Needlepoint Self-Finishing: Who to Learn From (Substack, YouTube, Shops & Classes)

Needlepoint finishing is the part that turns “I stitched a canvas” into “I have an ornament/pillow/clutch I can actually use.” For some stitchers, it’s a service you happily outsource. For others, self-finishing becomes a whole extra layer of the hobby — a bonus craft project that’s surprisingly satisfying once you get the hang of it. It’s a way to learn construction skills, try new materials, and get that “I made this from start to finish” feeling (even if you still send out certain pieces). And because so many talented finishers and teachers share their methods online, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Below is my curated list of the best places to learn needlepoint self-finishing — from Substack creators and YouTube teachers to shop tutorials and full classes.

The good news? There are so many generous teachers sharing step-by-step tutorials, videos, material lists, and “finish with me” workshops. And yes—Substack has become a surprisingly great home base for finishing education because creators can post long tutorials, host community Q&As, and keep everything organized in one archive.

Below is my curated list of needlepoint self-finishing teachers + tutorial hubs, with quick notes on what each one is best for. I also added a bonus source at the end.

Before you start: what “self-finishing” usually means

Self-finishing can be anything from:

👉 Beginner-friendly: inserting stitched pieces into self-finishing products (luggage tags, clutches, bag charms)
👉 Intermediate: ornaments with cording, standups, acrylic shapes
👉 Advanced: pillows, stockings, shaped pieces, complex construction, precision finishing

You don’t have to go from 0 to heirloom pillow overnight. A lot of stitchers start with one easy finish (like a luggage tag) and build confidence from there.

Project inspiration from Morgan Julia Designs who wrote an in-depth blog post with a huge list of self-finishing projects.

Guide to Needlepoint Finishing

Substack creators to follow for finishing tutorials

Best for: true step-by-step finishing education (plus beginner-to-intermediate skill building)
Why follow: This is one of the most finishing-focused resources online—tutorials, guides, videos, and a Substack-based community/support ecosystem. The website also offers a free ornament guide to get you started.

Start here:

• “Falling in love with finishing” (great mindset post + beginner encouragement) Substack
• Tutorial example: star ornament finishing (shows the depth + materials lists you’ll see) finishingfairy.substack.com

Best for: finishing + stitching instruction from a needlepoint painter/finisher
Why follow: Nashville Needlepointer publishes finishing tutorials on Substack (including ornament finishing walkthroughs) and is frequently recommended by stitchers comparing online finishing classes.

Look for: the “finishing tutorials” tag/archive on Substack. Nashville Needlepointer

Best for: self-finishing leather items and the “I’m nervous but I can do this” perspective
Also known for: stitch guides
Why follow: There’s a helpful self-finishing leather how-to post (paid), and it’s a good example of how Substack creators are documenting specific finishing processes in detail. HiFi Makes

Best for: needlepoint “finishing touches” inspiration + thoughtful needlepoint content
Why follow: More memoir/musings + curated needlepoint life, but it’s another needlepoint Substack worth knowing about if you like the “slow craft” vibe around finished work. Emily Corpora

YouTube finishing teachers + playlists

Best for: a huge range of finishing videos + practical troubleshooting
Why follow: Starke Art has a dedicated “how to videos” hub pointing to their needlepoint finishing playlist, plus a self-finishing materials list—super helpful when you’re building your finishing toolkit. Stark Art Designs YouTube Tutorials

Update: It looks like Vonna has retired her videos. I will leave this snippet here for awhile to let stitchers know. She has helped us for years. I wish her health and happiness.

Best for: finishing concepts you can adapt across needlework (especially ornaments and construction-y finishes)
Why follow: Vonna has long-form, demonstration-style finishing content (often in “live” formats) that’s easy to learn from if you like watching the whole process unfold.

Unwind Studio (Cristina Cerqueira and Team)

Best for: 22 self-finishing tutorials on YouTube
Why follow: Clear “how to finish your insert” style instructions with Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced projects. Unwind Studio website, YouTube Channel

Needlepoint Finishing Fairy on YouTube

See: Amanda’s Substack profile at the top of this post
Best for: finishing technique videos that pair well with the Substack tutorials
Why follow: If you like learning visually, the YouTube channel is a nice complement to written guides and paid tutorial posts. YouTube

Shop blogs + tutorial hubs (great for “quick wins”)

Needlepoint.Com — Self-finishing tutorials + “gift ideas you can finish yourself”

Best for: approachable self-finishing projects (luggage tags, clutches, leather goods)
Why follow: They have step-by-step posts like the luggage tag tutorial, plus a roundup of self-finishing gift ideas and projects that are designed to be beginner-friendly. Needlepoint.com

KC Needlepoint — acrylic clutch/purse self-finishing tutorials

Best for: acrylic clutch finishing + shop-style video tutorials
Why follow: KC Needlepoint has multiple posts and videos walking through acrylic purse/clutch finishing (including a colorful acrylic clutch tutorial). KCNeedlepoint.com

Paid online classes (when you want the full system)

If you’re the kind of learner who wants a start-to-finish curriculum (materials list, lessons in order, and fewer “what do I do next?” moments), a paid class can be worth it.

Abigail Cecile — needlepoint finishing classes

Best for: structured, self-paced finishing classes (especially ornaments)
Why consider: Their finishing classes are designed as full guided experiences with materials + support/community. Abigail Cecile

See also: they have several free self-finishing guides

Cowtown Needlepoint — online finishing courses

Best for: online finishing course options from a shop setting
Why consider: Cowtown offers online finishing courses (good to compare with other class-based formats). Cowtown Needlepoint

My suggested easy peasy finishing path

If you’re new and you want the most confidence per hour spent:

1. Start with a self-finishing product insert (luggage tag, clutch insert)
2. Then try a simple ornament finish (round or square)
3. Then try shapes (stars, angles, interior cuts)
4. Save pillows/stockings for later (or forever—both are valid)

A great bonus source is TikTok!

I’ve noticed the needlepoint community on TikTok is growing by leaps and bounds. A lot of new stitchers are there for help on how to get started, so a lot of experienced stitchers have been sharing their own tutorials.

Below is a screenshot, and here is a link if you want to check it out: TikTok Needlepoint Finishing.

Final Thoughts: Why Self-Finishing Is Worth Trying

Self-finishing won’t be everyone’s favorite part of needlepoint — and that’s totally okay. But if you’ve ever been curious, consider this your gentle nudge to try one small finish just for fun. Start with something friendly (like a luggage tag, a clutch insert, or a simple ornament), and treat it like a mini maker “side quest”: a chance to learn a new skill and give your stitching a finished life outside the project bag. Yes, self-finishing can save money over time, but the bigger win for many stitchers is confidence — the thrill of turning a stitched canvas into a real object with your own hands. And if you decide you still prefer to outsource? You’ll understand the process (and the artistry) even more.

If you want more ways to needlepoint on a budget (threads, canvases, kits, and smart substitutions), hop over to my full guide on why needlepoint is so expensive—and how to save money without losing the fun.