We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about Sign of the Arrow, our products or services. You’ll find a sampling of regularly asked questions below. One may just be the information you’re seeking.
Questions and AnswersWhere are you located?
How can I contact you with questions?
How can I become a volunteer?
Can I order gift and card items online?
How much needlepoint do I need for a belt?
Is yarn included with the canvases?
How can I sign up for your email updates?
Can I change the size of an already finished needlepoint belt?
Can I use my credit card securely on the Sign of the Arrow Web site?
Can canvases be customized?
Can I order a needlepoint canvas I have been looking for but don’t see it pictured on your site?
What are the shipping charges?
How long have you been in business?
Where do the proceeds go each year?
How long will it take to get a custom-painted canvas?
Will you add a name on my stocking canvas?
Do you sell plain canvas? Which mesh sizes are availble?
What does bleeding refer to in needlepoint?
How do I know if my fibers are colorfast?
What should I do if I want to alter the design or add lettering to my unstitched canvas?
What can I use to mark on an unstitched canvas?
Can you add initials to my belt canvas?
How do I get on your email list for sales and special events notices?
A. We are located in Ladue, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis (view map).
Q. How can I contact you with questions?
A. You can contact us by email, phone or mail. For those details, go to the contacts page.
Q. How can I become a volunteer?
A. Please email us at contact@signofthearrow.com and provide your name and phone number. Our current Vice President of Volunteers will contact you. We love our volunteers and offer a shopping discount for those working at least 2 times per month.
Q. Can I order gift and card items online?
A. This option is not available. We may be able to assist you by phone at 877-869-7356. Or stop in and shop at our retail location in St. Louis, Missouri.
Q. How much needlepoint do I need for a belt?
A. It is important to know how your belt will be finished before determining the needlepoint length. Click here for details.
Q. Is yarn included with the canvases?
A. Generally yarn is not included. Only those items indicated as kits include fibers. We carry a vast selection of yarns and would be happy to assist you with yarning your project. Please contact us by phone or indicate on your order you would like to be contacted to add this to your canvas order.
Q. How can I sign up for your newsletter?
A. Just submit our online form, and we will add you to our list.
Q. Can I change the size of an already finished needlepoint belt?
A. Belts can be made either larger or smaller. Use a belt that fits properly to determine what your new size should be. Click here for details.
Q. Can I use my credit card securely on the Sign of the Arrow Web site?
A. Yes. Your credit card information will only be used to process your order and then deleted from our records. You will need to reenter this information with each order. We currently accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Q. Can canvases be customized?
A. We can create a canvas to your custom specifications. Click here for more details.
Q. Can I order a needlepoint canvas I have been looking for but don’t see it pictured on your site?
A. We have many more canvases available in our retail store, and we can order any canvas for you from any of our vendors. Just contact us by email with the vendor’s name, their product number and/or brief description, and we will be in contact with you about the availability of the canvas.
Q. What are the shipping charges?
A. Shipping charges vary by ship-to location and are calculated by UPS for each individual order.
Q. How long have you been in business?
A. We have been serving the St. Louis needlepoint community since 1966. And since that time, we have donated over $3.7 million to charities.
Q. Where do the proceeds go each year?
A. The charities selected to receive grants are different each year. For the list of our most recent recipients, click here.
Q. How long will it take to get a custom-painted canvas?
A. Canvas size and the level of detail in the artwork will dictate the length of time to prepare your project. Most canvases can be ready within 3 to 4 weeks.
Q. Will you add a name on my stocking canvas?
A. Yes, we can add a name to your stocking in either block letters or script. Names on stockings are about $17.00–$25.00 depending on size and style and will take 2-3 days.
Q. Do you sell plain canvas? Which mesh sizes are availble?
A. Plain mono canvas is available in white 40" wide 10ct, 12ct, 13ct, 14ct, and 18ct. In 54" wide 12ct, 13ct, 14ct, and 18ct. Mono canvas is also available in natural color 40" wide 13ct, 14ct, and 18ct. We also stock 5ct interlock canvas in white that is 40" wide. Prices begin at $1.25 an inch.
Q. What does bleeding refer to in needlepoint?
A. Sometimes colors run when blocking or finishing a stitched canvas. This damage can occur from non-colorfast fibers or from markers or pens that are used on the canvas. Sign of the Arrow will attempt to mitigate the damage when we see bleeding.
Q. How do I know if my fibers are colorfast?
A. No fiber can be guaranteed to be completely 100% colorfast. The FDA strictly regulates dye chemicals, and it has removed many of the ingredients that were formerly used to set colors.
Q. What should I do if I want to alter the design or add lettering to my unstitched canvas?
A. Talk to us before you do anything. We can either make the changes for you (fees vary depending on changes) or can direct you how to make them safely.
Q. What can I use to mark on an unstitched canvas?
A. Use only permanent fabric markers or acrylic paint to ensure that colors do not bleed through when the project is blocked or finished. Do not use any other kind of pencil, marker or pen, including Sharpies. If you are unsure of whether you can use something to alter a canvas, please ask us. We would rather prevent a potential problem by steering you to the correct medium.
Q. Can you add initials to my belt canvas?
A. Yes, initials can be added for no additional charge to most any belt canvas and can generally be done while you wait.
Q. How do I get on your email list for sale and special event notices?
A. Go to our email sign-up page, complete the registration form and begin receiving news about our sales and special events.