INSTRUCTIONS ON
HOW TO BLOCK YOUR NEEDLEPOINT

You are now ready to finish your labour of love!

When I first started doing needlepoint several years ago, I had my needlework stretched and blocked professionally.

I was too afraid of ruining all my work!

Not to fear! The process of blocking needlepoint is straight forward...just take your time.

However, if you still feel reticent after reading these instructions, get it done professionally at your local needlepoint or craft store.

In time, you will feel more confident in doing it yourself!

These needlepoint instructions and tips on needlepoint blocking should help. 

A FEW TIPS BEFORE STARTING 

• Some recommend that even if your tapestry has been worked on a frame, and is not distorted, it will look fresher after blocking. I tend to agree.

• If you have worked your needlepoint with the canvas stretched very taut on a frame, it may not need stretching and blocking!
But if you have worked it in your hands, which I prefer, it will definitely need to be smoothed out and may even need to be pulled back into shape!

• Before blocking, hold the work up to a strong light to make sure that no stitches are missing.

• Trim the yarn ends closely on the wrong side.

LIST OF SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR BLOCKING :

• Blocking board: ½” to 3/8” plywood board at least 6” larger than tapestry or purchased blocking board
• blotting paper (for plywood surface),
• non-rusting upholstery tacks
• hammer
• pliers
• distilled water in clean spray bottle
• T-square or set square or ruler

How I Blocked
the ‘Morris Mineur’ Area Rug

To learn more about this area rug design, inspired by William Morris, go to 'Morris Mineur' Area Rug. 

HERE'S HOW I DID IT:

• Spray but do not soak the back of the needlepoint tapestry with distilled water. After wetting let canvas rest for 5 – 10 minutes for water to absorb and relax the fibres. This will help the canvas to be more manageable when blocking.

• Stretch the tapestry face down onto a large piece of plywood which is covered with blotting paper. (NOTE: A blocking board can be used as well and is available at local needlepoint suppliers.)

The blotting paper can be attached to the plywood by tape or flat headed tacks. But make sure there are no tacks under the tapestry.

• Start lightly tacking the tapestry down from the middle of each side and work to the outside corners. Don't secure the tacks too far into the plywood in case you need to remove or reposition them.

• Keep checking that your tapestry is square with a set square or ruler as you go, and gently push it square where needed. Continue to re-spray lightly to keep it damp as you’re blocking.

• If your piece has a geometric border, be doubly sure that all the right angles are exact.

• Make sure that it is perfectly straight before tacking it down with a small hammer.

• Let dry flat in an out-of-the-way place.

• Wait several days for it to dry naturally and completely.

• When you’re sure it’s dry, start at one corner and slowly remove the tacks.

VOILA! What an exciting moment when you turn it over and see your beautiful needlepoint tapestry!

TIP FOR BLOCKING
A CURVED TAPESTRY CANVAS

The best way I have found for blocking a curved canvas is to mark a grid on the canvas at 1” or 2” intervals around the finished stitching, as shown above on our new collar necklace design. Make sure that you use a waterproof pen or pencil. NOTE that I blocked the necklace right side up to prevent some of the decorative stitches from being flattened when blocking.

Then block your canvas as you would do normally as outlined for the carpet above. Keep checking that the tapestry is square with a set square as you are tacking it down as shown. Have a look at this finished collar necklace called 'Les Plumes en Rose'!

What's the Next Step After Blocking?

Now you have our tips on how to block it... what’s the next step?
Sewing it together! 



Pick up tips on FINISHING AND SEWING NEEDLEPOINT... from seat covers to handbags and cushions. 

From this how to block page, go to our Home Page to see the beautiful needlepoint tapestries in the ZIVA Collection. 

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