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 to frame it. Learn how to stretch your work the easy way ready for framing.
Decorate your home with your stitching
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, or luxury to your bedroom.
Doileys, mats and runners also add that special touch to your table or bedside cabinet.
A neat hemstitched edge can be the perfect finishing touch.
Finish your cross stitch designs as ornaments for the Christmas tree.
Mark your page with a special bookmark in either blackwork (with a fringe) or hardanger with a buttonhole stitched edge.
Mount your work in an aperture card to give to a loved one on their birthday, or try Rachel's way of making a different sort of card.
I am sure you will come up with many more ideas.
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.
What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
edge stitching 
I am working with some Monks cloth.I have finished the blanket but i would like to know how to do the Italian hem stitch or one that would be very pretty …
Corded trim questions
I am trying to attach cording around the ornament. How do I finish the cording's raw edge? I have already sewn the front and back together.
I am …
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!
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 filet lace 
There seems to be no way to add a photo to my previous post, so I had to start a new post.
This is the finished product from the question I asked earlier, …
stiffening with skirtex Not rated yet
Please would you tell me what is the mat board? Which is the difference with skirtex?
I would want to finish my "Fair Maiden's Etui" from Ellen Chester. …
finishing cross stitch Not rated yet
I find that when I cross-stitch a piece that has a border or other regular geometric shape, my sides don't come out straight. How do I block a piece to …
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.
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