Frequently Asked Questions

The best needlepoint mesh size depends on your experience level, the amount of detail in the design, and the look you want for your finished project. Larger mesh sizes, such as 10 mesh or 13 mesh needlepoint canvas, have bigger holes and are often easier for beginners to stitch. Finer mesh sizes, including 18 mesh, allow for more intricate detail and a more refined finished appearance.

At The Pepper Pot, many stitchers love 13 mesh for larger projects (i.e., pillows, framed pieces, signs) and 18 mesh for detailed ornaments, stockings, and heirloom pieces. If you're unsure which needlepoint mesh size is right for your project, our team is happy to help you choose the perfect canvas for your skill level and stitching goals.

Choosing needlepoint threads depends on your canvas mesh size, the coverage you prefer, and the texture you want to achieve. Popular needlepoint thread options include wool, cotton, silk, silk blend (wool and silk) and specialty fibers that add sparkle and texture. Some stitchers love the classic look and durability of wool, while others prefer the sheen of silk or the softness of silk blends.

The Pepper Pot can help you select threads that work beautifully with your specific needlepoint canvas. Whether you're matching a designer's recommendations or creating your own color palette, we'll help you choose fibers that provide the right coverage, stitch smoothly, and bring your project to life.

Yes. Professional needlepoint finishing transforms your completed stitching into a beautiful, functional keepsake. Finished needlepoint can become ornaments, pillows, stockings, stand-up pieces, eyeglass cases, trays, and more.

The Pepper Pot offers professional needlepoint finishing services to help preserve and showcase your hard work. We partner with several professional finishers, all who specialize in different types of finishing.  Simply bring or send us your completed project, and we'll guide you through the available finishing options, pricing and timelines. Our goal is to ensure your finished piece becomes something you'll treasure and enjoy for years to come.

Open stitch is always free at The Pepper Pot and no reservation is required. It's a chance to gather with fellow creatives in our store and work on your latest WIP (work in progress) with other needlepoint enthusiasts from our community.

Open Stitch is available on Mondays, 1-3 pm and Thursdays, 6-8 pm at our beautiful store in Barrington, IL.

Sip and stitch is a free in-store event.  It's the same as open stitch, just in the evening.  Please feel free to bring something to sip on!  We have a full liquor license and can provide beverage service during any of our events.  There is a $30 corkage fee.  You may not bring in your own food, but can order food from local restaurants to be delivered to you at TPP.

Sip and Stitch starts at 6:00 pm every Thursday at The Pepper Pot. We hope to see you soon!

First Stitch is a recurring learn to needlepoint class, held bi-monthly at the Pepper Pot. 

The sign-up fee is $25, which will be applied as credit to the canvas and threads of your choice. 

In this dedicated 2-hour session, we will teach you the basics of needlepoint, best practices, and guide you through your product. 

You can attend 1 or as many classes as you want!

Yes! Once you pick your canvas and threads, we can absolutely show you the basics of needlepoint.

We have a variety of beginner level canvases and all the threads, needles and accessories you need to get started.

We also have several needlepoint class options if you'd like a more one on one assistance. Our First Stitch class is a great place to get started on your needlepoint journey.

Our longstanding event, See You Next Tuesday, is open play time for the game Mahjong.

All levels are welcome, but you must know how to identify the tiles by name, basic rules, how to read the NMJL card, and cadence of play. 

Instructors are present to help guide play, especially for beginners, but not to teach the Mahjong basics and fundamentals.  If you have never played Mahjong before, attending a Tile by Tile class at The Pepper Pot ia great place to start!

Currently Open play is only on Tuesdays, 1-3PM and 6-8PM.  We will be expanding our open play very soon to more days of the week.  Subscribe to our emails to be the first to hear the NEWS!

Mahjong guided play at The Pepper Pot is a follow-up lesson after you've completed a beginner class.  An instructor is present to help you through the rules of the game, Charleston strategy, and play strategy.  Guided play is $40/hour and can be booked every Wednesday or Thursday mornings via our website.  Bookings must be mad at least 48 hours in advance.

If you have never played Mahjong before, attending a Tile by Tile class at The Pepper Pot ia great place to start!

Mahjong 101 and 102 are the beginner lessons for those completely brand new to Mahjong or need a refresher course. 

Mahjong 101 is the pre-requisite to Mahjong 102.  In Mahjong 101,  we cover the very basic building blocks of Mahjong: tile identification, rules of the game, how to deal, the Charleston, the cadence of the game, and then completing your first game.  All Mahjong fundamentals are taught in a hands-on, intimate approach.  We intentionally maintain a 1:6 ratio of teacher to student to make sure that we can answer your questions timely and effectively.  By the end of Mahjong 101 you will have played a complete game of Mahjong, the longest game of your life. 

Mahjong 102 is the continuation of Mahjong 101.  Mahjong 102 will cover Charleston strategy as well as Mahjong play strategy.  These sessions are recommended to be scheduled within 1 week of one another, so that information is easily retained.  

Tile by Tile is a 2-part Mahjong Beginner Series, that covers Mahjong 101 and 102. 

The fee for this class starts at $125.  You must be able to attend both parts to register for the class.  No materials are needed for the class; we provide everything. 

You will learn everything taught in Mahjong 101 & 102.  The National Mahjong League card is included in the class fee.

Yes, we offer private Mahjong lessons for a group of 3 or more.  We offer these private lessons at the Pepper Pot, located in Barrington, IL or in a location of your choice.  Please inquire by email, mahjong@thepepperpot.co or by phone at (224) 385-3481.