Learn How To Finish Needlepoint And Assemble Self-Finishing Items

Folks with good sewing skills might be interested in learning to finish their own needlepoint ornaments, pillows, stockings and stand ups.  I've organized all the help I have found as best I can so you can do quick searches for the topic you need information on.  Good luck!  Remember to be patient and know that practice makes it better and better.  Your first project won't be fab but the second and third will improve and by the 4th-5th, you'll be doing great.

SELF FINISHING VIDEO TUTORIALS:
Cutting out your canvas and inserting it in one of the self finishing leather goods can be scary.  But there are several video tutorials to help you understand the process.

Can Cozy Self Finishing

Planet Earth's Leather Wallet Finishing

Needlepoint Clubhouse and the Wool and the Floss Show Self Finishing Items

SBT Stitches Finishes a Planet Earth Box

Needlepoint.com has self-finishing videos, currently about assembling self-finishing change purses, clutches, and luggage tags.

Nashville Needlepointer Shows How to Finish Cuff Links
Note that Point 2 Pointe sells cuff link sets, necklaces and other items that will finish this way.

Point 2 Pointe Finishing Videos for Cuffs, Coasters, Round and Square Items

I've also written two articles about how to do self finishing.  The first one uses the Planet Earth self-finishing key fob...

...and the second uses Planet Earth's ornament holder, but self-finishing is pretty much the same, no matter which company made the product you are inserting your stitching inside.

Wishbone Needlepoint has a six part video series on finishing a round ornament on their Instagram page.   Start here, then use the left side arrow to move to the next in the series.  Read the comments as she answers questions viewers ask there.  She also has a list of finishing supplies (second link below).



FINISHING TEACHERS:

If you want to listen to a fascinating interview with Sandy Higgins, one of the most experienced needlepoint finishers and author of the DIY book on finishing, Sandy's Finishing Touches, go here.

Nancy Lukoskie of FancyWork Finishing is now offering one-on-one classes on how to finish via Zoom.

Nancy also has teaching videos for sale on her website that explain how to clean, restore and finish needlepoint, particularly eccleastical needlework.

Kelly Starke of Starke Art is doing finishing classes online now.

Needlepoint designer Abigail Cecile has an online ornament finishing class and also sells finishing supplies (second link below).


Abigail Cecile just posted a video about finishing mini stockings on her Instagram.

Abigail Cecile also has a thorough video on how to finish a puffy ornament on her website.

Marion Scoular wrote about an interesting finishing technique in her book, Advice Is For Listening To, Not Necessarily Taking.  She's one of the giants in the world of needlepoint, so if you have this book, check this technique out.

If you are interested in using professional finishers, go here-
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/p/needlepoint-finishers.html

There is a finishing group on Facebook called Needlepoint Self-Finishers.  It's pretty new but they are adding finishing videos to help folks.  You have to ask to join and answer questions to prove you actually are interested in needlepoint.  It's run by StarkeArtDesigns, which is doing a lot of finishing videos (see below) and there is a practice kit of finishing materials available on StarkeArt's Etsy page, 2nd link below.



GENERAL BOOKS AND VIDEOS ON FINISHING:

 Luckily there are some very good books to help you.  Sandy Higgin's book Sandy's Finishing Touches is a classic.
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/content-product_info/product_id-2220/sandy_s_finishing_touches_revised_2010_edition_by_sandy_higgins.html

Marcia Brown's book Distinctive Presentations is highly praised.  I haven't seen it but she is a professional finisher and for a while sold an extensive (and expensive) series of videotapes on finishing.
http://bindingstitch.com/bindingstitchnews.html

Marcia also teaches finishing in a series of courses taught on Cape Cod.
http://bindingstitch.com/completefinishingcourses.html

I've heard that Pat Mazu's book Finishing 101 is also excellent although it only covers basic finishing techniques.
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/content-product_info/product_id-2883/finishing_101_by_patricia_m_mazu.html

It is worth scouring used bookstores for Katharine Ireys' book, Finishing and Mounting Your Needlepoint Pieces.  I borrowed this book from the library eons ago and seem to remember it had things like finishing rugs and needlepoint golf club covers in it.
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/content-product_info/product_id-2382/finishing_and_mounting_your_needlepoint_pieces_by_katharine_ireyss.html

I also read Hope Hanley's Needlepoint Rugs in the 1980s and found her explanation of how to finish rugs very good.  This is a great book for rug lovers to hunt down.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/177218587/needlepoint-rugs-hardback-book-by-hope?ref=shop_home_active_21

Summer Louise Truswell's finishing book (available in several formats) has good general instructions for finishing.
http://www.lulu.com/shop/summer-louise-truswell/needlework-from-stitch-to-finish/ebook/product-17501291.html

Kelly Starke of StarkeArt is doing a whole series of videos on finishing on her YouTube channel.  Browse them below.

