Made in Fort Worth: Cowtown Needlepoint
What is your favorite hobby? Do you paint in your free time, or do you garden as a way of relieving stress? Can you imagine turning your hobby into a full-time career? That’s exactly what Catherine Browning and Molly Peppler of Cowtown Needlepoint did. Catherine and Molly graciously agreed to answer Madeworthy’s questions for Made in Fort Worth.

Madeworthy: What made the two of you decide to build a business together?
Cowtown Needlepoint: We met as sorority sisters at TCU, and our friendship grew even stronger after college when our first sons were born just a month apart. As new stay-at-home moms, we were both looking for a creative outlet and a way to channel our entrepreneurial spirits. What began as playdates with our boys evolved into brainstorming sessions and business planning. In 2024, those conversations became Cowtown Needlepoint. Today, many of our playdates still double as business meetings, keeping both our friendship and business thriving.

photo credit: Rebekah Byrne Photography
MW: What drew each of you to needlepoint and finishing specifically?
CN: Needlepoint is both therapeutic and a way to create meaningful keepsakes. While we had stitched for years, we knew very little about finishing. Like many stitchers, we relied on our local needlepoint store, but finishing costs and turnaround times were often challenging. We saw a growing need for skilled finishers and accessible finishing education, so we decided to learn the craft ourselves. Through research, practice, and plenty of trial and error, we developed our own techniques. What started as a practical solution quickly became a creative passion.
MW: Your work helps turn someone’s stitched canvas into a keepsake. Can you share some of your favorites?
CN: One of the things we love most about finishing is the variety of ways a stitched canvas can be transformed. We most often create ornaments, signs, stand-ups, magnets, bag charms, and coasters. Some of our favorite projects celebrate life milestones, including new babies, weddings, and special birthdays. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping preserve meaningful memories in a handmade piece.
MW: What does the Fort Worth creative community mean to your business?
CN: We are so grateful for the Fort Worth and greater DFW communities. When we started Cowtown Needlepoint, we never imagined the support and encouragement we would receive. It has been incredibly rewarding to see people embrace what we do and share in our excitement for both needlepoint finishing and finishing education. We are truly thankful for every person who has trusted us with their canvases, attended a class, or supported us along the way.

photo credit: Rebekah Byrne Photography
MW: How do your backgrounds and personalities complement each other as business partners?
CN: Before becoming stay-at-home moms and business owners, Catherine was an elementary school teacher, and Molly worked as a NICU nurse. We’re both driven, creative, and detail-oriented, which helps us work well together. We often joke that we share the same brain because we regularly finish each other’s thoughts and sentences. While we bring different experiences to the business, our shared values and similar approach to problem-solving make us a strong team.
MW: This is our hobbies issue. Tell us about your classes, what students can expect, and how people can get involved.
CN: We teach both in-person and online finishing classes throughout DFW. Students are guided through the finishing process step by step, making classes accessible to a variety of skill levels. Whether you want to learn a new skill, save on finishing costs, or add another creative element to your hobby, our classes are designed to be educational and fun. For class information, visit our website or follow us on Instagram, where we regularly share finishing tips and tricks.
MW: Needlepoint has become popular with a new generation of stitchers. Why do you think it’s having a moment?
CN: There are so many talented designers creating beautiful canvases and an ever-growing range of creative finishing options. At the same time, people are looking for hobbies that reduce screen time and provide relaxation. Needlepoint offers a hands-on, therapeutic way to slow down, unwind, and create something meaningful.

photo credit: Rebekah Byrne Photography
MW: What’s next for Cowtown Needlepoint – new classes, designs, services, or dreams for the brand?
CN: We have many exciting plans. We hope to expand our class offerings and continue teaching both locally and across the country. We’re also developing an advanced online course. In addition, we’re designing our own line of canvases, which we can’t wait to share. Expanding into design has long been a dream, and we’re excited to bring our own creative ideas to the needlepoint world.


