One of the final touches that transforms a stitched canvas into a beautifully finished heirloom is needlepoint cording. Whether you're finishing an ornament, stand-up, pillow, or decorative piece, the right cording adds a polished, professional look while protecting the finished edges.

You can create your own custom cording using a manual cord maker, purchase ready-made cording with a lip for machine finishing, or choose decorative cording without a lip that is attached by hand. Each method offers its own advantages, depending on your project and finishing style.

At PointCraft Studio, we're passionate about helping stitchers across Canada and the USA understand every step of the needlepoint journey, from selecting a hand-painted canvas to choosing the perfect finishing details.

What Is Needlepoint Cording?

Needlepoint cording is the decorative trim applied around the outside edge of a finished project. It conceals the seam where the stitched canvas meets the backing fabric while adding colour, texture, and a refined finishing touch.

Choosing the right cording can dramatically change the appearance of your finished needlepoint, making it one of the most important finishing decisions you'll make.

1. Handmade Cording

For many stitchers and professional finishers, handmade cording is the gold standard.

Custom cording is created using DMC Perle Cotton or DMC Embroidery Floss along with a manual cord maker (also called a cord-making tool or cord twister). The threads are twisted evenly using the tool and then allowed to ply together naturally, creating a beautiful decorative cord that perfectly matches your stitched canvas.

Because you choose the thread colours yourself, the possibilities are virtually endless.

Advantages

• Perfect colour matching
• Unlimited custom colour combinations
• Traditional handcrafted appearance
• Coordinates beautifully with your stitching
• Ideal for heirloom-quality finishing
  

Best For

• Christmas ornaments
• Halloween ornaments
• Small stand-ups
• Personalized gifts
• Heirloom projects
  

2. Ready-Made Cording with a Lip

Ready-made cording with a lip includes a narrow fabric edge sewn onto the decorative trim. This fabric lip allows the cording to be stitched directly into the seam during machine finishing, making it a popular choice for larger projects and professional finishers.

Advantages

• Strong, secure attachment
• Faster finishing process
• Available in many colours and textures
• Excellent durability

Best For

• Pillows
• Stockings
• Door hangers
• Larger stand-ups
• Bell pulls

3. Ready-Made Cording Without a Lip

Decorative cording without a lip does not include the attached fabric edge.

Instead, the finished project is completed first, and the cording is carefully applied by hand using fine invisible thread. Because the stitches are virtually hidden, the decorative trim appears to float seamlessly around the edge of the piece.

Although this method requires more time, many stitchers love its elegant appearance.

Advantages

• Beautiful luxury finish
• Invisible hand stitching
• Wide variety of decorative styles
• Perfect for specialty trims

Best For

• Luxury ornaments
• Decorative stand-ups
• Special keepsakes
• Display pieces

Which Needlepoint Cording Is Right for Your Project?

 

Type	Best For	Attachment Method
Handmade DMC Cording	Ornaments, stand-ups, heirloom pieces	Created with a manual cord maker
Ready-Made with Lip	Pillows, stockings, larger projects	Machine sewn into the seam
Ready-Made without Lip	Decorative ornaments, luxury finishes	Hand sewn with invisible thread

          
Choosing the Perfect Colour

The colour of your cording can subtly frame your needlepoint or become a design feature all on its own.

Many stitchers select a colour that matches the background of their canvas, while others choose one that highlights a favourite detail in the design. Metallic threads, rich jewel tones, and contrasting colours can all create stunning results depending on the project.

Beautiful Finishing Starts with Beautiful Details

Every stitch represents hours of creativity and care, and thoughtful finishing helps preserve that work for years to come.

Whether you create your own custom cording with a manual cord maker, choose ready-made cording with a lip, or select decorative trim that is hand sewn with invisible thread, each method offers a beautiful way to complete your needlepoint project.

At PointCraft Studio, we're proud to serve stitchers across Canada and the USA with premium hand-painted canvases, fibres, finishing supplies, and expert inspiration for every stitch.

FAQ

What is a manual cord maker?

A manual cord maker (sometimes called a cord-making tool or cord twister) is a hand-operated tool used to twist DMC Perle Cotton or embroidery floss into decorative cording for finishing needlepoint projects.

Can I make my own needlepoint cording?

Absolutely. Many stitchers enjoy making custom cording because it allows them to perfectly match the colours in their stitched canvas.

Is handmade cording better than purchased cording?

Both are excellent choices. Handmade cording offers unlimited colour customization, while ready-made cording provides convenience and consistency.

What is cording with a lip?

Cording with a lip includes a narrow fabric edge that is sewn into the seam during machine finishing, creating a strong and durable attachment.

How is cording without a lip attached?

It is carefully hand sewn around the finished project using fine invisible thread, creating a clean, elegant appearance.