Jenya Rose also has finishing videos on YouTube.  There's a tutorial on shadow box finishing and a two-part video on finishing ornaments with hot glue.

Vonna Pfeiffer, the Twisted Stitcher, has a YouTube channel full of finishing advice.  Although Vonna is a cross stitch finisher, her easy-to-understand techniques and her thorough videos are useful for anyone finishing handwork.

Amanda Metes (aka the Finishing Fairy) has posted two finishing tutorials (How to Join Twisted Cording and flat back standups with an acrylic base) on her YouTube channel.  

The Finishing Fairy also has a PDF tutorial about ornament finishing which you can download here.


SPECIFIC TYPES OF FINISHING:

Acrylic Purses
The Nashville Needlepointer shows two ways to finish needlepoint canvases to insert in acrylic purses in this video on YouTube.

Needlepoint.com uses glue, card stock, fusible interfacing, and ribbon to finish their clutch inserts.

KC Needlepoint also has a two part video tutorial for finishing acrylic clutch purses.

They've done another short video on acrylic purse finishing with a glue gun and peel off self stick backing for the rear.

KC Needlepoint also sells the clutches.  I believe they come in either gold or silver hardware.

Bags
Lisa at Loops in Israel has a Talit bag tutorial that works for a clutch bag, too.


Bag Charms (or Luggage Tags)
Needlepoint.com shows you a quick way to finish luggage tags.

Bow Barette
KC Needlepoint shows how to create a hair bow barette from a long strip of needlepoint.

Beanbag Frogs
If you don't want to fill your frog with rice because you worry about bugs, you can use aquarium gravel.  

Belts with Ribbon, Not Leather

Beth Gantz Self Finishing Round Wooden Frames
Needlepoint.com demonstrates how to add a ribbon hanger to these, then cut, fold and insert your 3.75 inch design into the four inch frame.  The second link below shows you Beth's wooden frame.


Blue Jean Jacket Appliques

Bow Ties
KC Needlepoint has a step-by-step tutorial to turn any rectangle into a bow tie.

Boxes
Terry Dryden sells a PDF version of her oval box making instructions.  I haven't seen this so I don't know how complete it is when it comes to constructing the box.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/511542610/needlepoint-oval-box-finishing?ref=shop_home_active_1&crt=1

Rachel Kinnison has videos about covering boxes with needlework in her Flosstube Finer Finishing Tips series.

Kelly Starke of Starke Art has done a video on the Limoges boxes.  The square one is long because it was her first attempt.  She includes what she did wrong and how she did it correctly.

This is the round Limoges style box finishing video.

KC Needlepoint's video on treat box finishing is here.

Brick Covers
Starke Art just posted a speeded up video of finishing a padded brick cover on YouTube.  Lots of great ideas here on how to do this from wearing bandaids to protect the fingers to using fishing line and curved needles to assemble.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPNTTk3neM0&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR23ns4LnzNNp5xpZspiXsUxqxkUHXeuW2-U40hrOOZR_66wFMwLbEsUXI4

Candy Canes
StarkeArt shows how to finish a candy cane in this 2 hour+ video.

Clothing Patches
Stitched AF on Instagram has a four part video tutorial on how to turn a small needlepoint piece into a patch for clothing.  This is the first.  Use the side arrows to see the others.

Clutch Purse
Needlepoint.com shows off finishing inserts for leather clutches.  Note that they tuck the canvas under the leather edge in the middle first, then the corner.

Coasters

The Nashville Needlepointer has measurements of board and braid that work inside the 4 inch magnetic coasters from Penny Linn Designs.

Easels
If you want to make your own easels, these are easy and cute to display flat backed pieces.
https://thecopperfox.blogspot.com/2017/08/how-to-make-your-own-display-stands.html?m=1

Framing
Want to frame something yourself? You'll need to lace the stitching to a board of some sort.  Opus Anglicanum has a clear tutorial here.
https://opusanglicanum.wordpress.com/2018/03/25/mounting-on-a-board/

If you have a small design you want to pop in a frame, NeedlePaint has a brief tutorial that's very helpful.

Tanja Berlin shows you how to lace needlepoint for framing or for mounting in a hoop, plus how to create the backs of needle cases or boxes in this great tutorial.

