Quick Answer

Start your Martha Bobble 18 mesh needlepoint canvas by gathering the right threads and needles, then follow a simple stitch plan that brings out the portrait's details.

Why 18 Mesh Works for the Martha Bobble

The Martha Bobble canvas uses 18 mesh, which means 18 stitches per inch. This finer canvas allows for more detail in the portrait, capturing the subtle shading and features that make the design recognizable. However, it also requires smaller stitches and more patience than a larger mesh like 13 mesh.

If you're new to 18 mesh, expect a steeper learning curve. The tighter grid means you'll need to be precise with your needle placement. But the result is a more refined, detailed piece that's worth the extra effort.

Choosing the Right Threads

For 18 mesh, you'll want to use thinner threads, such as silk or cotton floss, to avoid bulkiness. The Martha Bobble design includes areas of skin tone, hair, and clothing, so you'll need a palette that matches the hand-painted canvas. If you're unsure, start with the colors provided in the canvas and add subtle variations for depth.

Consider using a single strand of floss for detailed areas and two strands for filling larger sections. This helps maintain the stitch definition without overcrowding the canvas.

Stitching the Martha Bobble: Step-by-Step

  1. Prepare Your Materials: Gather your 18 mesh canvas, a size 24 tapestry needle, and your chosen threads. Cut a length of thread about 18 inches to avoid tangling. Check that your needle fits through the mesh without forcing it.
  2. Start with the Eyes: Begin stitching the eyes first, as they anchor the portrait's expression. Use a tent stitch (like basketweave) for smooth, even coverage. Ensure your stitches are uniform in direction to avoid puckering.
  3. Build the Face with Shading: Work outward from the eyes, using slightly different shades of thread to create depth in the skin tones. Blend colors by alternating stitches in adjacent rows. Step back frequently to check the overall shading balance.
  4. Stitch the Hair and Clothing: Use longer stitches like a slanted Gobelin for hair texture, and switch to a basketweave for clothing to provide durability. Keep tension consistent to prevent distortion of the canvas.
  5. Finish and Block the Canvas: Once all stitching is complete, remove the canvas from the frame and block it to ensure it lies flat. Then, have it framed or turned into a pillow. Always block your finished piece before framing to correct any warping.

Product Spotlight

  • Martha Bobble - Needlepoint Canvas (Wholesale): The Martha Bobble is part of the Bobbles Series, featuring hand-painted needlepoint canvases designed to be stitched, displayed, and collected. The hand-painted design guides your color choices and stitch placement, making it easier to achieve a portrait that captures the icon's likeness.

    Martha Bobble - Needlepoint Canvas (Wholesale)

    Martha Bobble - Needlepoint Canvas (Wholesale)