Finishing Supplies List

My finishing go-tos

I get asked a lot about what supplies I use to finish. I want to encourage you to purchase just what is necessary from the get-go until you develop a comfort with finishing. Each tutorial also includes a custom supplies list, but most draw from the product list below.

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 or a cording maker

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Your Canvas

If you’re just starting finishing, I recommend selecting a canvas that is stitched on 18 mesh. There are more canvas intersections per inch and it will fray less. Select a round or rectangle design on mono canvas.

Matboard

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

Batting

I really like Warm and Natural. 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 use two layers on the front and no layers on the back.

Backing Fabric

Cotton, velveteen, silk all work great. See this article below for more details.

Ask a finisher: All about backing fabric

Scissors

You’ll need scissors for cutting your canvas, matboard, batting, and fabric. I use three pairs on almost every finish

• Favorite general use

• Favorite spring loaded for notching fabric and canvas

• Favorite fabric scissors

Needles

• A tapestry needle

• A sharp needle for attaching your cording

Thread

• Lacing: I use Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread 10. You can also use DMC pearle or floss.

• 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

• Leather thimble

• Acrylic foot

• Acid-Free Tacky Glue

• Blocking board

• Blocking combs

• Midweight fusible interfacing

• E6000 glue

• 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!