If I buy a needlepoint pattern online as a PDF, what materials will I need to buy to actually do it?
I’ve never done needlepoint, but I’m interested. There are some really cool patterns on Etsy, but I don’t know what else I’ll need besides a printout of the pattern. About how much should I expect to spend? Thanks in advance 
You also need to buy the fabric to do the needlepoint ON – and figure out how to transfer the pattern to the fabric, unless you are going to do ‘counted’ cross-stich (where you simply count blocks from one side or the other).
Hi there,
Basically it depends on where you live as to how much it will cost. In Australia you can buy kits from $2 up to the $$hundreds.
However if you just buy the pattern then you will need to buy each of the different coloured threads. The pattern should give you a code for each colour.
You will also need a blunt ended needle if the pattern is for like cross stitch, your base fabric called adia cloth and a pair of scissors.
Usually each length of thread can be split and you use 2 or 3 fibres for the work. It depends on the thickness of the base material required. Like knitting the thicker the thread the bigger the stitch.
Have fun and be patient, it can be slow but very rewarding!
To do needlepoint, you will need the pattern, yarn in the colors called for in the pattern, a needle to carry the yarn through the holes in the canvas, and needlepoint canvas.
In needlepoint, the stitches of yarn over canvas actually form the fabric. The yarn used is usually wool. However, some patterns and canvasses are designed for silk thread. You’ll need to purchase supplies appropriate to your design.
Also, many people like to work on a canvas that is painted with the design in the correct colors, so there are many of them available at suppliers’ stores. Other people just want to fill in the background on canvasses that have had the main design worked already. I find them boring, but many people do not, and again–there are many available in needlework shops and catalogues.
Here are sites with instructions on HOW to needlepoint:
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-needlepoint.htm
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needlepoint-instructions.htm
http://needlepoint.about.com/od/needlepointknowhow/u/NeedlepointBasics_01.htm
http://www.aboutneedlepoint.com/howtodoneedlepoint.html
The American Needlepoint Guild Inc. http://www.needlepoint.org/index.php
Suppliers’ sites:
http://www.terrymillerdesigns.com/Needlework%20Supplies.htm
http://www.mayneedlearts.com/yarn.shtml
http://www.a-z-needlepoint.com/needlepointyarn.shtml
http://www.bristlythistle.com/threads1.html