Corner Minders for Mini Stretcher Bars

There is a new tool to help keep your stretcher bars square--Corner Minders.  They clip onto the back side of your stretcher bars once you have them assembled and keep them square.  Looks like they fit the mini stretcher bars only as I write this.  Keep them away from heat as they are 3-D printed and excessive temperatures will effect the material they are made of.

https://shopelizabethbrooke.com/products/corner-minders

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1488009719458237

https://woolfloss.com/products/corner-minders?_pos=2&_sid=d75345cf1&_ss=r

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 11, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Michael's Stocks Needle Felting Supplies

Michael's, the big box crafts store, is starting to carry a wide range of needle felting supplies, from tools to roving to kits.  If you want to try needle felting on your needlepoint, it's a good place to order.  I would order online, though.  In my experience, the local Michael stores aren't likely to have as wide a variety of items as they have available online.  

https://www.michaels.com/search?q=needle%20felting%20tools%20and%20supplies

Hobby Lobby also sells needle felting supplies if you have one of their stores in your area.  Etsy is also a good place to shop for supplies, especially good quality roving.  My advice if you are just trying this is to buy a simple block and a single needle with a handle (makes it easier to hold when you stab the roving hundreds of times) plus an assortment of wool roving colors in animal colors (unless you are creating the hair of a clown or something else very colorful).

Also see "Needle Felting on Needlepoint Canvas" in the tabs above for advice, tips and tutorials.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 29, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

May 2026 NJNA Chapter News

The New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG is back with their bi-weekly newsletter.  There is ANG Seminar news, including the adorable frame weights that are available.  Lowry has a new gadget that attaches to your floor stand to allow you to watch your tablet, laptop or phone as you stitch.  They also have a new spring green color for those who want more excitement in their life.  Daylight also has a new light that goes around your neck and shows true color.  It is called the DuoNeck Go.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2026/05/09/whats-happening-at-njna-5-9-26/

You'll want to check out the Fraymeworks Frames, sold by Needlepoint Clubhouse, that work as stretcher bars and a frame for the finished piece both.

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/collections/fraymeworks-frames?_kx=di6BKbqlX0z0_r-FgYg7VgX_cnHap6E52Vd1c3YUq6g.W43bG6

The second May posting is up with new bags, threads, classes, and more!

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2026/05/24/whats-happening-at-njna-5-23-26/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 11, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Handcrafted Needlework Tools

If you love wooden needlework tools, you'll want to check out what Mary Corbet is selling.  There are crochet hooks, seam ripper/stilettos, and keychain needle cases.  She also has some lovely enameled needle minders that are not like anything else on the market.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2026/01/tools-today-theyre-beautiful-and-theyre-here.html

As I write this, some of the items are already sold out but they may be restocked by the time this publishes.  

https://shop.needlenthread.com/products

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 29, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fiber Talk Demonstrates Mounting Canvas on Stretcher Bars

If you haven't used stretcher bars before, you probably wonder how to attach needlepoint canvas to them once you have the four sides assembled.  Fiber Talk's got a nice video demonstrating how to do this in great detail on their website.  

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/02/04/mounting-needlepoint-canvas-on-stretcher-bars/

Gary puts artists tape (available online at art supply stores like Blick's) over the raw edges of his canvas so threads don't snag there.  It's a nice touch and many shops sell painted canvases already taped on the edges.  If you have to buy blank canvas, ask your shop to tape the edges for you.  Some may be willing to do that. If you buy a roll, get one an inch wide.  The color doesn't matter.

He uses angle irons to keep his stretcher bars square.  You can also buy FrameLoks which are plastic and fit inside the angle of assembled stretcher bars.  They are sold in sets of four, come in various colors, and are attached with thumbtacks.  The second link below shows how to use them.  FrameLoks cost a little more than hardware angle irons and aren't as readily available, although many needlepoint shops carry FrameLoks these days.

https://woolfloss.com/products/framelok?_pos=2&_sid=3e901adb4&_ss=r

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2fnUtN6X_0

You can use a door frame to check squareness instead of buying a carpenter square.  Beware:  some door frames are not actually square!  Check against a counter top or window frame if the window opens and closes easily (they get out of true as well).

Gary uses thumb tacks to secure his canvas but I prefer staples.  I find thumbtacks fall out and are harder to remove than staples.  I have a heavy duty staple and heavy duty staples that I use and then pry out when taking the canvas off.  

