How to Make a Needlepoint Cookie: The Building Block of Finishing

Jul 17

If you've ever wondered how I finish my coasters and ornaments, here's where it all starts: the cookie. A cookie is the building block of needlepoint finishing. You need two of them to make a coaster, ornament, or sign. Once you get this technique down, you'll be finishing all your projects yourself!

What You'll Need

Your finished stitched canvas
Matte board (local framing shops often sell their scraps for cheap, always worth asking!)
Scissors
A needle and thread for lacing

Step 1: Cut Your Canvas

Start with your finished canvas. Cut the mesh, leaving about an inch of border on all sides.

Step 2: Cut Your Matte Board

Cut your matte board 2-3 rows smaller than your stitched area on every side. This accounts for the fabric thickness when you fold it over, and it will match up nicely with your back cookie later.

Step 3: Fold the Corners

Fold in the corners of your canvas and press firmly. Really score that fold. Trust me, it makes the next steps so much easier.

Step 4: Fold the Sides

Now fold in all four sides. I like to make sure each fold lands right on the last stitch in the row. This keeps everything neat and even.

Step 5: Position the Board

Place the board on top of the folded corners, but slip it under the folded sides. This locks everything into place.

Step 6: Anchor Your Thread

Make an anchor stitch on one side. Just weave your needle in and out of the mesh a few times to secure it.

Step 7: Lace Across

Thread across the back of the cookie, pulling nice and taut.

Step 8: Lace the Other Direction

Do the same thing going the other direction. Keep it tight!

Step 9: Secure the Corners

See how those corner folds line up? Lace through them 3-4 times for extra security.

You're Done!

And that's it! One cookie, ready to become a coaster, ornament, or little sign. Just connect it to another cookie and you have a finished piece. Check out my tutorial on connecting two cookies!

Ready to try it yourself? Shop kspringerdesigns.com for beginner-friendly canvases that are perfect for practicing your finishing skills!

Kimberly .