Needlepoint Finisher Gift Guide
It's timmmmeeeee!
Here are some products I love for finishing and a few I’m hoping Santa brings me this year. If you’re shopping for a stitcher, finisher, or for yourself, I hope you find inspiration in these ideas.
This post includes some Amazon affiliate links which means I make a minuscule amount if you purchase. When and where you are able, I hope you support local businesses and women and minority owned businesses this holiday season. I provide alternative sourcing options where possible.
If you’re going to buy yourself any singular finishing product, make it these Digital Calipers ($7) for taking accurate measurements and eliminating the math in finishing.
I need to post a little video on this, but basically here’s my process if the written instructions are helpful.
I’lI use the calipers to measure the width, sliding the guide to the proper measurement. I then transfer this measurement right to matboard marking with a pencil for the back board. Repeat for the height. Then for the width, I slide the calipers to match 2 stitches smaller on each side (left and right) transfer that measurement right to the matboard, and repeat for the height. It saves me so much time! For circles, I follow a similar process, but divide the measurement in two, set my compass on the calipers, use a compass to create a circle outline on the matboard.
A Bubble Magnifying Glass ($14) is perfect for catching missed stitches and seeing invisible threads you need to snip before finalizing your project. You can find these at select LNS shops.
I have my eyes on this Liberty Charm Pack ($34) for some sweet Stitch It angel finishing coming up. I think this would be a great starter pack for a new finisher with a Liberty vibe. The 5 inch rounds would be great for most 4 inch rounds and those angels.
Another not-so-exciting but always appreciated idea is a SOLID pair of scissors. I love these Fiskars Micro-Tip Spring Assisted Scissors ($13) for snipping canvas. They stay sharp for an incredibly long time. You can find these at most craft or sewing stores.
My husband bought me this quilting square ($13) last year for Christmas and I use it nearly every finish for both measurements and for checking my blocking. You can find these at most craft or sewing stores.
The biggest investment I made this year was my embroidery machine. I opted for the Brother SE600 ($472) and purchased it on Facebook Marketplace (barely used!) and saved a TON off retail. Turn on those FBMP alerts and shop the holiday sales! I’m still experimenting with it but so far it has been a fun add to my finishing services (and hopefully tackling some fun personal projects).
For the brand girlies, order yourself some custom correspondence cards ($21) or design your own and print via Vista Print or a local print shop. It’s a real dopamine hit.
The old adage “the cobbler’s children have no shoes” holds true for my own finished needlepoint. Which is why I love the newly released Blue Canary Stitchable Clutch ($198). It requires no finishing and you could have it done in a flash. You can find this on the Blue Canary website.
Finishing is detailed, sometimes eye-straining work. I have my studio area lit up and I often use magnification to help. But I’m hoping Santa brings me this Lavender Eye Pillow ($22) as a stocking stuffer to help me rest my eyes! You can often find these at local art fairs.
My hands take a serious beating. They’re soooo dry and calloused! I use this leather thimble ($13) which does help specifically on my ring finger. At the end of the day I reach for this Panier des Sens hand cream in Rose Geranium ($18) and give myself a little hand massage to unwind before bed. You can find similar locally.
If you’re shopping for a stitcher, finisher, or for yourself, I hope this list was is inspiring!
What’s on your wishlist this year? What would you add? Sound off in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.