Project Skill Levels

All project levels are offered as guidelines. Our goal is to empower you to stitch stunning heirlooms by helping you learn new skills and processes through fun, possible projects. Each project level builds on the one(s) before it.

If you have any questions along the way, feel free to email us at info@spider-spun.com

Beginner

For anyone who has never picked up a needle.

Adventurous

If you have a goal and don't mind ripping out mistakes.

Intermediate

For everyone comfortable with tent stitches.

Advanced

If you're looking to level up and test your skills.

Beginner

No prior needlepoint experience is necessary. You’ll learn how to:

  • Start and end a thread
  • Stitch by numbers
  • Switch from one thread color to another
  • Do tent stitches (half-cross, continental, basketweave)

Adventurous Beginner

You should already know (or feel brave enough to learn) how to:

  • Start and end a thread
  • Switch from one thread color to another
  • Do at least two tent stitches (half-cross, continental)

By the end of this project, you'll learn how to:

  • Read and work from a needlework chart
  • Do a color swap to make the pattern completely your own
  • Add in your own details, like a monogram or background

A Note from the Founder

Sarah Neal on Skill Levels

I routinely over-estimate my skill levels. But I rarely regret starting a project outside my comfort zone. I just commit to watching a lot of YouTube videos and ripping out mistakes.

My needlework may not be absolutely perfect at the end (what is really), but I’m always proud of what I learned and stitched. So my advice is — if in doubt, go for it! If you love the design, I promise you’re going to have fun doing the project and adore the end result.

Intermediate

To embark on an Intermediate project, you should already know the Beginner and Adventurous skills.

By the end of this project, you’ll be comfortable enough to:

  • Do all of the tent stitches (half-cross, continental, basketweave)
  • Level-up the basic techniques (starting without a knot (!!), needle-weaving, etc.)
  • Do a few techniques to stitch delicate details
  • Do a color swap to make the pattern completely your own

Advanced

You should know how to do most (if not all) of the skills listed in the Beginner, Adventurous, and Intermediate skill sets.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Swap out basic tent stitches for decorative stitches
  • Play with fibers to add more texture to your canvas
  • How to add in charted design elements