Originally posted 2008-02-27 07:49:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
I must say I have become an addict of self-finished needlepoint projects. This tool tote is my latest. It is another project from Bargello Revisited and was stitched by Sondra Dyer.
Many companies make products where you can insert your own needlepoint. They cover everything from wooden boxes, to purses, to accessories. Many of them use similar methods for finishing.
Here’s how many of them work:
The opening has a paper-covered piece of heavy-duty double-side adhesive on it.
When your needlepoint is finished, test fit it to make sure it’s big enough by placing it over the opening. If it is, trim it to a margin of about 2 threads all around.
Remove the paper and center the needlepoint on them opening. Lift the margins and tuck in the edges of your needlepoint. Often your finger will be enough for this, but sometimes, you will want the help of a butter knife or chopstick to tuck things. in. If you want to, use white glue under the margins to seal them.
Once you’re happy with the placement, press the needlepoint down to place it permanently.
If the item doesn’t have double-sided adhesive, but has a pocket, you can make your own adhesive board, by placing adhesive on cardboard or plastic. The finish it the same way. Or finish the needlepoint in the traditional way to make needlepoint boxes.
But what if you want to find our own items to self-finish. These days with many things designed to be personalized, these are easy to find.
First off, some items won’t work. If the opening isn’t very deep, if it will be exposed to water or heat, use a scan or picture of your needlepoint.
Second, look for items which have openings in them. These openings should either be about 1/4″ or more deep or have something deeper than an envelope for inserting the item.
The popularity of scrapbooking and memory items makes these kind of things pretty common. I have in my stash a wallet from Mundi called “Photoflip” which has a plastic pocket on the outside where I’m putting needlepoint. I’ve seen great totes with clear pockets for multiple pictures — why not add needlepoint. I’ve made jewel boxes. Mass Market discount stores and overstock stores are often great sources for these.
Many of these items don’t have openings deep enough for needlepoint, but when they do, stock up. Then you have the basis for some great gifts.
Measure the opening first to get the finished size for your needlepoint. I generally make my stuff about 3 threads bigger on all sides. This is because stitched needlepoint is slightly smaller than the unstitched canvas. By adding a little margin you get the full size and no blank canvas showing.
Finish as described above to make your item.
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Related posts:
- Tips for Needlepoint without the Expense?
- Finishing 101 – Needlepoint Book Review
- Finishing Resources – on-line and off
- Bizzi Creations Box – Product Review
- Make a Needlepoint Wallet with Bargello in an Afternoon!
Link:
The Joys of Self-finishing
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