Gingerbread House
NeedlePaint shows how to finish their gingerbread house kit.

Jean Jackets
Pip and Roo has some general information about measuring your denium jacket before adding a needlepoint panel to the back.

Key Chains and Fobs
KC Needlepoint shows how to make a self finishing key chain.  They also sell the hardware.

Oz Needle and Thread has a video about how to finish a key fob two different ways.  

Spellbound Stitchery has a nice tutorial about finishing their key fob kits.

Leaf Wreath
If you are stitching Kam Wenzloff's leaf wreath from Needlepoint Now magazine, you'll find Kelly Starke's video showing how to finish leaves with a wired edge very interesting.

Luggage Tags (or Bag Charms)
Needlepoint.com shows how easy finishing luggage tags for use on suitcases or purses or totes can be.

Rachel Barri also has a quick tutorial.  Remember, corners last.

Napkin Rings
KC Needlepoint has a video about making self-finishing napkin rings.  The shop sells napkin ring designs with the cuff included, by the way.

Ornaments

See Ribbon Candy Ornaments below

Sue Dulles is a finisher who has posted two nice articles on Finishing Square or Rectangular Ornaments...
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2016/03/10/finishing-ornaments-2-square-or-rectangle/

… and Finishing Shaped Ornaments with Stuffing on her blog.
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2016/03/23/finishing-ornaments-3-soft-ornaments/

Abigail Cecile is a NP designer who trained with the Royal School of Needlework.  She has posted a great article on finishing ornaments on her website, with both a video and step-by-step photo instructions.
https://www.abigailcecile.com/pages/how-to-finish-a-needlepoint-ornament?fbclid=IwAR38ZffC1ZVdPSI2qtW_Yr5jQtRJ8gm3wcbpxbkrzhJSdRisTZcIkphIm8Y

Anna Marie Winter has several nice tutorials on her website.  Here's how to use foam core in finishing an ornament.  She also has a nice explanation of how to float mount pieces, plus advice on steam blocking (second link below).
http://www.annamariewinter.com/pdf/FinishOrnFoamCore.pdf

http://www.annamariewinter.com/tips.htm

Kristen's online tutorial for finishing an ornament is helpful.
http://www.kristenrettig.com/2013/08/mr-bunny.html

Very Basic Ornament Finishing, from Needlepoint For Fun
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-finish-a-needlepoint-ornament.htm

Unwind Studio's tutorial on finishing ornaments is quite complete but glue is used.  (Actually most professional finishers use glue on the inside sections.)

StarkeArt has a thorough video on making a boxed ornament.

StarkeArt also has a new video on making up round oranments.

Starke Art also has tips for oval ornament finishing.

Melita has listed the steps she uses for ornament finishing with examples.

Unwind Studio in the UK has posted ornament finishing written instructions and a short video .

Coco Frank Studio demonstrates how to lace an ornament to finish without glue.

Abigail Cecile has a video about making hanging loops and adding bows to ornaments.

Abigail Cecile also has a Q&A video answering common questions about ornament finishing.

Passport Covers
Planet Earth shares how to insert a stitched canvas into their passport covers, using nail clippers to shove the corners into position.


Pillows

Needlepoint For Fun has a good tutorial for finishing a pincushion that also works for a simple pillow.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-finish-a-pincushion-or-small-needlepoint-pillow.htm

Starke Art has a video that explains how to insert needlepoint into a fabric window for a pillow.  The finished pillow is posted in the second link below.


Fatima and Ola has a good knife-edged pillow video on YouTube.

Small pillow finishing

Nancy Lukoskie has an article on dealing with too flimsy fabrics for pillow backing on her Fancywork Finishing blog.


Ribbon Candy Ornaments
This discussion of ways to finish wavy ribbon candy might be useful.


Stand Ups  or Boxes with Feet



Stockings and Open Topped Ornaments

Summer Louise Truswell's free tutorial for stocking finishing is fabulous! 
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2008/11/learn-to-finish-miniature-christmas.html

Kristen's online tutorial for finishing a Christmas stocking is helpful.
http://www.kristenrettig.com/2017/11/needlepoint-christmas-stocking-tutorial.html

The Twister Stitcher's video on how to make a Christmas stocking is great.  Vonna Pfieffer is a well known finisher in the counted thread world but her technique is superb and applicable to needlepoint stockings as well as ones on linen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXoxNEkvlQU&feature=youtu.be

This is a good video on open topped lined ornaments and mini sock finishing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbhM76LfWPM&feature=youtu.be

Starke Art has a two part video on small stocking finishing.


