, 13 mesh is almost always the better choice because the larger holes make stitching faster and easier on your eyes.
Here's everything you need to know to choose with confidence.
What does "mesh" mean in needlepoint?
Mesh count tells you how many stitches fit into one inch of canvas. A 13 mesh canvas has 13 holes per inch; an 18 mesh canvas has 18 holes packed into that same inch. So the higher the number, the smaller each hole — and the smaller each stitch.
Think of it like screen resolution: more holes per inch means finer detail, but also smaller, more delicate work.
13 mesh: best for beginners
On 13 mesh canvas, the holes are larger and easier to see and thread. Your stitches are bigger, so a design fills in faster and you finish sooner — which matters a lot when you're building the habit. The larger holes are also gentler on your eyes and hands.
Trade-off: because the stitches are bigger, very fine detail and subtle shading are harder to capture in a canvas. But for the bold, colorful, beginner-friendly designs most people start with, that's not a limitation. Every canvas in our beginner-friendly collection is designed to look great on beginner-appropriate mesh.
18 mesh: better for detail (and more experienced stitchers)
On 18 mesh, the smaller holes let you stitch finer detail and smoother shading, and the finished piece has a more delicate look. But the smaller holes are harder to see, the stitches take longer, and it can be more tiring for a first project. Most stitchers try out 18 mesh once they're comfortable and want more intricate designs. Some stitchers always prefer to stitch 13 mesh, or switch back and forth between the two.
So which should you buy?
Choose 13 mesh if you're a beginner, you want to finish faster, you find small work hard on your eyes, or you're stitching a bold, graphic design. This covers most first-timers.
Choose 18 mesh if you've completed a few projects, you want fine detail or realistic shading, and you enjoy slower, more delicate work.
When in doubt, start with 13. You can always graduate to 18 mesh later — and you'll appreciate the finer canvas more once you've got the basics down.
A quick note on thread and mesh
Mesh count also affects how much thread you use to cover the canvas. Bigger holes (13 mesh) need more strands or thicker thread to fully cover; finer canvas (18 mesh) needs less. If you're using one of our beginner kits, this is already sorted for you — the kit includes the right thread in the right amount for that specific canvas, so there's no guesswork.
Ready to start? Our beginner canvases and kits are chosen to be beginner-friendly right out of the box. Browse beginner-friendly canvases or a complete beginner kit.
FAQ
What is mesh count in needlepoint? Mesh count is the number of holes per inch on a needlepoint canvas. A 13 mesh canvas has 13 holes per inch; 18 mesh has 18. Higher numbers mean smaller stitches and finer detail.
Is 13 or 18 mesh better for beginners? 13 mesh is better for beginners. The larger holes are easier to see and thread, and the bigger stitches mean you finish projects faster.
What is the difference between 13 and 18 mesh? 13 mesh has larger holes and stitches (faster, easier, bolder designs). 18 mesh has smaller holes and stitches (finer detail, slower, better for experienced stitchers).
Does mesh size change how much thread I need? Yes. Larger-hole canvas like 13 mesh needs more or thicker thread to cover fully, while 18 mesh needs less. Kits include the correct thread for their canvas.