Stitching the Lion Angel Canvas: Tips for Beginners

By Cavalier Needlepoint: Hand Painted Needlepoint Canvases | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to stitch the Lion Angel needlepoint canvas with practical steps for beginners. Get tips on handling hand-painted details and finishing this charming design.

Quick answer

Start by gathering your materials and securing the edges of your 13 mesh Lion Angel canvas. Then follow these beginner-friendly steps to stitch the design cleanly and finish it as a charming ornament.

Why the Lion Angel is a great beginner project

The Lion Angel canvas is petite at 3.5" x 2.25", making it an approachable first project that won't overwhelm you. Its playful design on 13 mesh is large enough to see clearly but small enough to finish quickly. Because it's a hand-painted canvas, each stitch follows the painted color blocks, so you don't need to interpret a chart. This is ideal for learning tension and stitch consistency without complex color changes.

What to know about 13 mesh and hand-painted canvases

13 mesh means 13 threads per inch, which is a slightly larger grid than the common 18 mesh. This makes it easier for beginners to see where each stitch goes. Hand-painted canvases have irregular color boundaries; trust the painted areas rather than counting every thread. If the paint is faint in a spot, use a bright light or magnifier to confirm the color block.

Step-by-step stitching guide

Prepare your canvas: Tape or bind the raw edges of the canvas with masking tape or seam binding to prevent fraying. Mark the top of the canvas with a safety pin or small sticker so you don't accidentally stitch upside down. Skipping edge binding can lead to loose threads catching on the canvas.
Choose your starting point: Begin stitching in the center of the design or in a large color block. This helps you establish tension and keeps your stitches even. Use a size 22 or 24 tapestry needle for 13 mesh. Starting in a small detail area can cause uneven tension before you get comfortable.
Stitch using the basketweave or continental method: For the main background, use basketweave stitch to avoid canvas distortion. For small details like the lion's face, continental stitch works fine. Keep your tension light and consistent—pull the thread until it lies flat, not tight. Over-tightening will warp the canvas and make finishing difficult.
Handle color changes carefully: When switching thread colors, end the old thread by weaving it under the back of three or four completed stitches. Start the new thread with a waste knot on the front, then bury the tail later. Do not carry threads across unpainted areas on the back. Carrying threads can show through on the front and create bulk.
Finish as an ornament: After stitching, block the canvas if it's slightly distorted. Cut around the design leaving a 1/2-inch margin. Fold the edges over a stiff backing board and lace them with thread. Add a ribbon hanger and a felt backing for a clean ornament finish. Measure the backing board before cutting; a too-small board makes lacing uneven.

Product spotlight

Lion Angel: The Lion Angel is a Stitch-Its design on 13 mesh with a finished size of 3.5" x 2.25". It is sold as canvas only. You will need to purchase your own threads and finishing supplies. The petite size makes it especially cute as an ornament, so plan your finishing method early.
Lion Angel