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When you’re about to start a new cross stitch project, one of the most important things you need to do is make sure that your fabric is properly prepared. By taking the time to do this, you’ll ensure that you get the best results from your finished piece.
Whether you’re a complete cross stitch beginner or have a bit more experience and are simply looking to refine your skills and technique, this post will show you exactly how to prepare your fabric for cross stitching, as well as share some of our top tips and tricks to help you achieve the very best results possible.
As with many creative projects, preparation is always key to how the finished result appears, and cross stitching is no different.
Here are just a few of the benefits you’ll notice when you take the time to prepare your fabric before beginning your cross stitch project:
As you work through your cross stitch project, you may sometimes find that unfinished edges can become messy and frayed which can cause you to lose count or even lose fabric threads completely. Preparing your fabric before you begin your cross stitch project can help avoid this common issue.
To achieve uniform stitches and a more clean and tidy finish to your cross stitch projects, it’s important to make sure there’s consistent tension as you stitch. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is to prepare your fabric ahead of time.
If your fabric isn’t prepared properly before you begin your cross stitch project, it can start to distort or wrap as you stitch. This is especially true in larger projects.
When you’re working with fabric that is clean, pressed, and has visible holes, it’s much easier to accurately count so that you can place your stitches correctly.
Cross stitch fabric can quickly gather dirt, dust and oils if it’s not prepared well ahead of starting your cross stitch projects. Having clean fabric that’s been carefully prepared will make a big difference to the finished results.
When it comes to preparing your fabric for your next cross stitch project, you only need to follow a few simple steps, but it really will make such a difference to the end result of your project, so it’s really worth taking the extra time to do this.
We have a fantastic video over on our YouTube channel which shows in detail how to prepare your fabric and stop those annoying fraying edges. Check it out here:
Alternatively, here are the 5 steps to follow for your next project:
A top tip we have is to always cut your fabric larger than the design requires, as this gives you the extra space to allow for framing, finishing, and handling during the stitching process.
Many cross stitch beginners make the common mistake of cutting the fabric too small, which can limit finishing options and make working on the piece more difficult.
To calculate the size you'll need:
Unfinished fabric edges will fray as you handle them during the stitching process. Fraying can lead to loose threads getting caught in your work, fabric distortion, and in extreme cases, even losing part of your working area. Choose one of these methods to secure your edges:
The tape method is quick, easy, and requires minimal supplies. Here’s how to get started with this method:
This method is temporary but effective for the duration of most projects. The main downside is that tape may leave residue if left on for extended periods, particularly in hot or humid conditions. To minimise this risk, use acid-free tape specifically designed for fabric or paper projects.
Fray check creates a clear, flexible seal on fabric edges. Here’s how you can get started with it:
This method is durable and doesn't add bulk to your fabric edges. However, fray check can make the treated area stiff, so keep it as close to the edge as possible. Some cross stitchers find the smell unpleasant, so it’s always best to apply in a well-ventilated area.
If you have access to a sewing machine, a zig-zag stitch creates a very durable edge finish. Here’s how to use this method:
This method is very secure and won't leave any residue, making it ideal for projects that will take a bit longer to complete or for valuable fabric that you want to protect.
A serger (overlock machine) creates the most professional edge finish. Here’s how to use it on your next project:
If you have access to a serger, this method provides the most secure and professional-looking edge finish. The overlocked edge prevents any fraying while adding minimal bulk.
For particularly delicate or expensive fabrics, it’s often a good idea to use a combination of methods for extra security, such as serging the edges and then applying fray check to the corners.
Whether or not to pre-wash fabric is something that’s commonly debated among cross stitchers, so this is a step that’s entirely optional based on your personal preferences. Some people prefer to pre-wash to prevent the colours running, while others prefer to leave the fabric as it is before working with it.
Ironing creates a smooth surface for stitching and removes any creases or wrinkles that could affect stitch tension and appearance. Properly ironed fabric is also easier to mount evenly in your cross stitch hoop or frame.
Most cross stitch patterns provide the centre point of the design, and starting from the centre ensures your design will be properly positioned on your fabric. There are two main methods for finding the centre of your fabric:
The folding method is quick, simple, and requires no tools. Here’s how to use this method:
The measuring method is more precise and avoids creating creases in your fabric. Here’s how to get started with this method:
Taking time to properly prepare your fabric seems like such a small step, but it’s one that makes a big difference to the end result, and actually creates a more enjoyable stitching experience.
Now that you’ve learned how to prepare your fabric for cross stitching, put these techniques into practice and find everything you need from our full collection of cross stitch kits, patterns, and accessories.
Looking for more cross stitch tips and tricks? Check out our other helpful guides and in-depth video tutorials.
Back stitching can really make a big difference to the finished result of your cross stitch projects. In this post, we will cover what back stitching is in more detail and how to master the technique so that you can use it in your projects.
In this post, we look at the benefits of using small cross stitch designs for your next project, as well as sharing our top tips on how to make the most of them.
Get started on your cross stitch journey with our beginners guide on how to start cross stitching. From the equipment you need, to creating your first stitch and improving your skills, our guide will support you with all you need to know.
