Velvet Stitch House, A New Needlepoint Shop, Is Coming To Evanston

EVANSTON, IL — A new needlepoint shop is headed to Evanston's Central Street business district this summer.

Velvet Stitch House is slated to open in early June 2026 at 2114 Central St. in Evanston. Founded by Evanston local Becca Zikakis, the business is planned as both a local needlepoint shop and a community gathering place.

According to the announcement, Zikakis previously worked in corporate advertising and is now turning to needlepoint, a hobby she has long enjoyed. The shop plans to offer a curated selection of needlepoint canvases, threads and fibers, along with private lessons, stitch nights, events and other programming.

The business also plans to offer finishing classes in partnership with nearby Sew on Central. In addition to its brick-and-mortar shop, Velvet Stitch House has an online store and needlepoint resources on its website.

The opening adds another specialty retail business to Central Street, a commercial corridor known for independent shops and neighborhood-serving businesses. According to the announcement, Velvet Stitch House is being built around both retail and community use, with classes and events intended to bring customers together around the craft.

The shop's launch comes as needlepoint is growing in popularity, particularly among Millennial and Gen Z women. Velvet Stitch House is being positioned as a place for people looking for analogue hobbies and connection, as well as supplies and instruction.

No exact opening day was provided beyond the early June 2026 timeline. But the business has identified its future address and outlined a mix of products, classes and social events that will shape the shop once it opens.

When Velvet Stitch House opens, customers can expect a local source for canvases, fibers and instruction in Evanston, along with community-focused programming on Central Street.