How to Frame Your Cross Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Professional Finish

Framing Your Cross Stitch: A Complete Guide

You’ve poured hours into your cross stitch project. Now it’s time to display your beautiful work! Framing your cross stitch protects it and adds a professional touch. This guide will walk you through the process, step by step.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin, gather everything you’ll need. Having all the materials ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of essential supplies:

Finished cross stitch
Frame (thrift store finds work great!)
Thin cardboard (cereal box or foam board)
Iron and ironing board
Cross stitch thread (matching or complementary color)
Cross stitch needle
Scissors
Masking tape or acid-free framer’s tape
Ruler or measuring tape
Pencil

Preparing Your Cross Stitch and Frame

Preparation is key to a professional-looking result. Taking the time to properly prepare your materials will pay off in the end.

Ironing Your Cross Stitch

Ironing removes creases and wrinkles. This ensures your cross stitch looks its best in the frame. Use a low setting and avoid steam. Iron the back of the design. If the background is unstitched, iron around the design on the front, being careful not to flatten the stitches.

Preparing the Frame Backing

The frame backing provides a stable surface for mounting your cross stitch. You can use the existing backing or create a new one from cardboard or foam board. Remove the glass from the frame. Trace the glass onto the cardboard. Cut the cardboard inside the lines. This ensures it fits snugly in the frame.

Mounting Your Cross Stitch

Mounting involves centering your cross stitch and securing it to the backing board. There are several methods, including lacing and taping. Lacing provides a more archival and professional finish, while taping is quicker and easier.

Centering and Securing with Lacing

Lacing involves using thread to pull the fabric taut and secure it to the backing. This method is reversible and doesn’t use adhesives. It’s a good option for valuable or heirloom pieces.

Center the cardboard on the back of your cross stitch, leaving at least an inch of fabric on all sides.
Fold the fabric edges over the cardboard.
Thread your needle with a length of cross stitch thread. Tie a knot at the end.
Starting on one side, stitch across the back, pulling the fabric taut as you go. Use a simple running stitch.
Repeat on the opposite side, then the remaining two sides. Ensure the fabric is evenly tensioned.
Tie off the thread securely.

Centering and Securing with Taping

Taping is a faster method for securing your cross stitch. Use acid-free framer’s tape to prevent damage to your fabric over time. Standard masking tape can also be used, but it’s less archival.

Center the cardboard on the back of your cross stitch, leaving at least an inch of fabric on all sides.
Fold the fabric edges over the cardboard.
Secure the fabric to the cardboard with masking tape or framer’s tape, pulling the fabric taut as you go.
Start on one side, then repeat on the opposite side, then the remaining two sides.

Finishing Touches

The final steps involve placing your mounted cross stitch into the frame. Clean the glass before placing it back into the frame.

Clean the glass with glass cleaner and a soft cloth.
Carefully place the glass back into the frame.
Insert the mounted cross stitch into the frame.
Secure the backing with the frame’s fasteners.

Alternative Framing Ideas

While traditional framing is popular, there are other creative ways to display your cross stitch. Consider these options for a unique look:

Hoop Framing: Leave your cross stitch in the hoop for a rustic look. Trim the excess fabric and glue it to the back of the hoop.
Scroll Rods: Use scroll rods to display larger pieces. This method is often used for samplers.
Shadow Boxes: Create a shadow box to add depth and dimension to your framed cross stitch.

Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Fabric is too loose: Re-lace or re-tape, pulling the fabric tighter.
Frame is too small: Choose a larger frame or trim the excess fabric more closely.
Wrinkles are still visible: Re-iron the cross stitch with a slightly higher heat setting.

Framing your cross stitch is a rewarding way to showcase your hard work. With a little patience and these simple steps, you can create a beautiful and lasting display.