Needlepoint canvas is a material used in needlepoint, an embroidery craft that typically uses yarn rather than floss or thread. This material contains several grids that the yarn is worked through, by using a variety of stitches. The canvas can be purchased in various gauges, which is usually indicated by the number of grids per inch (or cm). This product can be made of plastic, hemp, linen, or cotton. Some common types include rug canvas, Penelope canvas, single canvas and plastic canvas.

Rug canvas is usually made from cotton. It normally has three to five grids per inch. This type of needlepoint canvas is generally heavier than other types. It can be used in making rugs, pillows, or wall hangings, among other items.

Penelope canvas is also known as double canvas, and has two horizontal threads in each section. The yarn can be looped over one or both of these threads. A crafter can make more intricate designs by stitching over only one of the threads in the grid. The gauge of this fabric is often measured in fractions, like '10/20.' This example means there will be 10 threads per inch, if the sewer stitches over both threads, and 20 per inch if only one thread is stitched over.

Single canvas has only one thread, running vertically. It is normally manufactured of cotton, linen, or hemp. This type of needlepoint canvas might be plain mono, which has one thread vertically and one horizontally. It might also be an interlock type. This variety has one thread running vertically, with two threads twisted together that run the length of the piece.

As its name implies, plastic canvas is a lightweight type constructed of heavy yet flexible plastic. It is normally sold in sheets that may be 13-5/8 inches (34.61 cm) wide, and 22-5/8 inches long (57.47 cm). This type of needlepoint canvas can be easily cut for making small projects. It is a good choice for making coasters, placemats, or holiday ornaments, to name a few.

In some instances, a crafter may want to purchase stamped needlepoint canvas. This normally has a design printed on the canvas itself. It can be a good choice for people who have a hard time reading a separate pattern. It is easier for some people because an individual needs only to look at the canvas to determine the color of yarn necessary, rather than looking at another piece of paper. Designs may be stamped on any type of canvas.

Needlepoint is usually a fairly easy craft to learn. It is also normally inexpensive to purchase the supplies needed to get started. As there are a number of types of needlepoint canvas, the projects that can be completed using this technique can be virtually endless.