Needlework Finishing Techniques

Stitching completed? Looking for ideas for needlework finishing techniques?

Stitching completed? Looking for ideas for needlework finishing techniques?

You may have had something in mind before you started stitching, but if not, perhaps this page will give you some ideas. It is such a shame to stuff your needlework project into a drawer and leave it there, where no one can see, admire or enjoy it.

There are so many choices you can make when it comes to finishing your needlework. Is it going to be framed and hung on a wall? Made into something useful? Given as a gift?

Washing needlework

Whichever choice you make the first step is often cleaning your stitched piece. Dirt and grease from your hands can transfer onto the fabric during the stitching process, hoops can leave marks or the piece might just need freshening up. Let me share my methods for washing needlework and you can join me in my "happy dance".

Don't panic if your work is stained, check my stain removal tips. for something that might help rescue it.

How to frame needlework

Once your work is washed the next step may be framing cross stitch. Learn how to stretch your work the easy way ready for framing.

Finishing your needlework

Handy with a sewing machine? Or like hand sewing? Making something useful is a great way of finishing your needlework. After all we only have so much wall space for pictures, don't we?

As needleworkers we all need pincushions, needlecases and scissor fobs.

Cushions or pillows can add a touch of colour to your living areas.

Doileys, mats and runners add that special touch to your table or bedside cabinet. A neat hemstitched edge can be the perfect finishing touch.

A Christmas tree needs decorating and what could be better than hanging handcrafted ornaments? If you have a friend who enjoys reading, why not make a hardanger bookmark with buttonhole edging or a blackwork bookmark with a fringe, to help them mark their page?

Cross stitch cards and gifts

You can mount small designs into greetings cards and make someone's day! Julie shares a quick technique for handmade greetings cards. And Rachel shows you more card making ideas. Or you may just want to mount it in a 3 fold aperture card.

In the Show and Tell area of the site, you can see a cute teddy bear card that Lorraine created with one of my little cross stitch designs. She also created some great cards for boys in a similar fashion. Nice job, Lorraine!

Have a question about finishing your needlework projects?

Use the form below to ask other visitors to the site for help and advice on finishing your needlework projects.

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What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Corded trim questions
questions on finishing needlework items with a corded edge

Stuffing Needlepoint Nativity Figures
I have spent a LONG time and finally finished a tiny Nativity... but I cannot find any instructions for stuffing and weighting them.

Paying for finishing ...

Material Frames
I have some old, used to be cuptowels, that I want to frame with material.

It has a picture on the towel itself, that I want framed in material. I ...

Hamburg Edging
What is this, and how is it done? I saw it mentioned in one of Susan Coolidge's "Katy" series, in connection with sewing a bride's trousseau. I assume ...

What is a Tuck Pillow or Tuck Ornament?
What is a tuck pillow or tuck ornament and how do you cross stitch on it? It may be a silly question, but I am wondering.

Thanks!

finishing filet lace
The story of a filet lace piece and how it was eventually finished off

ideas for old embroidery
I have several old pieces of cloth that have beautiful embroidery. The cloth has stains and tears but the needlework is in excellent condition. Do you ...

finishing cross stitch Not rated yet
questions about finishing cross stitch projects

stiffening with skirtex Not rated yet
Questions about stiffening embroidery with skirtex

Mounting blackwork for a box top Not rated yet
What is the best way to put finished work on a card to make a top for a box? And what is the best way to 'stick' the work to the box?

Weighted Wedge Not rated yet
I'm stitching a really cute design and the pattern suggests it be finished as a weighted wedge. Just what is a weighted wedge and how does one make one?...

Fringe on cross stitch Not rated yet
What are the steps to completing a fringe stitch?

Back of an embroidered apron Not rated yet
My daughter-in-law has been working on an apron for a niece who is a hairdresser. After finishing one of the designs the thread on the back seem loose....

finishing flip flop Not rated yet
Has anyone finished a pair of flip flops? I could do with some help if so. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me.

edge stitching
questions about creating border stitches

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