August Design Works

How to Finish a Needlepoint Paperweight Kit: Step-by-Step

How to Finish a Needlepoint Paperweight Kit: Step-by-Step

By August Design Works | Published: 2026-10-18

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to finish a needlepoint paperweight kit with this step-by-step guide. Perfect for small canvases, this tutorial covers stitching, assembly, and common mistakes.

Quick answer

Finishing a needlepoint paperweight kit involves stitching the design, centering it in the glass base, and securing the felt backing. This guide walks you through each step to get a clean, professional result.

Why choose a paperweight kit for small canvases?

Paperweight kits are a great option for small needlepoint projects because they require no framing or mounting. The glass dome protects your stitching while letting it show through clearly. Just make sure your canvas fits the kit's opening before you start.

Step-by-step finishing instructions

  1. Stitch the design completely: Use the recommended DMC Pearl Cotton Size 5 threads and follow the canvas pattern. Work in good light and keep your tension even to avoid puckering. Check that every stitch lies flat and the design fills the canvas area that will sit under the glass.
  2. Trim the excess canvas: Leave a border of about 1/2 inch around the stitched area. Cutting too close can cause the canvas to fray, so use sharp scissors and cut carefully. A common mistake is trimming too much — leave enough canvas to fold neatly behind the glass.
  3. Center the canvas in the glass base: Place the stitched canvas face-down on the glass dome. Adjust until the design is centered, then press the felt backing into place to hold it. Check alignment from the front before pressing the felt — once it's glued, repositioning is difficult.
  4. Secure the felt backing: Apply a thin layer of craft glue to the felt and press it onto the back of the canvas. Smooth out any air bubbles and allow it to dry completely. Too much glue can seep through the canvas and stain the threads, so use a light hand.

Products mentioned

  • Please Hesitate to Reach Out - Needlepoint Paperweight Kit (Wholesale - EXCLUDES THREADS): This kit includes a needlepoint canvas and glass paperweight base, but threads are not included in wholesale orders. You'll need to purchase DMC Pearl Cotton Size 5 in 598 (Light Turquoise) and 3847 (Dark Teal Green) separately to complete the 'Please Hesitate to Reach Out' design.
    Please Hesitate to Reach Out - Needlepoint Paperweight Kit (Wholesale - EXCLUDES THREADS)
    Please Hesitate to Reach Out - Needlepoint Paperweight Kit (Wholesale - EXCLUDES THREADS)
  • First of All I'm A Delight - Needlepoint Paperweight Kit (Wholesale - EXCLUDES THREADS): This kit also includes a needlepoint canvas and glass base, with threads sold separately for wholesale orders. For the 'First of All I'm A Delight' design, pick up DMC Pearl Cotton Size 5 in 3801 (Very Light Melon) and 3326 (Light Rose) to match the color palette.
    First of All I'm A Delight - Needlepoint Paperweight Kit (Wholesale - EXCLUDES THREADS)
    First of All I'm A Delight - Needlepoint Paperweight Kit (Wholesale - EXCLUDES THREADS)

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