Color by Number for Beginners: The Complete Starter Guide

Color by number is one of the easiest creative hobbies to start: you don't need any drawing or painting skills — just a pre-printed canvas with numbered areas and the corresponding numbered markers. You color area by area, number by number, and slowly a complete painting emerges under your hands. No paint, no water, no mess: just you, a cup of tea, and an hour of relaxation at the kitchen table. In this beginner's guide, we'll walk you through it step by step, so you can confidently start your first color by number project.

In brief

• What you need: a pre-printed canvas, the included markers, and a quiet spot with good light. That's really all there is to it.
• Beginner-friendly: as a starter, choose a set with 24 colors and a size around 30×40 or 40×50 cm.
• Working order: from top to bottom and from light to dark keeps your canvas clean and organized.
• Price: a Color by Number Set (two canvases sharing one marker set) starts from €59.95, with free worldwide shipping.

What exactly is color by number?

With color by number, you receive a ready-made canvas where a design is already pre-printed in small, numbered areas. Each number corresponds to one marker with precisely the right color. You find the number, color in the area, and move on to the next. This way, you build up a complete painting without having to think about color choices or composition.

The big difference with paint by numbers (with acrylic paint) is that with us, you work with markers. No paint pots that dry out, no brush you have to rinse, no waiting time between colors. You can stop at any time and simply continue later — ideal if you want to work in short, relaxed sessions. Why markers are so pleasant is explained in our article about color by number with markers instead of paint.

What do you need to get started?

The nice thing about this hobby: you hardly have to buy or prepare anything yourself. A Stitchi Studio set contains everything you need. Still, it helps to prepare your spot beforehand.

• The canvas — pre-printed with numbered areas. With a set, you get two that share the same color palette, so with one set of markers, you can create two matching paintings.
• The numbered markers — these are included as standard, matched to the numbers on your canvas.
• Good light — daylight or a bright desk lamp, so you can effortlessly read the small numbers.
• A flat, sturdy surface — a table where you can lay the canvas flat.
• Optionally a piece of scrap paper — to briefly test a marker before you start.

How to start? Step by step

Follow these steps and you'll be on your way in minutes:

1. Find a quiet spot with good light and lay your canvas flat on the table.
2. Arrange the markers in numerical order, so you can always find them immediately.
3. Briefly check the legend: each number corresponds to exactly one color.
4. Start at the top of the canvas and work downwards. This way, your hand never rests on areas you've just colored.
5. Choose one number and color in all areas with that number before moving on to the next — or work calmly zone by zone. Choose what feels comfortable for you.
6. Work from light to dark: light colors first, dark colors last. Small overlaps will then be least noticeable.
7. At the end, check if you haven't missed any empty areas.

And that's it. You don't have to mix colors, draw anything, or correct mistakes — the numbers do the work.

24, 36 or 48 colors: what do you choose as a beginner?

Our Color by Number Sets come in three variants. The number of colors determines how much detail and how smooth the transitions will be. More colors give a more refined result, but also mean smaller areas and slightly more time.

Our advice for a first-timer: start with 24 colors. You'll achieve a beautiful end result faster, which makes it extra motivating. If you enjoyed it and want more detail? Then feel free to choose a set with 36 or 48 colors next time. View the entire range in the Color by Number collection.

Why work from top to bottom?

This one tip makes the difference between a clean canvas and accidentally smeared colors. If you start at the top and work downwards, your hand always rests on the not yet colored part of the canvas. If you were to start at the bottom, you would constantly lean over areas that have just been colored.

Are you left-handed? Then work from top to bottom and from right to left, so your hand doesn't touch fresh areas sideways either. Combine this with the light-to-dark order, and your result will remain neat and fresh.

Practical tips for a beautiful result

• Take your time with edges. First carefully outline an area, then fill in the middle. This way, you stay neatly within the lines.
• Color calmly and evenly. Multiple light layers give a more even area than pressing hard once.
• Close markers tightly. This prevents them from drying out between your sessions — precisely the advantage of color by number: you can calmly spread it out over several evenings.
• Work in the actual light in which your painting will hang. Colors look different in daylight than in lamplight.
• Are you unsure about the color of a number? Test it on a piece of scrap paper before going onto the canvas.

How many evenings it will take depends on the size and number of colors. In how long does color by number take, we provide realistic time estimates per size. Do you want more background on the hobby and why it's so relaxing? Then read our comprehensive guide for adults.

Prefer a painting from your own photo?

You don't necessarily have to start with a ready-made design. With Your Own Photo – Color by Number, you can convert a cherished photo into a numbered canvas, including the matching markers. It works exactly the same as in this beginner's guide — only now you're coloring in your own memory. Would you prefer to practice on a ready-made design first? The cheerful Wildflower Garden set is a nice, colorful start.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need drawing or painting experience?

No. Color by number is specifically designed for everyone without experience. The canvas is already pre-printed, and each number points you to exactly the right color. You don't have to draw, mix, or design anything yourself.

How many colors should I choose as a beginner?

For your first project, we recommend a set with 24 colors (Essential). The areas are somewhat larger, so you'll achieve a beautiful result faster. If you want more detail later, choose a set with 36 or 48 colors.

In what order do I color the canvas?

Work from top to bottom, so your hand rests on the still empty areas instead of on freshly colored parts. Also, color from light to dark. If you are left-handed, also work from right to left.

What happens if I make a mistake or color outside the lines?

Small overlaps are barely noticeable, especially if you work from light to dark. First, gently trace the contour of an area and then fill in the middle; this way, you'll naturally stay neatly within the lines.

Can two people do a set together?

Certainly. Because a set consists of two canvases that share the same color palette, you can work on it together — each with their own canvas, one shared set of markers. Great for an evening together or with the kids.

How long does a first project take?

That depends on the size and the number of colors. A smaller canvas with 24 colors can be finished in a few relaxed evenings; larger sizes with 48 colors take more time. In our article on the time indication of color by number, you can read realistic ranges per size.