Color by Number with Pencils: Why Pencils Instead of Paint
With Stitchi Studio's Paint by Number, you work with numbered pens instead of paint — this keeps things clean, eliminates drying time, and allows you to pause anytime, without needing brush techniques. Yes, you read that right: These kits use felt-tip pens instead of acrylic paint. That's precisely what makes them so pleasant for the kitchen table: no water, no palette, no mess. Curious? Check out the Paint by Number collection or let us turn your own photo into a Custom Photo Paint by Number canvas.
At a Glance
- Clean working: no water, no palette, no spilled paint — just capped pens.
- No drying time: you can continue right next to a colored section without waiting or smudging.
- Pause anytime: put the cap on and you're done; tomorrow you pick up where you left off.
- No brush skills needed: pens glide on their own, no need to measure or mix paint.
- Paint excels in texture: acrylic paint creates relief and opacity — pens are honestly weaker there.
- Choose your detail: Collection kits in 24, 36, or 48 colors. More colors = more detail.
How do numbered pens work?
The idea is simple, and that's the whole appeal. You receive a pre-printed canvas where the design is divided into small sections, each with a number. The kit includes pens with the same numbers. A section with a 7? Then you take the pen with 7 and color in that section. Nothing to choose, nothing to mix, nothing to measure — the canvas tells you exactly which color goes where.
Because the colors are already chosen for you, the result is essentially set before you begin. Your only task is to find peace and rhythm: section by section, color by color. Many prefer to work color by color (all 7s first, then all 8s) or from top to bottom, so your hand never brushes over freshly colored areas. There's no right or wrong order — whatever relaxes you is right.
Want to start step-by-step? Our Beginner's Guide will calmly walk you through the entire process.
Why pens instead of paint?
The classic option — Paint by Number with acrylic paint — is beautiful, but requires a setup: paint pots, a brush, water for cleaning, a cloth, and a place where spills won't be an issue. Pens take all of that away. You take the canvas, you take the pens, and you start. Finished for today? Cap it and put it away — no brushes to dry out, no paint to thicken.
| Paint by Number (Pens) | Paint by Number (Paint) | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup & Cleanup | Start immediately, then cap the pen | Prepare and clean paint, brushes, water, and cloth |
| Drying Time | No waiting, continue directly | Let adjacent areas dry in between |
| Pausing | Anytime, without consequences | Possible, but brushes and palette must be clean |
| Technique | No experience needed, pens glide on their own | Dosing paint and staying within lines requires practice |
| Workspace | Kitchen table, sofa, train — no protection needed | Protected surface and water glass are helpful |
| Finish | Even, graphic, and clear | Visible brushstrokes and relief |
In short: pens win on comfort, speed, and cleanliness. That's why it's also a nice hobby for evenings when you don't feel like a whole ritual and just want to clear your head. If you also enjoy embroidery, check out the comparison in Cross-stitch vs. Paint by Number.
When does paint truly have advantages?
Honestly, paint can do things pens cannot, and you should know that. Acrylic paint builds real texture — you see and feel the brushstrokes, which gives a canvas a genuine, painterly look. Paint also has stronger opacity: you can layer colors and completely cover a section. And for those who like to experiment, paint can be mixed to create custom shades.
Pens, on the other hand, provide an even, clear, graphic finish without relief. For some, this is precisely the appeal (clean and modern), while for others, the painterly quality is missing. There's no winner — it depends on which result and process suit you. If you want real texture and don't mind the cleanup, paint is your thing. If you want a calm, clean hobby without fuss, pens are the friendlier choice.
What do 24, 36, and 48 colors mean?
With our collection kits, you choose how many colors your set contains. This number determines how finely the motif is divided: more colors mean more, smaller sections and softer transitions — and thus more detail in the result.
| Number of Colors | Name | For Whom |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Colors | Essential | Beginner-friendly: larger sections, quicker to finish, very relaxing |
| 36 Colors | Detailed | The golden mean between speed and detail |
| 48 Colors | Premium | Finest: subtle shading and the softest gradients |
Unsure? Feel free to start with 24 colors if you've never painted by number before; it remains relaxing, and the result is still beautiful. Want a challenge or lots of detail? Then choose 48. A nice bonus: Each collection set contains two canvases with the same color palette, so one set of pens creates two matching pictures — perfect as a diptych above the sofa. More on this in 2-piece set: which theme suits you.
Note: For the personalized Custom Photo Paint by Number, you do not choose the number of colors. We match the number of pens to your photo and include them all.
Who are pens ideal for?
Pens are ideal if you want to start without effort and do it calmly at the table — with children nearby, between two tasks, or as an evening ritual on the sofa. Even if you've never painted before, it's a nice, low-threshold entry because no technique is required. And because pausing is so easy, it fits into a busy life: five minutes or two hours, anything is allowed.
Collection sets start from €59.95 for a set of two canvases, the personalized Custom Photo option from €50.95. Shipping is free worldwide, with no minimum order value. Want to know beforehand how much time you'll invest? Then read how long Paint by Number takes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why pens instead of paint for Paint by Number?
Pens are cleaner and faster: no water, no palette, and no drying time. You start immediately, can pause anytime by capping the pen, and don't need brush techniques. Paint has its own strengths (texture and opacity), but pens are much more accessible for simply painting at the kitchen table.
Does this set really work with pens and not paint?
Yes. Although the search term "Paint by Number" might suggest paint, with Stitchi Studio, you work with numbered felt-tip pens instead of acrylic paint. So you're painting dry, without water and without mess.
Does the pen smudge or bleed on the canvas?
No, you're working dry. There's no water or liquid paint involved, so nothing can run or bleed on the canvas. Cap it and put it away without worry, even mid-project.
Can I really start without experience?
Yes. You don't need to be able to draw or paint. The canvas tells you exactly which color goes where by number, and the pens glide on their own. You just need to stay within the lines, and that's easier to do than with a brush.
What's the difference between 24, 36, and 48 colors?
The number of colors determines how much detail your design has. 24 colors (Essential) is beginner-friendly with larger sections, 36 (Detailed) is the middle ground, and 48 (Premium) offers the finest gradation and softest transitions. This choice applies to the collection sets; for Custom Photo, we include the appropriate pens by default.
Are the pens included in the set?
Yes. Each set and Custom Photo canvas comes with the numbered pens matching the design. So you don't need to buy anything extra to start.