What Needlepoint Taught Me About First Impressions

It probably isn’t a surprise that much of my TikTok feed is needlepoint, embroidery, and crochet. After all, there is a robust creative community out there helping to inspire new ideas.

Recently, I came across a TikTok on my FYP from a woman sharing an experience she had at her local needlework shop. On one visit, she was dressed in business attire and described being treated like a queen. The salesperson guided her toward premium products, offered suggestions, and gave her plenty of attention. The day before, she had visited the same shop wearing sweatshirts, a t-shirt, and sneakers. That experience was entirely different.

Her takeaway was that she wasn’t perceived as a valuable customer the first time. That led her into a broader discussion about the cost of needlepoint and the sense of elitism she felt, along with similar experiences shared by her friends.

That entire situation is anathema to me. We make a conscious effort to treat every customer the same when they walk into our showroom. I try to read cues from each person about how they want to engage. Some are talkative and excited to share what they’re working on. Others prefer to browse quietly. Both are equally welcome. Everyone is different, just as they should be.

That TikTok also got me thinking about the current state of needlepoint. When we decided to carry canvases and supplies, I was hesitant because of the cost. Hand-painted canvases and premium fibers like hand-dyed silk or merino wool justify their price, but they also create a high barrier to entry.

At the same time, we are seeing change. Printed canvases and cotton threads are becoming more common as lower-cost alternatives. Tariffs have complicated pricing, but the broader market is shifting.

So the question becomes: is needlepoint an elite craft, out of reach for the average person?

In some shops, that may be the reality. But that approach is short-sighted. Needlepoint has existed for centuries. Like any hobby, interest rises and falls. Right now, we are in the middle of a resurgence of so-called “grandma hobbies,” which is interesting given how much of the world is moving toward automation and A.I. People still want to create something with their hands.

I see that every day in our store. People walk in looking for a way to make something, to slow down, and to express themselves. That said, I won’t pretend the entry cost for needlepoint isn’t higher than many of the other crafts we carry. It is.

Where will needlepoint be six months from now? I honestly don’t know. Prices remain high, and supply is tight. I often have to order months in advance just to keep canvases in stock. At the same time, more stitchers are painting their own canvases, which has created a shortage of blanks. It’s encouraging from a creativity standpoint, but it does create friction for shops trying to meet demand.

And then there are the small frustrations. Has anyone been able to find Bright White Vineyard Silk or Pepper Pot Salt lately? I haven’t.

In the end, that TikTok reinforced why Erin and I opened this store. We love to serve. We love to teach. We love helping people create.

It makes no sense to treat anyone differently based on how they walk through the door. Needlepoint may carry a reputation for being elite, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right materials and the right project, it can be accessible to anyone.

If you ever find yourself stuck on a project, come by the store. Erin or I will help you get back on track. We don’t charge for that. It’s part of our Pisgah Promise.

We care about this community, and we want to see what you create.

Happy stitching!