What Is Needlepoint Finishing? A Beginner's Guide to Options and Costs

Quick answer

You finished stitching your canvas. Now what? Needlepoint finishing is the process that turns your stitched canvas into something you can actually use, display, or give as a keepsake. Think pillows, ornaments, framed pieces, stand-ups, purses, and more. Most finishing involves two main steps: blocking the canvas back into shape and constructing it into the final piece.

What is needlepoint finishing?

When you finish stitching a needlepoint canvas, you have a beautiful piece of stitching, but it is not quite a finished object yet. Finishing is everything that happens after that last stitch to turn the canvas into something you can enjoy in your home, hang on the Christmas tree, carry, frame, or gift.

One of my favorite things about needlepoint is how many directions a canvas can go once it is stitched. The same basic canvas can become a pillow, ornament, framed piece, stand-up, key fob, purse, or zippered pouch depending on the finishing you choose.

The two main steps of needlepoint finishing

1. Blocking

Stitching naturally pulls a canvas slightly out of shape. Blocking helps bring it back into alignment. The canvas is lightly dampened, pinned on a blocking board, and left to dry. This gives the finisher a flat, straight canvas to work with before construction begins.

2. Construction

Once the canvas is square, it can be built into the final piece. For a pillow, that may mean trimming the excess canvas, adding backing fabric, cording or another trim, and inserting the pillow form. For an ornament, it usually means adding backing, an edge treatment or trim, and a hanging loop. This is where the details really make the piece feel special.

DIY needlepoint finishing vs. professional finishing

You absolutely do not have to send every needlepoint project to a professional finisher. Simple flat ornaments, framed pieces, and mounted shapes can be wonderful projects to finish at home, especially if you enjoy learning another part of the craft.

For pillows, three-dimensional pieces, purses, zippered items, or anything with more structured construction, I usually think a professional finisher is worth considering. You can choose your backing, trim, cording, and other details, then let someone who does this every day turn your stitching into a polished keepsake.

How much does professional needlepoint finishing cost?

Finishing prices can vary quite a bit depending on the finisher, size of the piece, materials, and construction. Use these as planning ranges rather than quotes, and always confirm pricing with your finisher before sending your canvas.

• Ornaments: approximately $45 to $95
• Small pillows: approximately $150 to $250
• Standard pillows with backing and cording: approximately $250 to $450
• Framing: approximately $100 to $300 and up
• Stand-ups, purses, and dimensional pieces: approximately $200 and up

Specialty materials, such as velvet backing, custom cording, tassels, or unusual shapes, can increase the total. In general, size and construction have a bigger impact on finishing cost than the stitched design itself.

How long does needlepoint finishing take?

This is the part I always tell new stitchers to plan for: professional finishing takes time. Turnaround can range from several weeks to several months, and holiday deadlines fill up especially quickly.

If you are stitching something you want to have finished for Christmas, I would plan to send it to your finisher in early summer, or follow your finisher's published holiday deadline. A little planning here can save a lot of disappointment later.

How to prepare your needlepoint canvas for finishing

• Leave a margin. Keep at least 1.5 to 2 inches of blank, unstitched canvas around the design so the finisher has room to work.
• Do not trim your canvas. Let the finisher make the final cuts. Trimming too closely can make some finishing options difficult or impossible.
• Share your preferences. Include notes about the item you want, backing color, trim, and any other details. Inspiration photos are incredibly helpful.
• Save your leftover thread. A finisher may occasionally need matching thread for a small repair or adjustment.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to use a professional needlepoint finisher? No. Flat ornaments, framed pieces, and simple mounted shapes can absolutely be finished at home. Structured pieces such as pillows and purses are where a professional finisher can be especially helpful.

How much does it cost to finish a needlepoint pillow? A useful planning range is roughly $150 to $450, depending on size, backing, trim, and construction. Smaller pillows sit at the lower end, and larger pillows with cording sit at the higher end. Always confirm the actual price with your finisher.

How long does professional needlepoint finishing take? Often several weeks to several months, with longer lead times around the holidays. Check your finisher's current turnaround time before sending your piece.

How much blank canvas should I leave around my design? Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 inches of blank canvas on every side, and resist the urge to trim it yourself.

Not sure how to finish your piece?

We are always happy to point you toward finishing options that make sense for your canvas. Email hello@evahoward.com with a photo of your finished stitching and tell us what you would love it to become. If you are just getting started, head to our complete beginner's guide next.