2025 Needlepoint Resolutions and Goals

Reflections on 2024 and Intentions for the Year Ahead

Hello from BCS Headquarters! Lately, it feels more like Ornament Exchange Headquarters! I’m thrilled to share that 70 (!!!) of you are participating in the inaugural Bicoastal Stitches Ornament Exchange from 24 (!!!) different states—what an incredible, unqiue community of passionate stitchers.

As we step into 2025, I’ve been reflecting on 2024 and the many inspiring needlepoint projects I saw throughout the year. I recently chatted with a few needlepoint friends, and we were amazed by those who managed to stitch 40-50+ projects in a single year. It’s truly impressive!

For myself, I set the goal of completing 24 projects as part of #ndlpt24in24. (If you know who started that concept, let me know in the comments—I’d love to give credit!) Being curious, I decided to crunch some numbers to see what’s realistically possible when it comes to stitching time.

Assuming it takes about 1 hour to stitch 1 square inch on 18 mesh, and considering that a 5-inch round ornament has an area of 19.63 square inches (using the formula for the area of a circle: A = πr², where r = 2.5 inches), here’s what I found:

• 1 hour a day: 365 hours in a year → ~18 ornaments

• 2 hours a day: 730 hours in a year → ~37 ornaments

• 3 hours a day: 1,095 hours in a year → ~55 ornaments

For many of us, though, stitching 1-3 hours a day is a luxury we simply can’t afford—because LIFE. I’ve definitely had days (or even weeks) where sitting down to stitch felt impossible without taking time away from other priorities.

During one of these conversations about needlepoint pledge classes and the like, a dear friend and avid stitcher said something that really resonated with me. When asked how many projects she completed last year, she simply replied, “I don’t keep track; that takes the fun out of it for me.” Her words stopped me in my tracks and completely shifted how I’m thinking about needlepoint goals for 2025.

At its core, needlepoint is a hobby—a way to unplug, unwind, and enjoy a creative outlet. It’s about doing something with our hands that brings us joy, not about tallying numbers or chasing milestones. For 2025, I’m letting go of any pressure to stitch as much as possible and instead focusing on rediscovering the simple joy of needlepoint.

One perspective that has really inspired me comes from Simone, an LA-based stitcher and friend I admire. She talks about building a sustainable relationship with needlepoint so it can remain a lifelong passion. Her mantra for the 2025 is, “I have everything I need.” It’s a beautiful reminder to avoid overconsuming or overcollecting. If you’d like to hear more from her, I’ve linked her video below.

@simoneajaniStitch mail and updates! #needlepoint #hobbies

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As someone who has spent the past year collecting a plethora of art I can’t wait to bring to life through stitching, these conversations and perspectives have been such an important reminder for me to slow down and reflect.

My Personal Needlepoint Goals for 2025:

• Stitch more pieces by the end of the year than I’ve purchased.

• Continue to develop my embellishment skills.

• Experiment with creative finishes (frames, 3D objects, tassels, etc.).

Goals for Bicoastal Stitches for 2025:

• Be a positive voice in the needlepoint community.

• Respond to every DM and comment.

• Help others fall in love with this hobby by encouraging new stitchers.

• Share more of my honest thoughts and experiences on Substack.

I also asked my Instagram community about their needlepoint goals for 2025, and I thought I’d share some of the highlights with you:

• The most common goal? Stitch from stash instead of buying new canvases. (If you figure out how to do that, let me know! 😂)

• Concentrate on maintaining neat tension in stitches.

• Learn how to self-finish, specifically (but not limited to) ornaments.

• Finally finish WIPs that have been in purgatory—one person’s goal is to end the year with no WIPs in limbo!

• Have a needlepoint tree by next year.

• Design 20 new canvases.

• Stitch their first stocking.

• Simply have fun!

• Finish all large canvases.

• Visit more LNSs in person—one goal is to visit 5 stores that align with their travel this year.

• Actually send something to the finisher.

• Learn more decorative stitches.

• Be more organized about finishing projects that have already been started.

It’s so inspiring to see such a range of goals, from creative ambitions to practical resolutions. Whether you’re stitching to unwind, push yourself, or just for the fun of it, here’s to a year of hitting our goals, leaning into creativity, and enjoying every single stitch. Let’s make 2025 one to remember!

See you in my next one,