I found these outstanding needle minders on Etsy a few months ago and they have quickly become my favorites. The magnets are all 1.25″ button (as in campaign buttons) fronts. Instead of a pin back, each has a 1″ rare earth magnet on the back, snugly glued in place. This goes on the front of your canvas.
Because the front magnet is so large, there is plenty of space and power to hold needles, I tried several of my heavier scissors on them and they firmy stayed in place, even when turned upside down. Needles stay straight on top of the minder. They also stay firmly in place. The flat top of the minder also makes them easy to remove.
The second magnet, for the back of the canvas is a thin rare earth magnet about 1/2″ in diameter. I really like this feature. I get strength where I want it, on the front, but I get easier removal on the back, below.
The majority of designs are text-based with drawings or patterned backgrounds. More than half relate to stitching of some kind, either cross stitch or needlepoint. Another group has Christian sayings of various kinds. There are also humorous sayings, such as “I can’t adult today”
In addition there are magnets with sports themes. These include football, basketball, and baseball champions, Chicago sports teams, and St. Louis themes (the company is based there). She also has magnets for many Stitch Clubs using the official logos for each city. Many of her designs are seasonal, so the selection changes.
But what really makes these magnets special is the customization. In fact that’s how I learned about them. A reader, Cheryl Timko, had one of her initials sitting on a piece in Facebook. Folks asked about it. You can get minders with your initials in different colors and backgrounds. There is also a minder, pictured below, that can be personalized with your name.
You can also create a custom magnet. Here’s how she describes the process: ”
Just send me your logo, the name of your group, a photo or any idea and I will design a custom needle minder that will be unique to you and your group! When purchasing, put any ideas you may have in the comments section and I will contact you with photos for your approval before they are made.
I’m excited to try this.
Kirkland Designs can be found on Etsy and on their own website.
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
I love my needleminders from Kirkland. Will probably order more. Was surprised to see my name in your newsletter. Thanks.
Thanks so much for the great review! It’s been quite a ride as this little “side hustle” has grown into a full-fledged thriving business in only 6 months. I love seeing so many stitchers using the needle minders, and I know they must be meeting a need because the response has been so overwhelming! Thanks for all your support and if you have an idea for a new design, let me know!
You’re welcome and I will!
Keep stitching,
Janet