Susanne has posted a visual tutorial on finished a stocking on Facebook.  It's great for those who need photos instead of text.
Stuffed Standups with Weighted Bases

Wall Hangings
Abigail Cecile has also done a tutorial (with video) about how to finish a wall hanging with a fabric backing.
https://www.abigailcecile.com/pages/how-to-make-a-needlepoint-wallhanging?fbclid=IwAR10TgXcroniUNVZTwsIG5Ydtrf6pBFL_Jmw3fO1GD_0L1I-EculglRTekc


BLOCKING AND OTHER FINISHING SKILLS;

Accessories
Though not strictly for needlepoint, Carol Andrews' Making Needlework Accessories might be of interest. All these books are currently listed on NewNeedlepoint.com currently.  I know the shop owner but have no financial interest in her sales.


Beveling Foamcore for Finishing (Right and Left Handed)


Unwind Studio in the UK has written blocking instructions plus a short video.

Using a Cricut in Finishing
This video was recommended in the NP Self Finishing Facebook Group for those who want to use their Cricut to make shapes for finishing.  I have to admit I don't understand how these gadgets work but this is probably a good way to make a pattern for mat board inside a shape.

Pamela makes adding a beaded trim to an ornament look easy.
https://hokkaidokudasai.blogspot.com/2014/08/how-to-make-beaded-edging.html

Dr. Jessica Grim also has a beaded trim tutorial on video if you prefer watching movies to learn.

Mary Corbet makes beaded trim for ornaments also look easy.  (I've tried it and it is.)

Needlepoint.com shows you have to use fusible interfacing to give your inserts the ability to be changed out with the seasons or your mood.


FINISHING SUPPLIES: 

I buy most of my finishing supplies at the big box craft stores or at Joann's Fabrics but there are other sources if you want something a bit more unusual or if you don't have local sources.

For fabrics, try Britex Fabrics in San Francisco.

I've also used my local Joann's Fabrics which has a website and has constant coupons and sales.

If you want to make your own braid for the edges of your ornaments, stockings and pillows, Kreinik's Custom Corder is a great investment.

Orna Willis sells small pieces of Ultrasuede suitable for ornament backing. What she has varies.  Contact her if you need something specific.

For custom or specialty fabrics, try Spoonflower.  There are quite a few online companies that sell this sort of thing but Spoonflower has been around a long time.  It's a good place to look for Japanese, Art Nouveau or just an elephant pattern.

Needlepoint designer Abigail Cecile  sells finishing supplies to accompany her online ornament finishing classes.

Abigail Cecile has added cotton velvet to the supplies she sells.

Colonial Needle now sells Roxanne Temporary Adhesive Spray.  This mists a colorless, odorless, acid free and solvent free glue that dissolves over time.  It's useful for a temporary stick while you are assembling a project if you don't have pins or clips available.

Wishbone Needlepoint has a six part finishing tutorial on Instagram plus she has a list of her finishing supplies here-

Alex Paras is now selling acrylic domes and a packet of snowflakes to finish your four inch ornaments into a snow globe.

Tassels

DMC has both step-by-step written instructions with pictures and a video teaching you how to make a tassel with one skein of their cotton floss.
https://www.dmc.com/US/en/tassel?utm_source=Commonthread+Masterlist&utm_campaign=9303025a2d-manual_weekly_Gift_Wrap_Pom_Poms_US_23_12_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3a652561da-9303025a2d-82831385&ct=t(manual_weekly_Gift_Wrap_Pom_Poms_US_23_12_17)&mc_cid=9303025a2d&mc_eid=f7c1b12c64

Twisted Cording

Helen D.'s video on making twisted braid using the Kreinik cording drill is thorough, showing each step.

Vonna the Twisted Stitcher has two videos showing you how to make cording without having anyone to help hold the ends.  This video shows the more traditional way to make cording. Vonna demonstrates a one color, a two color and a metallic two color cording.

This Vonna cording technique is better for very long cording.  She shows how to make a one color, a two color and a three color braid.

Here is the Kreinik Custom Corder if your favorite shop doesn't have them.
https://123stitch.com/item/Kreinik-Custom-Corder/CC-016726

Sometimes the hook on the end of the Kreinik Custom Corder drill comes out.  Here's how to fix that.

Many folks prefer the Lacis corder.

Starke Art also has a video on making twisted cord for finishing by hand.

Here's a video on how to blend two ends of twisted cord so the join is nearly invisible.

For further tips on joining two ends of twisted braid, read this discussion on the Needlepoint Self-Finishers group on Facebook.

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