How to Finish a Needlepoint Project

All the handling your needlepoint project was subject to during its creation may have caused some smudges or distortion of its shape. These finishing touches will help you ready your handiwork for display.

Things You'll Need

• Embroidery Yarns
• Needlepoint Canvases
• Needlepoint Kit
• Needlepoint Patterns
• Rustproof Tacks
• Spray Bottles
• Embroidery Floss
• Embroidery Frames
• Embroidery Hoops
• Ironing Boards
• Irons
• Rug Yarns
• Tapestry Needles
• Tapestry Yarns
• Lukewarm Water
• Water
• Mild Liquid Dish Soap
• Kraft Papers
• Pencils Or Pens
• Wood Blocking Boards
• clean, white towels

Instructions

Slightly Distorted Needlepoint

1. Place the piece face down on a clean, white towel.

2. Press lightly with a steam iron.

Needlepoint That's Lost Its Shape

1. Return a very distorted piece back to its original shape by tacking a premade paper pattern of the work to a piece of soft wood (blocking board) that is a little larger than the finished piece.

2. Tack a sheet of tissue paper over the pattern.

3. Place a damp, clean white towel over the back of the piece and steam iron until the needlepoint piece is dampened as well.

4. Pin the dampened piece to the blocking board with rustproof tacks.

5. Use your paper pattern as a guide as you stretch and pin the piece into its original size and shape.

6. Allow to dry.

Soiled Needlepoint

1. Remove your completed needlework piece from the hoop or frame and check for any dirt or smudges.

2. Gently hand wash a soiled needlework piece in lukewarm water and mild liquid dish soap.

3. Rinse in lukewarm water.

4. Roll the wet needlework piece in a clean, white towel in such a way that no part of the piece comes into direct contact with any other part.

5. Squeeze to remove excess water.

6. Lay flat to dry until slightly damp.

7. Place the damp needlework piece face down on a clean, white towel.

8. Press gently at a medium-high to high setting with a dry iron until dry.