How to Finish a Needlepoint Magnet: Two Simple Methods with Video Tutorial

If you've ever stitched a beautiful needlepoint design and wanted to turn it into a functional magnet, you're in the right place! In this tutorial, we'll walk you through 2 different methods to finish a needlepoint magnet. Both are simple and effective, so you can choose the one that best fits your style and available materials:

• Method 1: Magnet finished with Cording
• Method 2: Magnet finished with Binding Stitch & Adhesive Velvet

Before you begin, remember to block your canvas to ensure it’s straight and even. You can check out our needlepoint blocking tutorial for more details on this essential step.

Method 1: Magnet Finished with Cording

This method involves creating a sturdy, polished finish using mat board, fabric backing, and cording for a more refined look. Finishing a needlepoint magnet this way is very similar to finishing a needlepoint ornament, with the addition of a magnet to the process.

Here's a video tutorial where we use our Love magnet needlepoint kit, to help you understand how to finish your needlepoint magnet with this method:

Materials You'll Need:

• Stitched needlepoint canvas

• Mat board

• Magnets

• Fabric for backing

• Textile glue

• Thread for cording (in a matching color)

• Scissors

• Tape

• Fabric clips

• Optional: Sewing Machine
  
  -» if you don't know how to use one, we have a dedicated tutorial on sewing 101 for needlepoint, to help you learn the basics and be able to self-finish your needlepoint projects with ease!

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepare Your Canvas

Trim the excess canvas around your stitched design, leaving a small border. Make small cuts in the corners to help fold the canvas neatly to the back. Place the needlepoint canvas over a piece of mat board, apply a small amount of textile glue along the edges, and fold the excess canvas to the back. Secure it with fabric clips while it dries.

Step 2: Prepare the Magnet Backing

Take a second piece of mat board and decide where you want the magnets to be placed (typically near the center). Place the magnets on the board and trace around them with a pen. Carefully cut out the traced sections so the magnets can sit flush within the mat board. Insert the magnets into the cut-out spaces and secure them in place with tape to prevent shifting.

Step 3: Attach the Backing Fabric

Cut your backing fabric slightly larger than the mat board piece with the magnets. Place the mat board on top of the fabric and fold the excess fabric inwards, securing it with clips. Trim the corners for a clean finish. Open each side and apply textile glue along the edges, pressing with clips while it dries.

Step 4: Make and Attach the Cording

Create a cording in a matching thread color. If you need help with this step, check out our cording tutorial. Once your cording is ready, apply glue to one half of the magnet structure and attach the front and back pieces together. Then, use small amounts of textile glue to attach the cording along the edges, securing it with clips while it dries. When you reach the starting point, carefully tuck and glue the ends together for a seamless finish.

Step 5: Let It Dry and Enjoy!

Once everything is dry, your needlepoint magnet is ready to use! This method gives a polished, professional look to your handmade piece.

Method 2: Quick and Easy Adhesive Velvet Finish

If you’re looking for a simpler and quicker way to finish your needlepoint magnet, this method is perfect! It requires fewer materials and is an excellent choice for a budget-friendly and beginner-friendly finish.

Here's a video tutorial to help you understand how to finish your needlepoint magnet with this method:

Materials You'll Need:

• Finished needlepoint canvas. with binding stitch applied

• Scissors

• A piece of adhesive velvet

• A square magnet

• Optional: Sewing Machine

 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Trim the Canvas

Cut the excess canvas around your stitched design, leaving a small border. Cut the corners slightly to help fold it to the back smoothly.

Step 2: Attach the Adhesive Velvet

Cut a piece of adhesive velvet to match the size of your needlepoint design. Place the square magnet on the back of your canvas, then begin sticking the adhesive velvet over the back, ensuring the magnet is securely inside.

Step 3 (Optional): Reinforce with Stitching

For extra durability, you can take your finished piece to a sewing machine and stitch around the edges. This step is optional but can help secure everything more firmly.

And that’s it! This method is super quick and easy, making it a fantastic option for last-minute gifts or simple home decor projects.

Which Method Should You Choose to finish your Needlepoint Magnet?

Both methods create beautiful and functional needlepoint magnets, but your choice depends on your preference:

• For a refined, professional finish, go with the cording/ornament method.

• For a quick, budget-friendly option, try the binding stitch / adhesive velvet method.

No matter which one you choose, you’ll end up with a charming, handmade magnet to decorate your space or gift to a loved one. Happy stitching!