When stitching a needlepoint canvas to finish as an ornament here are a few things you should know.

1. Ornaments With Smooth Edges

If your ornament has regular, smooth edges (a round, a square or a rectangle) stitch an extra row of background all the way around. The finisher will take one row of the stitching when neatening the edges, so stitch one row beyond what you want to see on your finished ornament.

Stitch this extra row in tent stitch, even if you have used decorative stitches on the background. As with this super-cute flamingo ornament, below, you won't see the tent stitched row as it is concealed in the finishing.

2. Irregular Shaped Ornaments

If your ornament design has nooks and crannies you need to smooth these out. Some canvases come with an outline already drawn on the canvas to help you with this.

If this outline isn't there, simply stitch 3-6 rows all the way around.

Stitch these extra rows using a tent stitch and any color you like. Keep in mind these rows will not be hidden in the finishing and will become part of the design.

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