Ask a Finisher: What products do you recommend?
My finishing go-tos
I see a lot of questions online about what is the best matboard or scissors or if you need a Cricut to finish. The true answer is: you should try some stuff out and see what works best for you. Start small and use what you already have as alternatives to purchasing new. Building your finishing toolkit doesn’t need to be complicated.
If you’re just getting started in your finishing journey, I hope the list below is a good start of essentials. You can also download my free printable finishing guide here.
All that being said, here are the products I use and stand behind.
The Essentials
Fundamentally, you need a very short list of materials to get started
Your canvas
Matboard
Batting
Backing fabric
Scissors
A tapestry needle and a sharp needle
Thread for lacing and a clear thread for attaching your cording
Cording
Please note, some product links like in my tutorials and product recommendations are affiliate links, meaning I make a very minuscule commission if you click the links and buy something. Where possible, I highly recommend shopping local. I never recommend products I do not personally use and trust.
Matboard or Foam Core
The matboard is the structure inside your object
4 Ply Matboard - I use this in 99% of ornament finishes. It’s thin enough to cut with good scissors and thick enough to hold its structure. Look for white core
Acid Free Foamcore - I use this sometimes, like in the 3D Gusseted Tutorial. You’re looking for high quality stuff.
Other alternatives
Art Board - I used to use this, and its so hard to cut with scissors. I can’t recommend it. You can find this at art supply stores, brand name Canson
Acrylic - You can also use acrylic like these 4 inch rounds
Comic Book Board - I have not personally used this but it is an option
Batting
Batting is what gives your needlepoint loft. You can layer them and create thicker or thinner depending on your preferences. I do not typically add batting to the back of my objects, though some people do. I prefer cotton for long term durability.
I really like Warm and Natural. You can often find coupons at Joann’s for this one
Backing Fabric
When picking backing fabric the only two rules are kinda thin and not stretchy. The rest is up to you. You want it somewhat thin so it can nicely shape to the back of your piece. You do not want stretch because it will distort.
Favorite fabrics include:
Quilters Cotton
Silk Dupioni
Silk Moire
Velveteen
Flannel
Old or sentimental fabrics
Scissors
You’ll need scissors for cutting your canvas, matboard, batting, and fabric. I recommend having two pairs: one for the thick stuff and one for your fabric that you keep pristine and sharp.
Favorite general use - Shoutout to lefties, these work great for us!
Favorite spring loaded for notching fabric and canvas
Needles
A tapestry needle
A sharp needle for attaching your cording
Thread
For lacing: DMC pearle cotton for lacing
For attaching the cording: Invisible Thread or Fishing Line
Cording
I use the Lacis cording maker
I use DMC floss or Pearle Cotton 5
The nice to haves
Sewing clips aka Wonderclips
Ruler or digital calipers
Iron
What would be in your toolkit? Have you tried any of these products? I’d love to hear from you!