Finishing Your Canvas

So you have finished stitching your canvas, now what? Now it’s time to Finish it! We like to say that when you are finished stitching, it is ‘finished’ with a lower-case f, and when you turn it into something, it is ‘Finished’ with a capital F.

There are so many things you can make with your needlepoint masterpieces! If you want ideas for how to finish different items, you are in the right place. Whether you want to send your piece off to a finisher, or you want to learn to self-finish, there is no right or wrong way to finish your canvas into its final product, it all depends what you want to do with it. 

Ideas for finishing your piece

Ornaments

One of the most popular ways to finish a smaller canvas is to make it into an ornament. People typically turn any 4 inch piece (round or square) into an ornament to put either on their tree or gift to friends. If you don’t celebrate Christmas, or have no need for more ornaments, many people turn their pieces into door hangars, or bag charms (typically this is for mini canvases).

Framing

This is a go-to for those who want to display their canvas quickly and year-round. You can get frames and mat boards for your pieces at Hobby Lobby without spending a fortune. The great thing about framing is you don’t have to cut your canvas. This means that if, in the future, you decide you want to turn your canvas into something else, you can just pop it out of the frame. Another great thing about framing is that you can usually find a pre-made frame for practically any sized piece.

Self-Finishing Accessories

Many needlepoint stores sell self-finishing accessories like luggage tags, passport holders, clutch purses, and key chains. These are typically leather pieces that have a cut out with sticky adhesive. All you have to do is cut your canvas to size, then stick it on. It’s super quick and easy and always looks great.

Acrylics

A popular way to finish larger pieces is to put them in an acrylic tray. Penny Linn sells a wide selection of acrylic tray options. You can also buy acrylic coasters for your smaller canvases. Acrylic pieces come in all different shapes and sizes so the possibilities are endless.

Stand-Ups

Another fun thing to do with your canvas is to turn it into a stand-up. These can be weighted, gusseted stand ups, or just a flat piece on an acrylic stand. Many people turn their Christmas village canvases into stand-ups to display around the holidays.

The Possibilities are Endless

There are so many ways to turn your canvas into something fun when you are done stitching. These options are only the beginning. Some other fun finishings include Christmas tree toppers, purses, or stockings. One thing I like to ask myself before I buy a canvas is ‘how will I finish it?’ That helps me decide whether I really want the canvas. In the end, it is your piece and you can choose how you want it to look when it is done, so have fun and be creative!