3 Ideas for Finishing Punch Needle Projects [with videos!]

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Are you looking for ways to finish your punch needle projects?

In this tutorial, I’ll show you three simple ways you can finish your completed punch needle designs.

Do you ever get to the end of a punch needle project and then suddenly it dawns on you that you don’t know how you’re going to display it?

Don’t worry, I got your back.  These punch needle finishing techniques are simple and the end result looks neat and professional.

There are hundreds of ways you could display your punch needle creations. 

You can mount them onto boxes and plaques, make them into seat covers or rugs, add them to clothing (or punch them directly onto clothing!), turn them into plushies.  Seriously, so many options.

Today I’m going to stick to home decor options: two ways to finish a wall hanging and how to turn your punch needle design into a pillow.

As I make new tutorials with different finishing techniques, I’ll add them to this post, so be sure to check back for updates!  (Follow me on Instagram or Facebook just to make sure you don’t miss any new posts!)

(This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the disclaimer here. Thank you for your support!)

Finishing Your Punch Needle Embroidery Hoop with Felt

Supplies:

Step 1: Trim the Excess Fabric

I recommend leaving about a 3” border around the hoop.  It’ll most likely be overkill, but you can trim the extra fabric later.

Step 2: Secure Fabric to the Back with a Running Stitch

Fold the fabric over the hoop so that’s easier to sew.  Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end.  

Insert the needle into the underside of the fabric so the knot stays hidden.  Then do a running stitch all the way around the hoop.  

Once you’ve sewn all the way around, tie a double knot and trim your thread.

Now you can trim the excess fabric down if you like.

Step 3: Add the Felt

Cut a piece of felt slightly smaller than your embroidery hoop.  You want it to cover the back, but not extend past the edge.

I recommend using a curved needle for this part because it’s so much easier.  Thread it with thread that matches the felt and tie a knot at the end.  

Insert the curved needle into the back of the felt only, so the knot will be sandwiched between the fabric and the felt.

Do a whip stitch all the way around the hoop.

Once you’ve sewn all the way around, take one last small stitch in the embroidery fabric, and tie a double knot to secure.

Cut the thread but leave a long tail.  Thread it back onto your straight needle, and then insert the needle in between the felt and the fabric. 

Bring the needle out about an inch or two away, pull the thread tight, and cut it flush with the felt.  This will make the end disappear into the fabric.

Now your finished punch needle embroidery hoop is ready to hang!

Related: Must-Have Punch Needle Supplies [Good Quality Only!]

Finishing Your Punch Needle Project with a Wooden Frame

Supplies: 

• Wooden Frame (I used an 8”x10” canvas from the Dollar Tree, and just ripped off the canvas)
• Staple Gun & Staples
• Felt
• Jute Cord
• Tacky Glue
• Sharp Scissors
• Ruler
• Pen

Step 1: Center Your Punch Needle Design and Anchor it to the Frame

Make sure your punch needle design is lined up exactly where you want it on the frame.  Once you’re happy with it, use one staple to attach one side of the fabric to the frame.  

Then move to the opposite side, stretch the fabric tight (but not so tight that it distorts the fabric), and staple it once. 

Then do the same thing on the other two sides. 

Step 2: Staple Along the Sides

Now that it’s anchored, go ahead and staple along the long sides of the frame.  Don’t staple into the corners yet, we’ll miter them in the next step.  

Step 3: Miter the Corners

Starting in one corner, fold the fabric over diagonally.  It’ll be a triangle shape.

While holding the triangle of fabric down, fold the fabric on one side of the corner over, make sure it’s lined up and folded neatly, and staple it into place. 

Do the same thing with the fabric on the other side of the corner.

Repeat this process on all of the corners.

Step 4: Finish Stapling

Now that the corners are done, fill in any spots that haven’t been stapled.  Make sure to pull the fabric tight while you’re doing this.

Step 5: Trim the Excess

I recommend trimming some of the excess fabric so it isn’t super bulky when we add the felt.

Step 6: Add the Hanger

Cut a piece of jute cord about 8 or 9 inches long (I eyeballed it).

Fold it in half and make an overhand knot towards the ends.

Use the ruler to find the exact middle of the top of your frame and mark it.  

Staple the jute hanger to the frame where you made the mark.  Add a couple of staples to make sure it’s secure.

Step 7: Glue on the Felt

Add a bead of tacky glue all the way around the frame, including over the hanger.  

Lay the piece of felt out on your work surface.  Pick up the punch needle frame and press the side with glue down onto the felt. 

Flip it over and smooth the felt against the frame, making sure it’s fully glued.

Flip it back over and set a heavy book on top and let it dry overnight.

Step 8: Trim the Excess Felt

After the glue has dried overnight, trim the excess felt all the way around the frame.  

Be careful not to accidentally cut into the punch needle fabric or cut the hanger off.

Now your finished punch needle frame is ready to hang!

Turn Your Punch Needle Project into a Pillow

This is a fun way to display your punch needle project and only requires basic sewing skills.

Click here to see the Punch Needle Pillow full tutorial and video!

In Summary

I hope you enjoyed these punch needle finishing techniques and now you have some finished punch needle projects to display in your home!

All the punch needle designs featured in this post are available in my shop! Come take a look!

Related Posts

• 10 Beautiful Punch Needle Wall Decor Ideas
• How to Do Punch Needle Embroidery on Clothes! (+ free patterns!)
• How to Make a Boho Punch Needle Wall Hanging

3 Ideas for Finishing Punch Needle Projects