Needlepointing a Wallet Tips

My current wallet has now given up the ghost (the clasp is broken). A couple of months ago I decided I would move to a needlepoint wallet but I have not started stitching it. Now I need to stitch quickly.

I picked this paisley canvas from Associated Talents and have a dark grey wallet to put them into. Preparing to stitch has got me thinking about what you need to do if you want to stitch a wallet.

Pick your wallet. I know it sounds strange to say pick the finishing item first. You will need to know the color and, most importantly the size. You’ll need these to help you pick the canvas.

Pick your canvas. Your canvas should be about the size of the opening in your wallet. If it’s a few threads smaller you can extend the design as I did with my ebook cover.

It’s harder but you can also make a design smaller, but you will leave areas unstitched. You may also have to remove elements from thew design area or pick and chose where you will stitch. My first canvas choice was a canvas like this, but ultimately I decided the modifications were too much.

Pick threads that will stand up to wear. Your wallet bounces around in your purse and get jostled by other items constantly. That means wallets need threads for hard-wearing places. Your threads should be single fiber and ones that stand up well to wear. The best choice is wool and after that cotton and silk.

Pick stitches that will cover completely. Don’t use open stitches if you are using something that uses double-sided adhesive. Dust gets into the holes in the canvas, ruining the adhesive. Eventually the needlepoint will come off because of this.

Pick stitches that are flat and go over no more than three intersections. Longer stitches snag. Bumpy stitches will wear out first.

I have picked a matte cotton for the background and silks for the paisley. Everything will be Tent except shadows which will probably be in Whipped Backstitch.I hope to have a new wallet by next month.