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After spending hours creating a beautiful cross stitch piece, you're now ready to display it with pride. But the thought of framing your finished cross stitch project might feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you've never done it before. Framing cross stitch projects is easier than you might think, and with the right techniques, you can create a professional-looking display that shows off your hard work beautifully.
Whether you've just completed your first cross stitch kit or you're an advanced stitcher looking to perfect your framing skills, this guide will walk you through two tried-and-tested methods that work for cross stitchers of all levels.
Before we dive into the how-to of cross stitch framing, let's talk about why framing your cross stitch properly is so important. A well-framed piece not only protects your work from dust, moisture, and fading but also enhances its overall look. Good framing can transform even a simple design into a stunning piece of art that becomes a focal point in any room.
Many cross stitchers who regularly work on different types of projects find that having a reliable framing method makes it much easier to display their growing collection of finished pieces.
For the Pinning Method: Small pins or T-pins
For the Lacing Method: Heavy thread, needle, and clips
This is probably the most popular technique for mounting finished cross stitch work, and it's perfect for beginners. It creates a lovely, professional finish that some stitchers choose to display even without a frame.
1. Find Your Centre Points: Start by marking the centre of both your foam core board and your finished cross stitch piece. The easiest way to do this is to draw two diagonal lines from corner to corner; where they intersect is your centre point. Remember to use an erasable fabric pen on your stitching, never a regular pen.
2. Align Your Piece: Put a pin through the marked centre of your cross stitch piece and then through the centre of your board. Take a moment to check that everything looks centred and straight; you can use a ruler to double-check that everything’s aligned.
3. Secure the Longest Edges: Flip the pinned fabric and board over so you're working on the back. Fold the two longest edges of excess fabric over onto the back of the board. Starting from the centre points along each edge, begin pushing pins into the sides of the board through your fabric. Work your way out towards the corners, leaving equal gaps between each pin and stopping just short of the corners.
4. Maintain Proper Tension: Keep gentle tension on the fabric as you pin; you want it taut but not stretched. Check the front occasionally to make sure you're not pulling too hard, which could distort your stitches.
5. Secure the Shorter Edges: Once you've pinned the longest edges, fold the fabric over the two shorter edges and repeat the process, again starting from the centre and working outwards.
6. Handle the Corners: For the corners, you have two options: fold them over like you would wrap a parcel, or fold them in at an angle before securing with tape. Both methods work well, so just choose whichever feels more comfortable.
7. Final Assembly: Place your mounted piece into the frame so that it fits snugly. Attach the craft paper to the back using double-sided tape or hot glue, then add your picture hanger to the back of the frame.
This method is great when you're working with a finished project that doesn't have much excess fabric around the edges. It's also ideal for larger pieces where pinning might not provide enough security.
1. Centre and Secure: Just as with the pinning method, find and mark the centre points of both your board and fabric, then secure with a single pin.
2. Clip the Edges: Turn your work over and use clips to hold the excess fabric around each edge. This will keep everything in place while you work.
3. Begin Lacing: Thread your needle with a strong thread (doubled up for extra strength). Start lacing from one edge of the back to the opposite edge, creating a zigzag pattern. Work vertically first, then horizontally, ensuring your stitches are secure but not so tight that they distort the fabric.
4. Avoid the Edges: Be careful not to push your needle through the fabric too close to the edge, as this could cause tearing.
5. Complete the Frame: Once your lacing is complete and secure, follow the same final steps as the pinning method to complete your framed piece.
The frame you choose can dramatically impact how your finished piece looks. For most cross stitch projects, you'll want a frame that complements rather than competes with your design. Classic wooden frames work well for traditional samplers, while modern metal frames might suit contemporary designs better.
Consider the colours in your stitching when selecting a frame. Neutral tones like white, cream, or natural wood often work well, but don't be afraid to choose something that picks up an accent colour from your work.
If you're more of a visual learner, we've created a helpful YouTube video that demonstrates both of these framing techniques step by step. You can watch it below to see exactly how each method works before trying it yourself.
Problem: Fabric appears wrinkled or puckered
Solution: This usually means the tension is uneven. Remove your pins or lacing and start again, paying careful attention to maintaining consistent, gentle tension.
Problem: Design appears off-centre
Solution: Double-check your centre markings and realign your piece. It's worth taking the time to get this right at the beginning.
Problem: Corners look bulky
Solution: Try folding the corners at an angle rather than straight over, or trim away some of the excess fabric before folding.
Once your cross stitch project is framed, keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. If you're displaying it in a room with high humidity (like a bathroom or kitchen), consider using a frame with proper sealing to protect your work.
Regular dusting of the frame and glass will keep your display looking fresh, and if you notice any changes in the fabric over time, it might be worth reframing using acid-free materials for better preservation.
Now that you know how to frame your finished pieces properly, it’s a great time to dive into some more challenging cross stitch projects.
At Caterpillar Cross Stitch, we have everything you need to create beautiful designs, including patterns, accessories, and a wide variety of cross stitch kits in designs and themes to suit every mood and occasion, from floral, to inspirational quotes and seasonal kits like Christmas, Halloween, and Easter.
For those who love the excitement of discovering new projects regularly, our cross stitch subscription boxes deliver carefully curated kits right to your door, giving you fresh inspiration and new challenges to frame and display.
In this post, we're going to look at the benefits of a cross stitch subscription to help you decide if it’s right for you. Whether you're just starting as a cross stitch beginner or you've been at it for years, a subscription box can add that extra spark of excitement.
