Skeins Support

Help, answers, and how to reach us for Skeins by Grant Point — the needlepoint thread estimator.

Need help?

We're happy to assist — email help@grantpointdesigns.com and we'll get back to you.

What is Skeins?

Skeins takes the guesswork out of buying thread for your needlepoint canvas. Photograph your painted canvas and Skeins matches each color to real thread and tells you how many skeins to buy — with a smart buffer so you never run short. It also includes a 50+ stitch library, a personal usage log that learns your stitching, and one-tap shopping at connected shops.

Frequently asked questions

Estimating thread

How do I estimate thread for a canvas?
On the Estimator tab, add a photo of your painted canvas, set its size and mesh count, then tap each color to sample it. Skeins matches every color to a thread and estimates how many you'll need. Tap "Adjust color areas" to fine-tune how much of the canvas each color covers.

How should I photograph my canvas?
Lay it flat in even, natural light with no harsh shadows or glare, and fill the frame with the design. Evenly-lit photos give far more accurate color matches than dim or angled ones.

What does the coverage percentage mean?
It's the share of the canvas each color fills. Skeins estimates it from your photo, and you can correct it by painting areas with the brush in "Adjust color areas." Coverage is what drives how much thread each color needs.

Why is my estimate a little higher than what I actually use?
That's intentional. Estimates include a small buffer so you don't run short mid-project, and real design shapes aren't perfect rectangles. Buying slightly extra — and keeping dye-lot information — is much safer than coming up short. You can change the buffer amount in Settings.

Your canvas log

What is the Canvas log?
Every estimate you save lands in the log, so you can compare what Skeins predicted against what you actually used, keep notes per canvas, and build up your shopping history.

How does the app learn my stitching?
When you finish a canvas and log the real thread you used, Skeins compares it to the prediction and quietly adjusts future estimates to your personal stitching tension — so your numbers get more accurate over time.

Can I log usage in yards instead of skeins?
Yes. In the "Log thread usage" sheet, switch the toggle between Skeins and Yards (or Meters). Whichever you enter is converted and stored consistently.

Can I add notes or stitch ideas to a canvas?
Yes — open a canvas in the log and add a note, or link a stitch you want to try. Tap a linked stitch to jump straight to its guide in the Stitch Library.

Stitches

What's in the Stitch Library?
Illustrated guides to 50+ needlepoint stitches. Tap any one for how it's worked, its difficulty and coverage, and real stitched photos. Sort or search the library, and tap the star to save favorites.

Buying threads

How do I buy the threads for my canvas?
On the LNS tab, connect a shop and send your estimate. Shops running the Skeins by Grant Point plug-in build a ready cart for one-tap checkout. For other shops, you'll get a shopping list plus a link to their website to buy the threads there.

Why isn't a thread color found at a shop?
Skeins matches your colors to each shop's catalog. If a shop doesn't carry that brand or color, it's flagged as not stocked rather than guessing wrong. You can still see it on your shopping list.

Account & subscription

How many devices can I use?
Your subscription works on up to two devices at a time. You can sign a device out from Settings › Account to free up a slot.

How do I manage or cancel my subscription?
Subscriptions are billed by Apple. Manage or cancel anytime in Settings › Apple ID › Subscriptions on your device. Canceling stops future renewals; you keep access through the period you've paid for.

I already subscribed — how do I restore it?
Tap "Restore purchases" on the subscription screen to re-sync your subscription to this device.

Are my canvases synced across devices?
When you're signed in, your saved canvases sync to your account so they're available on your other device. The Canvas log shows a sync status so you know it's backed up.

How do I delete my account?
Go to Settings › Account › Delete account. This permanently removes your account and all synced data. Because Apple handles billing, also cancel the subscription in your Apple ID settings.