Step-by-Step Tutorial
There is something incredibly satisfying about taking a beautifully stitched canvas and transforming it into a finished ornament you’ll enjoy for years. While many stitchers send their canvases to a professional finisher, learning to finish your own ornaments is both rewarding and surprisingly approachable.
Round ornaments are one of the easiest shapes to master because there are no corners to shape, making them the perfect first finishing project.
Today, I’m sharing my favorite BeeBee finishing method—a clean, shop-style ornament with a smooth edge, beautiful twisted cording, and a professional finish.
Why Finish Your Own Ornament?
Learning to finish your own needlepoint opens a whole new level of creativity.
You’ll be able to:
• Complete gifts more quickly
• Save finishing costs
• Choose your own fabrics and cording
• Create personalized keepsakes
• Enjoy the satisfaction of completing every step yourself
There is something special about hanging an ornament on the tree knowing every stitch—and every finishing detail—was done by your own hands.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Finished needlepoint canvas
- Acid-free mat board
- Thin quilt batting
- Coordinating backing fabric
- Twisted decorative cording
- Invisible or matching sewing thread
- Curved or sharp hand-sewing needle
- Small embroidery scissors
- Clips or pins
- Pencil
- Ruler
Having everything ready before you begin makes the process much more enjoyable.
Step 1 – Block Your Canvas
Blocking is one of the most important finishing steps.
A blocked canvas lays flat, creates a perfectly round ornament, and makes the finishing process much easier.
Allow the canvas to dry completely before continuing.
🐝 BeeBee Tip: Never rush blocking. A few extra minutes here makes all the difference in your finished ornament.
Step 2 – Cut the Finishing Board
Trace your ornament onto acid-free mat board.
Cut just inside the stitching line so the board will fit neatly beneath your stitched design without showing around the edges.
Cut one board for the front and one for the back.
Step 3 – Add Batting
Place one layer of thin quilt batting over the front board.
This creates a soft, luxurious appearance while keeping your ornament crisp and professional.
Too much batting can make the ornament look overly puffy, so less is often more.
Step 4 – Center the Canvas
Lay your stitched piece over the batting and carefully center the design.
Double-check before lacing that the design is straight and balanced.
This is one of those steps that’s worth taking your time with.
Step 5 – Lace the Canvas
Instead of using glue, lace the canvas around the back of the board using even stitches.
Work from opposite sides, gradually tightening the thread until the canvas is smooth and secure.
Lacing provides excellent tension and allows the ornament to be repaired or re-finished in the future if needed.
Step 6 – Prepare the Backing
Cover the second mat board circle with your backing fabric.
Velvet creates a traditional heirloom look, while linen and cotton provide a lighter, coastal style.
Lace the backing just as you did the front.
Step 7 – Join the Ornament
Place the front and back together.
Using small ladder stitches, sew around the edge.
Keep your stitches close together so they disappear into the seam.
Step 8 – Add Decorative Cording
Twisted cording gives your ornament that beautiful, finished appearance.
Using tiny hidden stitches, attach the cording all the way around the ornament, covering the seam completely.
This small detail instantly elevates the project from handmade to heirloom.
