At Island House Needlepoint, finishing is more than just the final step—it’s our craft. We specialize in precise, high-quality finishes that celebrate your hard work and creativity. From sleek grommet tags to interchangeable acrylic trays, every technique has been thoughtfully developed to enhance durability, elevate design, and make your stitching something to enjoy daily—not just display occasionally.
FINISHING SLOT INFORMATION:
From grommeted pieces to needlepoint frames, we take great pride in offering a wide range of finishing options.
We are now releasing bi-monthly finishing slots to ensure a smoother finishing process. Slots must be reserved with a deposit paid for before submitting forms and shipping your projects to us.
Island House finishing slots are scheduled to open at 12:00pm EST on the 1st and 15th of each month. If no slots remain available in the current date range be sure to check back when the next slots open.
Located in the New York or New England region? Visit our light-filled studio in South Norwalk, CT. Bring your canvas, and let’s collaborate on a finish that’s just right for you. As an added bonus if you are dropping off your canvas at our studio you do not need to purchase a finishing slot!
Our finishing styles include:
Grommet Tags
Our signature patent-pending grommet tag finish combines acrylic inserts with brass grommets, ensuring your needlepoint remains crisp, clean, and functional for years. Hang them on your bag, tree, or bunting—their sleek construction stands up to moisture, crushing, and wear.
Each tag is finished over a laser-cut insert, designed to protect your stitches. Inspired by our founder JoAnn’s background in engineering—and a family legacy of sailing and sewing—this finish blends function with craftsmanship.
Durable, stylish, and made to move. With laser-cut acrylic and custom cording, these are perfect for ornaments, tags, and travel pieces.
Ornaments & Signs
Island House finishes your pieces with a flat back, gently puffy front, and continuous cording. Choose from loop hangers, sign-style hangers, magnets, lacing, or display stands—or opt for no hanger at all.
Everything is hand-sewn using laser-cut, rigid, non-absorbent inserts. Our materials resist warping and mold, ensuring a clean, long-lasting display.
Hand-sewn with precision using rigid, non-absorbent materials—perfect for long-lasting keepsakes.
Minis
What started as a VOTE campaign with Thorn Alexander has turned into a new way to approach finishing. Our 2x2” magnet-backed minis are perfect for stitchers on the go. Use them as pins, bag charms, fridge magnets, or needle minders.
Each kitted mini includes canvas, threads, and finishing. Once stitched, just send it back—finishing is included and completed within 2 weeks. New designs are added regularly!
Wear them, pin them, gift them.
These quick-turn, 2x2 pieces are finished with magnets and ready to go. Not only are minis a quick stitch, they are versatile in wearability and display without harming your favorite fabrics and surfaces.
Frames & Mirrors
Give your stitching a timeless stage with our custom frame and mirror finishes. Each piece is flat-finished over a rigid, non-absorbent acrylic insert, then mounted seamlessly with a magnetic backing—perfect for gifting, displaying on your bookshelf, or adding a personal touch to your entryway. Celebrate a special moment, or swap out the facades seasonally with our innovative finishing style.
Bows & Unique Shapes
Add a flourish to your finish! Our signature bows and accents bring playful dimension and year-round charm to your needlepoint. We handcraft each bow with in-house lacing and grommets so they can hang anywhere—on wreaths, trees, bannisters, chairs, or even bedposts. We love developing unique finishes to let your needlepoint shine.
Stockings & Hats
Mini Stockings & Hats
Our mini stockings are finished with a top opening, fully lined inside, and edged with our signature hand-twisted cording—including around the top. Each stocking is typically hung by a coordinating loop positioned on the heel side for a classic look.
Needlepoint hats are finished much like a real hat: open at the bottom, lined inside, and trimmed with cording around the base. A loop for hanging is added at the crown, making them perfect for ornaments or decorative displays.
Add a Little Fluff
Want to top it off? We can fabricate and attach a pom-pom to your hat or stocking, as long as you supply a coordinating thread. For hats with needlepointed pom-poms (like turkey work), we recommend finishing them as shaped ornaments—they look especially charming that way.
Acrylic trays
Bring your stitching into everyday life. We flat-finish your needlepoint over rigid laser-cut acrylic, designed to glide perfectly into our in-stock trays, coasters, or ring trays.
Our structural method prevents warping, mold, or damage—even in humid conditions. Stitch to our standard dimensions, and your finished piece will slide in and out of trays for seasonal refreshes.
Our signature flat-finished inserts slide into high-quality acrylic trays—easy to swap for any season, mood, or occasion.
Please note: We are not offering custom sizes at this time. To learn more about our standardized sizes, please click on the link below.
PILLOWS~ Coming Soon
We are developing a seamless process in which you can choose from our in-house fabrics and styles. Stay tuned!
Other Special Finishes
At Island House, we are ever evolving and transforming our techniques and styles. Either check back for new styles, visit our Finishing Studio in South Norwalk, CT, or reach out to our team to bring your vision to life.
à la carte Add Ons
Want to add an extra personalized touch or need a little extra support?
At Island House, we offer:
- Monogramming
Want to add a special date, the recipients initials, or a special message? We offer machine-embroidered initials or dates in your choice of font and thread color, stitched into backing fabrics.We’ll match thread colors and place your monogram on the fabric backing or lining. (Note: We don’t offer digitizing or bulk embroidery services.) - Blocking
essential for a polished, long-lasting result. - Custom Cording
All cording is created in-house from our collection of cotton and metallic threads. Whether you want a subtle tone-on-tone or festive multi-color twist, we’ve got you covered. Skeins from your stash? Send them in—we’re happy to use them. - Magnet Insertion
Make your projects more versatile by having magnets finished inside them. This is an excellent option for ornaments, signs, or minis. - Props & Stands
Integrated feet or acrylic stands for upright display.
Some lovely feedback from our customers