Your Top Needlepoint Finishing FAQ's!

In today's blog we will be answering some of the top questions you all have been asking about when it comes to finishing your needlepoint project!

Where do I find the finishing form to print on your site?

Visit our website and click on the Finishing tab in the top left corner of the screen. Then click on the type of piece you are sending in to be finished and scroll down to find the form under the instructions for sending in finishing!

Is there a guide for when extra rows are needed? Are they needed at all?

Yes! We typically recommend stitching 2-3 extra rows especially for belts. 2-3 rows are usually lost during the finishing process so if there is a border or decorative stitches you would like to be visible on the edge of the canvas, stitch extra rows just to be safe. Another situation where extra rows will be needed is if you are stitching a piece with lots of small nooks/edges that the finisher will not be able to work around.

Do I need to include fabric and cording?

We provide fabric and cording for all pieces except pillows. You can specify color preferences when you send your item in and we will do our best to find a match. If you would like to provide your own fabric and cording you can as well. We do ask that you provide your own fabric for pillows as a larger quantity of fabric is required.

What’s the difference between gusseted and domed standups?

Gusseted standups are 3D and have one or more inches of thickness around the whole piece. Domed standups do not have the extra thickness but are still able to stand up from their flat bottom and are rounded and puffy.

Gusseted:

Domed:

How long does it take to finish acrylic trays?

Acrylic tray finishing is a two-step process. We first send the canvas to be finished into a flat hardback cookie which can take 4-6 months. Once we receive it back, we send the cookie to the acrylic finisher who creates a custom acrylic tray for your piece which can take an additional 4-6 months. The finished piece is versatile and worth the wait. Plus, if you stitch other pieces the same size, you can update your tray for occasions and seasons.

What do I need to include when I send in my finishing?

We recommend sending your canvas in a ziploc bag or some kind of water tight packaging so it does not get damaged in the mail. Include our finishing forms found on our website or your contact information and directions for how you would like the piece finished. Pictures are a great way to get your vision across to our finishing team! We recommend sending your piece via UPS or FedEx for easy tracking. When your piece arrives at our store, we will email you to let you know it arrived safely.

How much fabric should I send with my pillow?

Usually 1 yard of fabric. If you want piping made from the same fabric, another ½ yard is worthwhile. If you prefer fringe or pre-made cording for the edge, you need to send enough to go around the perimeter of your pillow plus an additional few inches. The cording or fringe needs to come with a lip that is sewn into the seam. All your leftover materials will be returned to you.

Pre-Made Cording:

Fringe Cording:

Self Welt Cording:

What are my options for stocking finishing?

We finish both full-sized stockings and stocking cuffs, and we provide the velvet for the backing and self-welt. If you would like to provide your own fabric, please include it when you send in your canvas. Typically, stockings are finished with a self-welt that matches the backing. Cording may be used instead but must be provided by the customer and will increase the cost.

Do you finish men’s belts?

Yes! We finish men, women, and children’s belts and dog collars too!

How do I measure my belt size?

Your belt size is not the same as your pants size. Take a belt that you currently wear and measure from the tip of the buckle prong to the most worn hole. This is the size you will want for your new belt. However, 6” of that will be leather, so subtract that 6” before stitching your canvas. If you need a 30” finished belt, you will stitch 24” of canvas. If you want initials to show on one end, be sure to position them 1” from the end of the canvas so the new leather does not cover them.