Measuring

• It is always best to measure a belt from the tip of the buckle to the most frequently used hole. That will determine the belt size.
• Pant size is not a very accurate measurement and it isn't recommended.

Stitching

• Once you've determined the belt size you will stitch the size minus 4". That is because the leather used on both ends uses 6" of the canvas.
• Be sure to stitch 2" beyond a design at each end of the belt canvas if there is something you wish to show when finished.
• Always stitch 3 rows above and below the painted width of the belt for turning under.
• You do not need to do this if you use a binding stitch to finish it.

Best stitches

• Basketweave, Continental (although this tends to skew the belt), Diagonal Mosaic.

Best threads

• Perle cotton, wool, silk, or a silk and wool blend.

Any project can be created by stitching a canvas without mounting the canvas. This makes it easier to travel with your project. But, stitching a firm canvas results in a crisper appearance whether you are basketweaving or using decorative stitches.
It is highly suggested to use stretcher bars when using decorative stitches.

There are two ways to mount your canvas. One is on a roller frame and the other is on stretcher bars.

Roller frames are more expensive and a little more clumsy to carry around, but are easier to adjust when your canvas “relaxes”. You just need to twist the top or bottom roller.

Stretcher bars are easy and inexpensive. They are sold in pairs and are made of soft pine to easily accommodate needlecraft thumb tacks. The 3/4" thick stretcher bars are available from 5” up to 28”. For small projects ½” thick stretcher bars work a little better and are available in sizes 5" to 18".

Heat and humidity will relax your canvas and may require you to remount your canvas to retighten.

We offer a wide range of finishing services to bring your stitched pieces to life. Items we can finish include ornaments, pillows, stockings, belts, stand-ups, purses, and most anything you can dream up.

Please note: we do not offer upholstery finishing.

Yes, you can alter a painted needlepoint canvas. It's common to change colors, add or remove elements, or even completely reimagine the design.

This can be done by painting over the existing design with acrylic paints or by strategically choosing thread colors that differ from the painted canvas, but are able to cover the painted color without showing through.

Do remember if your canvas has not been repainted or touched up, stretching during finishing may reveal some of the original painted color.

Factors Influencing Finishing Costs:

Size of the Canvas

• Larger canvases require more material for backing, cording, and other embellishments, and more time to finish.

Complexity of the Finishing

• Simple finishing options like a basic knife-edge pillow or an ornament with a simple cord will be less expensive than more elaborate styles like a box-edge pillow with custom trim or a piece with unique shapes 

Materials

• The choice of backing fabric, cording, and other embellishments can impact the cost. High-quality fabrics, decorative trims, and specialty items like down pillow forms will increase the overall price. 

Finisher's Choice

• Some finishers offer a "Finisher's Choice" option, where they select the fabric, trim, etc., based on their aesthetic judgment, which can be a more affordable option if you trust their expertise. 

Customizations

• Additions like machine embroidery to the back of an ornament, bows, tassels, and beaded cording will increase the cost.

13 Mesh

• DMC Perle cotton #3
• Silk & Ivory
• Planet Earth Silk
• Rainbow Gallery Splendor (6 ply)
• DMC floss (6 ply)

18 Mesh

• DMC Perle cotton #5
• Vineyard Silk
• Planet Earth Essentials
• Caron Impressions
• Rainbow Gallery Splendor (4 ply)
• DMC floss (3 ply)