AboutHenry Babcock Expertise I learned needlepoint from my grandmother over 30 years ago. I can answer most questions on the subject. I know about producing needlepoint as well as cleaning, repairing and restoring.
Expert: Henry Babcock Date: 12/16/2007 Subject: needlepoint finishing
Question Is there anyone who finishes needlepoint projects? I'm done with the stitching, but they need to be blocked, and if at all possible, the mistakes corrected. If one is doing the blocking, do you block first, then correct or the other way around? Or can you even block twice? I would like these made into pillows, but quite possibly they aren't worth the $$$...maybe they should be chalked up to "experience" and head for the trash!
Thanks!!
Answer Jude,
Oh no, don't trash them! Think of all the hours that went into the stitching.
Okay, you should correct the mistakes before having them blocked. Very carefully remove the stitching where the mistakes are. Be sure there is about an inch of thread left at the end of the threads that were undone. You will need to stitch over the ends, so that they are anchored under the new stitches you put in or under the existing stitching that surrounds the mistakes. Fill in the correct stitching with the appropriate colored threads.
Now, try contacting local upholstery shops to see if they can block and finish the pillows for you. Most will be able to make the pillows, but not all will be able to do the blocking. If this doesn't yield good results, try doing a search online for "needlepoint finishing"; also try searching for "needlepoint stitching" as many of these services are able to clean, block and/or finish the pillows for you. Sometimes you might need to have the needlepoint cleaned and blocked before having them finished. Try searching for "needlepoint cleaning" or "needlepoint rug cleaning". The blocking will be part of the cleaning service.
I hope this helps, but feel free to come back with any more questions.
