How to Self-Finish a Needlepoint Ornament (No-Sewing Needed!)

Needlepointing is on the come up and while it is a fun and relaxing craft, it can get expensive. Being able to self-finish a project not only helps save money but adds to the fun of creating your project. Sewing can sometimes be a struggle so I decided to give a tutorial on how to self-finish an ornament with no sewing required!

1. Finished needlepoint canvas
2. Backing fabric
3. Batting (for padding)
4. Scissors
5. Pencil
6. Clips
7. Cardboard
8. Cording
9. Hot glue gun

1. Cut your needlepoint but leave about an inch or so around the stitched design.
2. Cut the extra edge into little flaps to make folding easier.

1. Place your needlepoint face down.
2. Trace the stitched design area only (not the extra canvas edge) onto cardboard.
3. Cut out the cardboard shape. This will be the firm center of your ornament.
4. Cut a piece of batting the same shape as the cardboard.

1. Place the needlepoint face down.
2. Center the batting and cardboard.
3. The order goes Needlepoint -- Batting -- Cardboard.
4. Put a thin line of glue along one edge of the cardboard and fold the canvas edge over it. Press and hold.
5. Continue gluing and folding one side at a time
6. Pull gently so the front stays smooth
7. Fold corners neatly like wrapping a present
8. Use clips to hold edges while glue dries if needed.

1. This will be like what you did with the finished needlepoint, but this time with the fabric.
2. Trace and cut both a piece of cardboard and fabric. Make sure they are the same size as the front (the finished needlepoint with the cardboard and batting).
3. Placement face down goes fabric – batting – cardboard.
4. Glue the backing fabric to the second piece of cardboard.
5. Use clips to hold edges while glue dries if needed.

1. Glue the back of the fabric side (the exposed cardboard side).
2. Carefully press the backing piece onto the wrapped needlepoint front.
3. Line up edges as evenly as possible. Press firmly.
4. Clip together while glue dries if needed.

1. Cut a 5–6 inch piece of the same cording you’ll use for the edge.
2. Form it into a loop.
3. Place the two raw ends in between the front and back of the ornament.
4. Glue the ends down securely so the loop extends upward.
5. Hold in place until the glue is fully set. Give it a gentle tug to make sure it’s strong — this is the weight-bearing point.

1. Now you’ll hide all the raw edges and the hanger attachment point.
2. Start gluing the decorative cording at the bottom center of the ornament (so the seam will be hidden there).
3. Glue a few inches at a time along the edge seam.
4. When you reach the top, glue right over the glued ends of the hanger loop to conceal them.
5. Continue around the ornament until you reach the starting point.
6. Trim the cording so the ends meet neatly at the bottom. Add a small dab of glue to the cut end to prevent fraying and tuck it slightly under the starting point.

1. Trim any stray threads
2. Gently press the trim all the way around to make sure it’s secure
3. Test the loop with a gentle tug
4. Your ornament is now fully finished — with a built-in hanger and zero stitching required!

Don’t worry if it’s not perfect!!! It’s homemade and made with love which matters the most!