Quick answer
Most paperweight kit problems come from skipping thread planning, stitching too tightly, or ignoring the kit's finishing steps. Buy a kit that includes threads or add the recommended DMC Pearl Cotton Size 5, keep your tension relaxed, and follow the included instructions for a clean finish.
Thread troubles: missing, mismatched, or too thick
If your kit arrived without threads, you're not stuck—but you do need to choose the right ones. For the Horrors Persist But So Do I kit, the recommended threads are DMC Pearl Cotton Size 5 in 989 (Forest Green) and 986 (Very Dark Forest Green). Using a different weight or fiber can make the canvas look bulky or leave gaps. If you substitute, test a few stitches first to check coverage.
Tension that ruins the finish
Pulling stitches too tight distorts the canvas and makes it hard to set the paperweight evenly. Work with a relaxed hand and let the thread lie flat. If the canvas starts to warp, unpick the tight stitches and re-stitch with less tension. A small canvas like the Better Late Than Ugly (6 x 4.5 design on 18 mesh) shows tension problems quickly, so check as you go.
Finishing fumbles: alignment and adhesive
When inserting the stitched canvas into the paperweight, align the design before pressing down. Once the adhesive sets, repositioning is difficult. Follow the kit's instructions for the order of assembly. If your kit includes a glass dome, make sure the canvas is free of lint and stray threads before sealing.
Diagnosis: common paperweight kit problems
- Symptom: Canvas won't fit into the paperweight base: Likely cause: Canvas cut too large or design extends beyond the recommended area. Corrective action: Trim canvas to the kit's specified dimensions, leaving a small margin. If the design is larger than the opening, choose a different finishing method. Check the kit's size requirements before stitching.
- Symptom: Stitches look uneven or lumpy after finishing: Likely cause: Inconsistent tension or using thread that's too thick. Corrective action: Unpick and re-stitch with relaxed tension; switch to the recommended thread weight. If the canvas is already sealed, consider it a learning piece. Test thread and tension on a scrap canvas first.
- Symptom: Threads are missing from the kit: Likely cause: Wholesale kits often exclude threads. Corrective action: Purchase DMC Pearl Cotton Size 5 in the recommended colors (e.g., 989 and 986 for the Horrors Persist kit). If you can't find those exact colors, choose similar shades and test coverage. Always read the kit description for thread inclusion.
Product facts
- The Horrors Persist But So Do I - Needlepoint Paperweight Kit (Wholesale - EXCLUDES THREADS): Wholesale orders exclude threads; recommended DMC Pearl Cotton Size 5 in 989 and 986. If you buy wholesale, budget for threads separately or your customers can't stitch the kit.
- Better Late Than Ugly - Needlepoint Canvas (Wholesale): 10 x 8.5 canvas size, 6 x 4.5 design size, 18 mesh, hand-painted, no thread included. This canvas fits standard paperweight kits; you'll need to supply your own threads.
- Terracotta Army Bobble - Needlepoint Canvas: Hand-painted 18 mesh canvas, part of the Bobbles Series, no thread included. A collectible design that works well for a paperweight; remember to add threads.
