“My First Time Learning How To Needlepoint Part 2 – Finishing Instructions!”
Monday, April 26, 2010Hello Everyone-
I love my new hobby! I showed off my needlepoint design to my family and they are very impressed. Today Beth is going to show me how to finish my design onto a tote bag. Beth sells these great tote bags at her store and online. We are going to use Beth’s pictures for the tutorial since my canvas looked very messy when I was preparing my canvas for the bag and the pictures are a bit unclear.
Beth Gantz’s Finishing Instructions for Attaching a Canvas to Tote Bags:
Step 1. Make sure stitched canvas is straight by blocking or damp ironing into shape. Use a damp towel or spray bottle but be sure threads are colorfast (of course this is done with DMC Tapestry Wool so the threads are colorfast).
If you are using mono canvas, you may want to machine stitch, or apply Fray Check around the design just outside the stitched area so it doesn’t fray.
Step 2. Trim the design about 5-6 rows outside the stitched area. For mono canvas another bead of Fray Check around the outside might be helpful.
Step 3. Fold the corners diagonally as in the photograph, dampen with cloth or lightly spray and press.
Step 4. Fold sides in and tuck the corners in being careful to put the proper amount of tension on the corners to make them square up. Try to roll the stitched edge just a bit to the back, not taking whole row.
Step 5. Using Kreinik Treasure Tape 1” wide, or another heavy duty double stick tape, apply the tape at one side, stretch down the edge, trimming at base. Repeat that across the canvas but remember that you have to peel off the orange surface after each strip is put on as you will not be able to if you you cover it with the next strip.
Step 6. Adhere to the bag on the smoothest side. If there is a zippered pocket inside the bag, attach to the opposite side. Place a hard board or book inside the bag and a heavy book like a phone book on top of the needlepoint and leave it on for a few hours.
If you prefer a more finished appearance, you can sew twisted cord or gimp to the needlepoint but it should be put on BEFORE you attach it to the bag.
Here is my finished bag, how great does it look??
It was great being a guest on the DMC Blog! Thank you Beth Gantz for teaching me this great craft, and thanks to Emma for coordinating!
Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
Happy Stitching!
Love,
Alice
Well done! Bag is cute!
Well done Emma.
Can you tell me how I can enter the Beth Gantz giveaway please. Thanks.
I may have to give needlepoint another try
Can’t wait to try this. Sounds easy enough.
Thanks.
Very nice Tuts. BTW I love the design set up of your blog very eye catching. The bag turn out beautiful.
Glad I found the site. Looks like a lot of enabling going on here!
Will have to give this a try.
I can’t find the link to enter the drawing and I really want to add my name – help!
Your bag looks AWESOME! I will definitely have to try needlepoint sometime. Please enter my name in the drawing.
I would love the chance to try needlepoint. Thank you for the chance!
I had a blast teaching Alice how to needlepoint! If you would like to learn, visit http://www.tnna.org to find a needlework shop near you!
i would love to needleoint a Beth Gantz canvas.