How to Finish a Round Needlepoint Ornament
Round ornaments are a little different from the square cookie method, but once you get it down you'll be making these all season! This tutorial walks you through making both cookies and connecting them into a finished hanging ornament.
If you're new to finishing, you might want to check out my square cookie tutorial and coaster finishing tutorial first to get familiar with the basics.
What You'll Need
Backing fabric
Batting
Matte board (cut into circles)
Embroidery floss
Your finished canvas
Invisible thread
Cording
Scissors
Sewing clips
Sewing needle
Part 1: Making the Back Cookie
Step 1: Layer Your Materials
Lay your backing fabric right side down, then place your batting, then your matte board on top. I like to trace a circle around the fabric at this stage so I know where to stitch.
Step 2: Stitch Around the Edge
Using embroidery floss, make a running stitch around the entire circumference. Secure with a knot when you're done.
Step 3: Pull Tight
Pull that thread tight to gather the fabric around the board.
Step 4: Secure Across the Back
Run your thread across the back a few times to secure everything even more. Knot at the end.
First cookie complete!
Part 2: Making the Canvas Cookie
Step 5: Cut Your Canvas
Cut around your finished work, leaving about an inch of border. I like to cut notches in the canvas at this stage to reduce bulk.
Step 6: Layer Your Materials
Place your canvas face down, then batting, then matte board.
Step 7: Clip to Secure
Use clips to hold everything in place. I like to place them opposite each other until they're all in.
Step 8: Lace the Back
Just like the square cookie tutorial, secure your first stitch by weaving in and out of the fabric. Pull tight as you work your way across the cookie.
Step 9: Secure with a Knot
Once you've connected each section, secure with a knot.
Second cookie complete!
Part 3: Connecting the Cookies
Step 10: Clip the Cookies Together
Clip both cookies together with wrong sides facing (so the right sides face out).
Step 11: Join with a Running Stitch
Begin combining the cookies with a running stitch, just like the square finishing method.
Step 12: Leave a Gap for the Cording
Leave a 2-inch gap at the top. We'll use this section to place the cording.
If you need a little more help here, check out this post for a more detailed breakdown!
Part 4: Adding the Cording
Step 13: Create Your Hanging Loop
Make a slip knot on one end of your cording. The length of this loop determines your ornament's hanging length!
Step 14: Secure the Cording
Just like the square finishing, secure the cording all the way around with pins, twisting as you go based on your cording preference. Once you reach the end, tuck it under the slip knot we created at the beginning.
Step 15: Final Pass with Invisible Thread
With invisible thread, wrap around the cording catching both cookies on each pass. Follow the grooves of the cording for a more professional look. Continue all the way around and anchor.
You're Done!
And that's it! You now have a beautiful round ornament ready to hang or gift. Once you're comfortable with this technique, you can finish round ornaments of all sizes.
Ready to try it yourself? Shop kspringerdesigns.com for beginner-friendly canvases that are perfect for practicing your finishing skills!