Gary also uses the Arrow brand staple puller that he got from Lowe's hardware.  Prices vary so shop around.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Arrow-SL24D-Staple-Puller-7-5-in-Length-1-in-Staple-Crown-Size-For-Flooring-and-Upholstery-Staples-Steel-Construction/999957999?store=&cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tah-_-bng-_-PMAX_TAH_000_Priority_Item-_-999957999-_-Online-_-0-_-0&msclkid=5a8237086dce103ac3755e8cc7459de5&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PMAX_TAH_000_Priority_Item&utm_term=2333782149854129&utm_content=PMAX_TAH_Fastening_Video&gclid=5a8237086dce103ac3755e8cc7459de5&gclsrc=3p.ds

Remember, if you are using Evertites or Adjust-a-Frames instead of regular cheap stretcher bars, don't attach the canvas at the corners.  Those must stay loose so you can adjust the tension.

UPDATE: Donna G. sent Gary lots of further information so he did a second video with a few little points that will help you.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/02/10/canvas-thanks-to-donna-gotts-for-offering-stretcher-bar-fine-points/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright Februray 5, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Essential Finishing Tools and Materials

Ari shows us her favorite and most used finishing items.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DSGiJCtjX2X/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 16, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Porte Bonheur (or Lucky Charm) from Clover

Shirley Chin just returned from a trip to Japan where she visited the Miyuki bead store, a fabric store, and a Japanese needlework supplies store.  She and Toni Gerdes do an unboxing.  She purchased Delica beads and Porte Bonheur tools (made by Clover but only available in Japan), plus DMC Japan only tool lines, special little boxes, hand made needles and more.

https://www.facebook.com/ANGSanDiego/videos/1987452045408049/

Here are the little boxes she bought from Misuyabari in Kyoto.  Most are sewing kits, with lovely little tools inside.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1108244764631402

If you want to see more about the various places Shirley visited, scroll down to May 1, 2025 on the San Diego Chapter ANG website and start exploring.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Cure for Wonky Frames

Needle Point Breeze just posted a photo of the colorful FrameLok tools.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1308938587688595&set=a.585985413317253

What is a FrameLok?  It's a set of four gadgets you insert in the inside corners of those old stretcher bars you've had for eons that aren't tight any more.  Just add thumb tacks and the stretcher bars are no longer wonky, but stay straight.

https://poppypointe.com/products/frame-lok

This video demonstrates the process.  Note that these are regular sized stretcher bars, not the minis.  I suspect they'll hang over the side a bit if you are using mini stretcher bars but I think they'll still work.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oKDlGzuJps

They come four to a package and you'll need thumbtacks to secure them.  You can read the heartwarming story of how they were invented here.

https://framelok.biz/Welcome-to-FrameLok_b_1.html

Here are shops that carry FrameLoks if your favorite store doesn't.

https://framelok.biz/where-to-buy-framelok.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 13, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Dome Magnifiers and Missed Stitches

KC Needlepoint has a short article about magnifier domes, which are used to check for missed stitches.  The shop carries two sizes.  Over the years I've seen a lot of these in various configurations.  Check with your favorite shop to see what they carry.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/missed-a-stitch-weve-got-you-covered?omnisendContactID=65edaf5fa958c70f5bc79ac7&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Domes+%2868842f0ee966661261b4484f%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

Lori at Waste Knot demonstrates how to use the magnifier domes, with tips on other ways to find missed stitches in this Instagram video.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DNV8qXWtCdd/

If you don't want to invest in a new tool, try taking a photo or a scan of your piece.  The camera will sometimes reveal things you don't see using your eyes only.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 15, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fuzz It Up

Homestead Needle Arts bought a tool at the Autumn Needlepoint Reunion I'd not seen before -- the Fuzz It Up.  You can see it at the start of this video they posted of market finds.  Bascially, it looks like a tiny metal rake.  It appears to be gentler than a bunka brush, so if you find those a bit too harsh, you might try this out.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlHIQrcwQts

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 22, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching a Pen Knife Case

Rachel at Virtuosew has decided to stitch a case for her pen knife.  She's working from her stash so this is going to be a challenge!

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2025/05/20/penknife-case-in-canvaswork/

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2025/05/27/more-on-the-canvaswork-penknife-case/

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2025/06/17/finishing-the-penknife-case/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 20, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Tool for Perfect Buttonhole Stitches

I'd never heard of an Edge Stitch Lock & Sewing Gauge, but it appears to be a useful tool for creating perfectly spaced buttonhole stitches.  You can get a 3mm or a 4mm spacer.

https://littlestplanet.com/products/sewing-tools?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=Facebook_Desktop_Feed&utm_campaign=120227100092240245&utm_term=120227100092230245&utm_content=120227100092270245&utm_id=120227100092240245&fbclid=IwY2xjawLPV3tleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqyHpGyGMxWJyaWQRMHBCeTZKOTN0NmoxbEZmWHgBHqkihCqMisHyyC8G04yto65MmtY8W9dm_wH0zfM4ZoS_Wg5fK0XcQrjoikny_aem_lFN4hXSSeU3Daf9HclsXGA

