Updated January 15, 2021.
Finishing 101 by Pat Mazu has a wonderful subtitle, “A Workbook of Techniques and Encouragement.” If you have ever wanted to learn how to finish your own needlework to the quality of the professionals, get this book. It is, quite simply, the best and most complete book on finishing ever.
It’s not a book to read through, but to use when finishing a particular item. For each type of finishing explained, the instructions are complete and detailed. If you want to finish a Hot Air Balloon Ornament, turn to page 58, it’s all there. Lots of pictures accompany each finish and important details such as cording, hangers, and trims are explained.
Before the instructions for finishing the items, there is a section on making decorative cords with three types of cord explained. An easy method to make a tassel is also included.
Opening the book are several chapters on general finishing topics. In them you will learn how to lace needlework onto a mounting board, how to prepare needlework for finishing and how to test thread and yarn for colorfastness. There is also a chapter on general construction materials and information. The whole book is packed with the most useful stuff.
Pat is a well-known needlepoint designer and the cover and first page show examples of many items she and others have designed that are finished according to the methods in the book.
She is also committed to keeping her list of sources up to date, My copy of the book came with a sheet which provided alternatives to a resource that has closed. The book is available as a comb-bound book or 3-hole punched in a zipper bag. This version is more flexible and a better choice.
If you’ve ever wanted to finish your own work, rush out and get this book. With earlier and earlier finishing deadlinews and with folks stitching more, many needlepointers are turning to doing their own finishing. This book is an essential resource.
It’s available at many needlework stores and online from Stitches from the Heart among other places.
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
Janet, do you have a recommendation on where I might find this book? My LNS seemed not to know how to order it. Thanks.
Nancy —
I think some needlework shops are carrying it.
Keep Stitching, Janet
A quick search on google revealed: https://stitches-heart.com/needlepoint/pat-mazu-designs/
It would be easy to add a link to the review to help your readers.
Thanks
Am interested in a book with finishing techniques. I want to make a padded book with 5 small finished pieces. Can you point me in the right direction. Thanks! Chris
Probably your best choice for instructions would be either This book or Sandy Higgins’ finishing book.
Keep Stitching,
Janet
Is the 2005 the most recent publishing? Or have there been updates and/or reprints?
Thank you!
Kirsti
You would need to contact Stitches from the Heart. The link is in the article.
Keep stitching,
Janet
Sorry Janet—–
I’m sure that you keep getting asked how to get this book is it has not been available at 3 LNS stores. Trying to contact Stitches from the heart is a lesson in futility as their message #records differently than their phone # and Emails don’t go through. So i’m appealing to you to give us an alternative.
Thanks and i am enjoying your Forum.
Pegge
I’m sorry, Stitches from the Heart is the distributor for this book as far as I know. You can also order it through your local shop.
Keep stitching,
Janet