Common Needlepoint Finishing Challenges
and how to fix them for a more professional look
I recently shared some common needlepoint finishing challenges on Instagram, and thought I’d round up here & share links for you to learn more.
The matboard is showing
Use a small tool to push the edge of your canvas around to the back, double sew (sew together then sew on cording), or if you’ve laced your project disassemble and cut your matboard smaller (I like the front matboard 0.25" smaller all the way around. e.g. a 4” canvas contains a matboard that is 3.75" wide).
I cover this in my free PDF and member recording "How to Finish a Round Ornament" here.
The tab ripped through
This happens if you’re cutting your matboard too large or if you’re pulling your canvas too much. Simply fold the tab under one of it’s neighbors and lace it over your injured tab. Next time try cutting your matboard a little smaller or pulling a little more gently.
The cording isn’t even
A tightly twisted cording is one of the hardest parts to master. The secret is a tight and even first twist (the colors twist individually first, but then twist together to make your final result). Spend a little extra time twisting them individually and you’ll be pleased with your results!
Here’s my tutorial on using the Lascis
Round ornament looks more like an octagon
What you’re seeing is the “points” from the larger tabs that aren’t pulled around the edge of the matboard. This happens if you don’t cut your tabs small enough or lace down the edges enough. Recommend cutting your tabs smaller next time or secure each tab with an extra lacing to pull those edges in.
I covered this in our recent member round ornament finish along here.
The backing fabric isn’t straight
At first, it’s tricky to get your backing fabric perfectly straight. I like to use a pin to mark the very top of my round and keep it in place until I’m nearly done sewing on the cording.
I suggest starting plain fabric, an organic-shaped print like florals, or a fabric without a grain like ultrasuede. That way, its not visible if imperfect.
I share my favorite fabrics here.