Over the years I have made many needlepoint ornaments. Most I’ve had finished, some I have finished myself. A continuing problem is finding something to put inside the ornaments to make them stiff. You may not think it’s important, but you’ll notice if it’s missing; the ornaments are rather floppy. They never feel as if the needlepoint is properly displayed.
I’ve used many things that work well. Skirtex is a stiff interfacing used in the upholstery industry. It comes in two weights and in pretty narrow widths. It’s great but hard to find.
Foamcore and backing boards are nice and create very stiff ornaments. But they are both hard to cut. If you don’t like adding cord or trim to the outside edges you won’t like the exposed sides when you use these.
Large button shapes are fun but they are pretty limited in size. They will only work for a small subset of projects.
Self-finishing designs are lovely, they are my current favorite, but once again shapes and sizes are limited.
Plastic canvas is easy to find and makes a thin, but flexible interface.
Thanks to my friend Brenda, I may have found a new solution. In her blog, Brenda’s Needlepoint Studio, she talks about a board she learned about at her guild. It comes in economical packages and can be cut with scissors. Learn about it in her post.
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
Leave a Reply