Self-Finishing Recommendations

Supplies You'll Need to Finish a Round Ornament

A quick, simple roundup of everything I recommend for self-finishing your own needlepoint ornaments and small projects. These are the tools and materials I actually use — linked below for easy shopping.

• Blocking Board
  Helps your canvas dry evenly and stay perfectly flat before you start shaping.
• Stainless Steel Blocking Pins
  Pair with your blocking board to stretch your canvas into a smooth, round shape.
• Precision Craft Knife
  A sharp blade gives you clean circular cuts — especially helpful since scissors can make jagged edges.
• Acid-Free Foam Board (1/8" thick)
  Essential for giving your ornament structure. Round shapes stay cleaner and smoother with a firm base.
• Polyester Low Loft Batting (1/10" thick)
  Use to add a more filled out look
• Acid-Free Craft Glue
  My favorite for securing canvas edges, backing fabric, and trim. Dries clear and holds well around curves.
• Invisible Thread
  Keeps two sides of ornament together seamlessly and holds cording
• Sewing Clips
  Helps keep curved edges tight while the glue sets — a lifesaver for round shapes.
• Backing Fabric
  Velvet, linen, cotton — cut into a circle that mirrors the front. This makes the ornament feel finished on both sides. I get my fabric from Spoonflower (online) or Michael's (in-store)
• Threads for Making Your Own Cording
  Ideal if you want trim that perfectly matches your stitching colors. For cording, I recommend using DMC threads (I get mine from Michael's).
• Portable Cording Maker (Battery Powered)
  Twists leftover threads into custom cording to outline ornament. Round ornaments especially benefit from color-matched trim.
• Double-Sided Tape (Optional)
  Helps pre-shape curved edges before gluing — super helpful for circles.

Note: some links below may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.