I’m always on the lookout for great ways to finish the small needlepoint I do that is easy and inexpensive. Whatever I can do to move things from the piles of stitched but not finished needlepoint to finished and out-in-the-world needlepoint makes me happy.
In a recent article on Needle n’Thread, Mary Corbet shared a great idea that she’s used to finish off her needlework samples for display.
I see these small canvases for artists often at art supply stores. There’s a big movement among artists to do a painting each day (their version of stitching each day). For artists who don’t like or can’t work on paper or board, these small stretched canvases are perfect.
These same canvases form the basis for the finish. Because Mary uses fabric, not canvas, she doesn’t have to worry about the artist’s canvas showing through. For needlepoint that has open stitches you’ll need to prep the canvas by painting it. You can use almost any paint from interior house paints to the inexpensive craft paints you find in hobby stores. Those paints are just low-end acrylic paints. Artist’s acrylic paints will also work.
Use a sponge brush for this step. While the coat does not have to be perfectly even because the needlepoint canvas will hide this, try to get it as even as you can.
Be sure to let the paint dry completely. That’s why you should not use oil paints, they dry very slowly (as in up to two weeks).
Follow Mary’s instructions to staple on your needlework and hang the design.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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