Welcome! Needlepoint is one of the most relaxing, rewarding creative hobbies out there — and it’s easier to pick up than you might think. All you need to get started is a 13-mesh canvas, the right colors of threads (usually 2-3 colors), and a needle. If you’re shopping online, look for canvases tagged “Beginner” — these are smaller designs on 13-mesh canvas that are perfect for learning on. If you’re local, come visit us! We’ll walk you through everything in person and get you set up with your first project in about 10 minutes.

Mesh count refers to the number of holes per inch on the canvas. The two most common counts are 13-mesh (larger holes) and 18-mesh (smaller holes, finer detail). If you’re a beginner, either works — most people prefer the larger 13-mesh because it’s easier to begin with, while others like 18-mesh because projects are often smaller.

The basics are a canvas, threads, a tapestry needle (size 18 for 13-mesh, size 22 for 18-mesh), and super snips (small embroidery scissors). Optional tools to make stitching better are stretcher bars (to hold your canvas taut while you stitch) and the brass tacks to attach the canvas to the stretcher bars; needle minders (small magnetic attachments to easily stow your needle on the canvas) and project bags to keep all your stuff together. You can find all of these in our accessories section.

Yes! We offer private lessons and group stitch sessions at our Mar Vista store. Private lessons are a great way to learn at your own pace, and our group sessions are a fun way to stitch with other people.

Contact us at info@angelcitystitchery.com, ask in-store, or visit the "classes and events" tab on on website for pricing and details.

We do our best to photograph and display products accurately, but because needlepoint canvases are hand-painted works of art, colors can vary slightly from what you see on screen. Differences in monitor settings, lighting, and the natural variation of hand-painted and hand-dyed materials all play a role. If you have questions about a specific color, feel free to email us and we can send additional photos.

Not necessarily. Thread companies cycle through dye lots regularly, so the color in the product photo may look slightly different from the skeins or cards we currently have on the shelf. Dye lot variations are typically subtle, but if you’re purchasing additional threads to match an existing project, let us know and we’ll do our best to help.

Many items do get restocked! On each product page, you can sign up for a restock notification — we’ll email you as soon as the item is back in stock. Lead times for canvases can be a few weeks to as long as 4-6 months. 

If there’s something specific you’re looking for, sign up for our email list and follow us on socials — we’re adding new designers and products regularly, and you’ll be the first to know when new arrivals drop.

Kitting means selecting the specific threads you’ll need to stitch a canvas. You select whether you want silk or merino-silk blend or “ACS' choice” and our team will hand-select the right threads to match the design and include them in your purchase with the canvas. We will provide sufficient threads to complete the project as designed using basketweave or continental stitch. Selection of colors is subjective and determined by the Angel City team and by what is in stock. Billing for the kitted threads will be sent in a separate invoice. Please complete that kit purchase promptly to insure timely shipping of your order.

Yes! Digital gift cards are available on our website and are delivered by email. They never expire and can be used for online or in-store purchases. They make a great gift for the stitcher in your life (or a perfectly acceptable hint to share with your own family).

Great question! Here’s a quick overview. For 13-mesh canvases, the most popular options are Planet Earth Silk (a rich, luminous silk) and Silk & Ivory (a silk-wool blend that’s forgiving and easy to stitch with). For 18-mesh, the go-to options are Essentials (a versatile silk), Pepper Pot Silk (a hand-dyed silk with beautiful tonal variation), and Vineyard Silk (a stranded silk for fine detail). We also carry specialty fibers like metallics, velvets, and textured threads for adding dimension to your work. If you need help choosing, just ask — our team loves talking thread.

Orders are processed and shipped within 1–3 business days, Monday through Friday. Once your order ships, you’ll receive a confirmation email with UPS/USPS tracking information.

Yes, if you're local or traveling to Los Angeles, we're happy to hold your purchased order for pickup within two weeks of order date. We'll hold your order by the checkout stand.

Please refer to our Shipping Policy page for our up-to-date shipping options.

No. We currently ship within the United States only. We may look into international shipping down the road. Sign up for our email list and you’ll be the first to know when it’s available.

With the exception of accessories, all sales are final. Due to the handcrafted and custom nature of needlepoint canvases, threads, and accessories, we do not accept returns or offer refunds. This is standard across the needlepoint industry — because canvases are hand-painted and threads are dye-lot specific, they cannot be restocked in the same way as mass-produced goods. Accessories, like stretcher bars and needle minders, can be returned if still in original packaging. 

Please contact us within 7 days of delivery at info@angelcitystitchery.com with your order number and a photo of the issue. We’ll work with you to make it right, which may include a replacement or store credit.

Discount codes cannot be applied retroactively to orders that have already been placed. Please make sure to enter your code at checkout before completing your purchase.

Finishing is the process of turning your completed needlepoint canvas into a final product — like an ornament, pillow, picture frame, clutch, belt, or coaster. It’s typically done by a professional finisher who sews, mounts, or constructs the piece using your stitched canvas. We carry items to self-finish such as luggage tags, frames, passport covers, etc. 

We work with trusted finishing partners and are happy to help connect you with the right finisher for your project. Email us at info@angelcitystitchery.com or ask in-store, and we’ll point you in the right direction based on what you’re looking to have made.

Timing varies depending on the finisher and the type of project. As a general guide: ornaments typically take 3–4 months, pillows 6–9 months, and belts about 8 weeks. These are industry-standard estimates — finishing is done by hand and quality takes time. If you’re working toward a holiday or gift deadline, plan ahead!

Almost anything! The most popular options are ornaments, framed pieces, pillows, coasters, clutch bags, belts, key fobs, purse straps, magnets, standups. Pinterest and Instagram are great places to browse finishing ideas, and we’re always happy to help brainstorm in-store.

We’re at 13347 W Washington Blvd, Suite B, in the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles. We’re on Washington Blvd between Walgrove and Glencoe, with street parking available.

Our Mar Vista retail store is currently open:

• Tuesdays, by appointment only
• Wednesdays, 10-6pm
• Thursdays, 12-7pm
• Fridays, 10am – 6pm
• Saturdays, 10am – 4pm
• Sundays, 10am – 4pm

For appointments, please email info@angelcitystitchery.com to schedule a time.

Our online and in-store inventories overlap significantly, but they’re not identical. Some items may be available in-store before they appear online, and vice versa. If you’re looking for something specific, feel free to contact us and we can check availability across both channels.

Yes, absolutely. That said, before selecting in-store pickup, please insure that you will be able to pickup the order within two weeks or so.

Yes! We host stitch nights, classes, open stitch times, trunk shows, and other community events at the store. Follow us on Instagram for the latest announcements, or sign up for our email list to get event invitations directly.

We’d love to hear from you! Email us at info@angelcitystitchery.com or stop by the store during business hours. You can also reach us on Instagram at @angelcitystitchery. We typically respond to emails within one business day.