Needlepoint kits have been around for many years, but there has never been more design choices on the market then what is on offer today. You are no longer restricted to traditional floral designs or somber scenes - needlepoint kits have come of age and there is sure to be a design available for everyone to enjoy; all in the one package.

A needlepoint kit will include everything you need to complete the design - no need to think about what type of thread or yarn to use; how much you will need; how to match the colors, and so on. The kit manufacturer has done all this for you. They have created the design, pulled together all the relevant components, and then stitched it up to make sure it looks "just so" -- and so it can be photographed for the packaging. Having a photo of the finished product allows you to see where you are going with the design. To have everything you need in the one package is a big help if you are a novice stitcher, or you do not have a lot of time on your hands and you want your project to be relaxing and not turn into one decision after another.

There are several different needlepoint kits on the market, ranging from reasonably affordable ones that you might find at a 'big box' craft store, to quite expensive kits sold in needlepoint boutiques and online web stores. The cheaper varieties tend to be more traditional in style and are mostly kitted with cotton threads. They are a good place to start if you are trying needlepoint for the first time and you do not want to invest a lot of money while you 'test the waters'. However, first time stitchers can also manage most needlepoint kits that are sold through boutique outlets. If you have found a design you love, you should be able to stitch it as a novice stitcher, as long as there is not a great deal of shading or color changing involved. It is usually best to start with a more basic design, perhaps on a larger mesh like 10 or 12 mesh, at least for your first project.

All needlepoint kits come with instructions for "how to needlepoint". This means that even if you have not tried needlepoint before, you should be able to purchase any kit and learn from the instructions within. You will not get all the subtleties of needlepoint but you will certainly learn everything you need to complete the design and get a great finished product.

There are hundreds of kit styles on the market today. If you like traditional, floral designs then there are several brand choices. English needlepoint companies such as Primavera, Fine Cell, Elizabeth Bradley specialize in these more traditional designs. If modern or whimsical is more your style then there are manufacturers now who put out bright, fun, sassy designs. Look for needlepoint kits by Jennifer Pudney, Jolly Red, Spotted Skink and AMH Designs if you want a more contemporary feel. There is something for everyone.

If you are an experienced stitcher looking for a relaxing vacation project, or a 'needlepoint newbie' seeking instruction, a needlepoint kit is the perfect place to start. Someone has done all the hard work for you so that all you need to do is make a cup of tea or coffee; thread the needle; sit back and stitch away to your favorite TV program or music.

Brenda Stimpson is a needlepoint enthusiast. She is the part-owner of a needlepoint design and distribution business which is a member of The National Needlearts Association.

Find needlepoint kits at http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com