Best contemporary tapestry kits for beginners

Tapestry is also called needlepoint, but somehow calling it that makes it feel a bit old-fashioned. And there is nothing old-fashioned about the modern tapestry kits we are highlighting here!

It's really easy to get to grips with the basics of needlepoint. It's the 'fabric' that can be most confusing as tapestry is usually worked on canvas which looks more like a net than a fabric. Because the holes in the canvas are so big, there is lots of room for thick tapestry wool so you get a nice chunky wool finish with tapestry.

Tapestry is worked in the same stitch as you use for half cross stitch, but worked in wool over canvas for a more filled finish, as opposed to cross stitch which is worked on a more solid fabric using thin strands from stranded cotton. Modern tapestry kits usually feature a printed canvas too, which means you can stitch without following a chart, as opposed to counted cross stitch which usually needs a chart to work the design.

Take your pick of the best beginner tapestry kits on show here and you'll soon get to grips with the basics of this great technique.

Fancy developing your cross stitch skills instead of tapestry? Check out our roundup of the best modern cross stitch kits.

Modern tapestry kits for beginners

1. Bird Tapestry kit by William Morris

Okay, we know that William Morris was around in the mid-1800s, but we think that this lovely cushion can certainly be listed with the contemporary tapestry kits as it deserves pride of place in the contemporary crafty home. After all, a thing of beauty is a joy forever.

This kit from Bothy Threads uses 12-count printed canvas and Appleton tapestry wools. Deliciously traditional and a modern tapestry kit in one gorgeous package! If you're looking for a unique cushion to liven up a plain sofa, this design is sure to do the trick.

• Check out the best embroidery hoops and tapestry frames.

2. Fly needlepoint by Emily Peacock

• Buy now from Etsy (£25.00)

Please turn away if you are not a fan of puns (or emojis) – but we think this fly needlepoint kit is so fly! The bold geometric shapes are perfectly placed to build up into this striking fly design. And is it just us, or does it look like he is wearing sunglasses? Fly!

This modern tapestry kit contains a printed canvas which makes it super simple for beginners to follow, and the kit costs £25.

• For more needlecraft techniques, check out needlework.

3. Painted cat by Designers Needle

• Buy now from Etsy (£79.00)

Feeling mellow? Rather than yellow, it's the rich reds, swirling shapes and cosy cat snoozing in this scene that is making us feel safe and secure. This would be a lovely modern tapestry kit to work on, with the tactile Appletons wools included in the kit being added to the full colour printed canvas, so you won't even need to check the chart - though there is one included if you should like to. A heavenly project to complete in our favourite comfy chair to then take pride of place as a cushion there too.

4. Toucan by Thread and Mercury

• Buy now from Etsy (£44.00)

Who can resist a toucan? Certainly, not us, and certainly when he is as appealing as this lovely fellow in the brilliant modern tapestry kit. With his glossy, gleaming plumage and giant yellow beak, he is quite something! It's a very bold design, backed by the lovely tropical flowers and blue skies.

5. Geometric Hexagons from Mariana's Home

• Buy now from Etsy (£56.00)

If modern tapestry kits for the home are your thing, how about this subtly colourful geometric cushion kit from Mariana's Home? The kit is available in different shades and with different geometric patterns too, so you can find the right choice to match your décor. Sadly the pupper is not included - but isn't he brilliant?

• Discover how to knit a chevron cushion.

6. Bargello pincushion kit

• Buy now from Etsy (£15.00)

Here's one of our picks if you are looking for tapestry kits for beginners that are a little different. Rather than the standard diagonal stitch in wool you see in needlepoint, this kit uses Bargello which is a longer, vertical stitch, which gives you a faster finish with more defined lines and shapes. This little pincushion is a great introduction to this needlepoint technique for adults and children alike!

7. William Shakespeare by Emily Peacock for Appletons

Appletons is a big name in needlepoint with their crewel-style wool being a needlework favourite for 180 years. In 2019 they partnered with prominent British designers to create a range of modern tapestry kits using their tapestry wool - this one is by Emily Peacock.

As well as a printed canvas, you get a chart to refer to and a big bag containing all the Appletons tapestry wool you need for this project.

8. Personalised tapestry kit of your loved ones

Who wouldn't want their face immortalised in British wool forever?! This unique kit contains a tapestry canvas printed with your chosen photo, ready to be stitched. The printed colours will be bright so you can easily distinguish between wool colours, making it perfect for beginners.

9. Alphabet Tapestry Kit

'C' is for the coolest tapestry kit ever. We love these personalised letter tapestry kits, choose the letter of your choice and you will be sent everything you need to create this bold and bright tapestry. The canvas is 15.4 x 15.4cm, making it the perfect travel size, so if you're on the train or travelling somewhere it's an enjoyable way to pass the time.

10. Bee happy tapestry kit

• Buy now from The Historical Sampler Company (£55.00)

You'll be buzzing once you've finished this sweet bee happy tapestry. You could create a cushion as seen in the image or you could frame your finished tapestry and hang it in your home. It would also make a lovely gift for someone special. This fun kit is great for beginners or to get you out of a stitching slump, with an easy to follow printed design on Zweigart fabric.

11. Art Deco diver tapestry kit

• Buy now from Etsy (£68.00)

Discover the depths of the ocean with this underwater-themed tapestry kit. The kit includes full instructions, a printed canvas, wool and needles - everything you need to get stitching straight away! Hang it up on the wall to show off to friends and family, it'll make a great conversation starter.

12. Bargello tapestry wall hanging kit

• Buy now from Etsy (£45.00)

Go a little more abstract with these amazing wall-hanging tapestry kits, there's a choice of colour and design so you can find something that would suit your home.

Bargello is a form of needlepoint embroidery stitching, made of flat long stitches sewn in symmetrical and geometric patterns, making it great for beginners.

In this kit, you'll find everything you need to make the wall hanging, including the birch wood dowel. You can also get creative with the fringe if you have any spare pom-poms or tassels!

13. Lemur tapestry kit

• Buy now from Not on the Highstreet (£79.00)

Create this enchanting lemur with the beautiful tapestry kit from Appletons. It includes everything you need like a canvas, wool and needle. How you finish it is up to you, will you hang it on your wall or maybe make it into a cushion?

Tapestry kits to brighten up your decor

A tapestry kit is a great way to make something homemade, and eye-catching to decorate your home with. Whether you choose a cushion, a wall hanging or canvas to hang, get started with tapestry today with Gathered.

Make your own cushions with cross stitch

Love to make cushion covers to customise your home? Take a look at our collection of cushion cross stitch kits.