If you’ve been following my stories, you know I have a soft spot in my heart for other people’s unfinished projects. Because I love to create, I know the love and time that people have put into projects. I found this needlepoint piece at a garage sale. (There were more needlepoint pieces purchased at the same time — there will be more projects in the future!) I made this upcycled needlepoint pillow from this lovely work from another maker.
I loved the flowers and knew I wanted to make a throw pillow from this needlepoint piece. Here is the piece on my pillow form so I could try to figure out how to finish it.

I measured and cut pieces from my upholstery fabric to make it a solid piece for my pillow top.
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Then, I sewed two of the side fabrics to the needlepoint piece. I sewed with the needlepoint wrong side up so that I could sew just along the edge of the work. This is to make sure that there is none of the needlepoint fabric showing.

I pressed the seam allowances toward the fabric.

Then, sewed the other two sides, and pressed them to the fabric side.

I liked it, but it was kinda boring . . . missing something. I auditioned some threads and decided to add some embroidery. I love these threads with the needlepoint!

I started by adding the Chevron Embroidery Stitch around the edge of the fabric, close to the seam with the needlepoint piece.

Then, I added some French Knots at the top of each Chevron Stitch. Now, the needlepoint has a nice frame!

I love my new upcycled needlepoint pillow! If you want to learn more about how to finish the pillow, check out my story on how to make a decorator pillow.

Browse through all of our home dec projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.