How to Finish a Chinese Ornamental Needlepoint Kit

Quick answer

To finish your Chinese Ornamental Needlepoint Kit, block the stitched canvas, trim it to size, and mount it into a frame or ornament holder. This guide walks you through each step with common pitfalls to avoid.

Steps to finish your Chinese Ornamental Needlepoint Kit

1. Block the stitched canvas: Soak the canvas in lukewarm water for 15 minutes to relax the stitches. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay it face up on a blocking board, and pin the edges every half inch, pulling the canvas square. Let it dry completely for 24 hours. Check that the design's borders are straight and corners are 90 degrees before the canvas dries. If they're off, repin immediately.
2. Trim and prepare the canvas: Once dry, remove pins and trim the canvas to about 1.5 inches beyond the stitched area on all sides. Fold the excess canvas behind the design, creasing the edges neatly. Use a ruler to ensure the fold is even. Avoid cutting too close to the stitches—leave enough margin to wrap around the mounting board or frame.
3. Mount the canvas: Place the folded canvas face down on a clean surface. Center a foam board or acid-free mounting board on the back. Pull the canvas edges taut and secure them with rust-proof pins or acid-free tape, working from the center outward. Check the front for any wrinkles. If the canvas shifts, the intricate Chinese ornament pattern may appear skewed. Reposition before securing fully.
4. Frame or finish the piece: Insert the mounted canvas into a frame or ornament holder. For a classic display, choose a frame that complements the gold and red tones in the pattern. If using an ornament holder, ensure the canvas fits snugly without bending. Use a frame with a glass cover to protect the fine stitches from dust and fading, especially if displaying in bright light.

Product facts

• Chinese Ornamental Needlepoint Kit: Canvas: A professionally printed 18 holes per inch mono canvas with a reproduction of a chromolithograph pattern from Owen Jones' 1867 book, Examples of Chinese Ornament. The fine 18-count canvas means the finished piece is detailed but requires careful handling to avoid distorting the pattern during blocking and framing.