This appears to be widely available, so shop around for the best price.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 30, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Thread Tamer

The Wool and The Floss shows how to use a cordless, rechargeable hair straightener to tame the kinks out of those ribbon-like threads.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DNLmYWUgziH/

Because this tool is cordless and rechargeable, it's not cheap.  If one with a cord works just as well for you, they are much more affordable.  

https://woolfloss.com/products/usb-rechargeable-hair-straightener

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com 

© Copyright August 12, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

The Seam Fix

BeStitched has found a wonderful tool for ripping out--the Seam Fix.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ13cChpMZH/

Looks like they come in two sizes and assorted colors.

https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/seam-fix

Shop around, as prices vary.

https://www.joann.com/p/dritz-seam-fix-tool-seam-ripper-awl-stiletto/17695941.html

https://www.handicraft.com/products/665

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 22, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch Faster with Quality plus Stocking Tips

Needlepoint.com just posted five tips to make your stitching go faster without sacrificing quality. These tips are a way of pushing their products, of course, but you will find yourself stitching faster if you have your threads organized and use tools to make the stitching easier.  Stitch guides are useful because they stretch your stitching muscles without your having to spend a lot of time researching Just The Right Stitch.  

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/top-5-tips-for-faster-stitching-without-sacrificing-quality

KC Needlepoint has also posted tips for stitching big projects like Christmas stockings.  I personally hate scroll bars but they sure make stitching large stockings easier.  

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/ready-to-tackle-a-big-project-read-all-our-tips

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 30, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mini Tote Accessories Set

Just in time for summer, Wheelhaus has introduced their Mini Tote Accessories Set.  There are four color ways, some of which may be sold out already.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHjzNwssB7B/

https://wheelhausndlpt.com/products/mini-tote-accessories-set?variant=46955912167676

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 17, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Self Finishing Leather Tool

KC Needlepoint has come up with the perfect self-finishing tool--a double-ended gadget that helps you both lift the edges of leather self-finishing items and smooth your canvas down.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/self-finishing-leather-tool?_pos=1&_sid=b6ff66b3b&_ss=r

It's not as expensive as leather worker's burnishing tools, either.  Examples below in case you want something different:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B074N595Y2/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=423b4f69b27800f6653c2a97c0ef7d85&hsa_cr_id=2819899420901&qid=1747072201&sr=1-2-9e67e56a-6f64-441f-a281-df67fc737124&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_lsi4d_asin_1_title&pd_rd_w=VkfRU&content-id=amzn1.sym.8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942%3Aamzn1.sym.8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942&pf_rd_p=8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942&pf_rd_r=AQVH04CA2ZTGPQ6J0JGN&pd_rd_wg=IuSnl&pd_rd_r=e425fb75-37bb-47b2-8a2b-c5d65e621709

https://www.walmart.com/ip/balikha-Leather-Edge-Burnisher-Tool-Handcrafted-Leather-Working-Tool-Leathercraft-Modeling-Tool-Hand-Tools-Edge-Beveler-for-Household/15710569211?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101175479&selectedOfferId=8D2E225AF5063DCBB945AB8017FBBF52&conditionGroupCode=1&adid=22222222222000000000&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=10352200394&wl4=pla-1103028060075&wl5=&wl6=&wl7=&wl10=Walmart&wl11=Online&wl12=15710569211_10001194841&wl14=Leather%20Edge%20Burnisher%20Tool%20Handcrafted%20Leather%20Working%20Tool&veh=sem&msclkid=92c6bd819b8912ef36dbd5a3af1560a7&gclid=92c6bd819b8912ef36dbd5a3af1560a7&gclsrc=3p.ds

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 12, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Quick Threading Needle

McClain Sewing has a tool to help you get your needle through thicker materials in just the right spot.  I'm not 100% sure how it works but it looks worth exploring if you have trouble getting your needle in just the right place.

https://www.mcclainsewing.com/products/quick-threading-needle?st=

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 5, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Products, Designs, Clubs, and More Courtesy of NJNA

The New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of ANG has published their early April newsletter.  There is plenty of American Needlepoint Guild news, both national and local, plus news of new designs, products, clubs, and much more!  Thank you for keeping us all up to date, NJNA!

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2025/04/05/whats-happening-at-njna-4-5-25/

Ok, who needs a Fluffity Fluffity Fluffer?!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/fluffity-fluffity-fluffer/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 6, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tail End Weaver

KC Needlepoint is now selling Loran's Tail End Weaver.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/youll-love-the-tail-end-weaver

These have been around for ages.  (Mine has an irridescent star at the end.)  However, what Loran is selling is nice because you get two of them.  They are small enough that you might want to have a travel tool and one at home.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 10, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.