How To Prepare Cross-Stitch For Framing

Preparing the artwork and framing has become a new pastime for many people and it also protects your artwork. By framing the cross-stitch, you can safeguard it from dust and dirt, which can spoil the thing over time. However, the entire procedure might seem like a puzzle, though, you may not know what to do and how to start the procedure. 

Preparing cross-stitching for framing is easy and fun, and we are discussing the entire process here. It is an inexpensive, favorite, and go-to gift you can present to your friends. 

Considering that, we have included the step-by-step procedure here, which will guide you. After that, a few benefits and FAQs for your needs are in place to give you a complete idea.

After preparing the cross-stitch, you will find that it looks exquisite when you go ahead and get it framed. The thought of doing it independently can be intimidating. 

But once you start, you will love it and also get to learn something. Check out the process here!

How To Prepare Cross Stitch For Framing?

Preparing cross stitch can be done most simply by collecting the necessary supplies and following the steps. First, you have to prepare your material and get the frame and sturdy cardboard. 

After that, you can start stitching the material with the cardboard on all the sides. If you face any difficulty, check out some online videos, but the step-by-step process here is sufficient. 

Step 1: Get The Materials And Tools  

First, you have to buy the materials and tools to start the project. They are a frame, finished cross stitch, cross stitch needle, thin cardboard, scissors, thread, pins, or clips. 

Step 2: Preparing The Material 

Select a cardboard backing that is not soft as you have to pull the fabric taut. While stitching, it should not bend, and the cardboard should be of a perfect size that fits the frame. 

In short, the frame and the cardboard should have the same size, or else it will look inappropriate. The frame must accommodate the entire cross stitch so that it looks nice. 

Before assembling, you must check the frame is following the fabric. 

Step 3: Folding The Fabric 

Now take the cardboard and the fabric to start the folding process. To do so, you have to fold the fabric around the fabric clip to be in a perfect position. While doing, try to keep an inch of overlap on every side. 

If you need, you can also leave two inches of fabric allowance when the material is a bit stingy. 

Step 4: Fold Corners And Secure With Clips 

Now you must fold all corners flat and secure using clips. After that, check if the design is in the center. If not, you must continue doing this step while it is in the center. 

After that, you must pin it on all sides to secure it completely, so the fabric does not move as you lace. 

Step 5: Lacing 

Lacing should be done using a strong thread, and tatting one would be a perfect choice. You require a good length of thread, so check if you have enough, and you might end up 2/3 of the ball while doing so, 

Bring a long piece of thread for around four to five feet in length, and you should knot at the end. Start from the back below the fabric edge, underneath, and stitch back and forth. 

While lacing in alternative directions, you must keep the tension tight as you proceed. Start 1 cm from the fabric edge, and you must not be close to the edge. 

It’s because there is a danger of fraying the fabric. While doing, take care that the piece must not bend. After completing, continue with a few overlapping backstitches to keep it taut and secure. 

Knot the thread after you complete stitching all the sides and maintain tension throughout in all directions. 

Step 6: Corners 

After stitching, you will leave with a little fabric allowance on two sides. It would be best to turn the corners to get a smooth finish, and the frame will look proper. Stitch the corners using a long stitch, and while doing, you must pick all fabric layers. 

Step 6: Miter Sewing 

If you want to have miter corners, you can overlap the amount of extra fabric here. To do so, fold the corner by placing the backing boards against the cardboard. 

Clip after folding the fabric while holding the corner down. Now you must fold and clip the second edge to create a 45 degree. Now you can start stitching, and when you finish, you can cut the extra thread ends and eliminate the clips.  

It is an extra step, and if you do not want to do this, you can avoid it and proceed to the next one. 

Step 7: Placing The Complete Piece 

Now you can place the frame over the cross stitch piece, and the task is over. It is easy, and you can complete the process within some time. 

Step 8: Framing the Cross Stitch 

After preparing, if you want to frame it at home, check if the glass of the frame is dry. Use a paper towel to clean it and insert the glass in the frame carefully. 

Put the finished cross about it and start to reassemble the frame. If you do not want to do this on your own, you can visit a shop while framing is done. 

Reasons To Frame Your Cross Stitch 

Most people love to cross-stitch, and they keep on preparing one after another product. But after some years, they find that the artwork does not look as good as before. 

In this instance, you can consider framing your cross stitch to retain the quality. This also helps you keep the product as it is for years. 

• Protecting The Cross Stitch 

The cross stitch is vulnerable to moisture damage which is why it starts getting destroyed over time. You will find that the color of the thread has also lightened, and due to dirt and dust, the quality has also got affected. 

To protect it from all these activities, you must consider framing it. If you do not, the damaging effects can ruin the entire thing. As a result, you can no longer keep it in your house. 

• Preserving For Life Time 

If you want to preserve the framework, you must consider framing it. By doing so, it can last for a lifetime. Framing gives a stable environment where there is no fluctuating temperature, harmful ultraviolet rays, and damaging humidity levels. 

In that way, there won’t be any change in the piece that you have prepared over the years. You can keep it in place, so you should frame the cross stitch before hanging. 

• Enhancing The Product 

If you want the product to look like professionals, have done it, start the framing process without delay. It is possible when you frame the piece and enhance the beauty. 

Also, different pieces of frames are available that can make it look aesthetically pleasing. It adds dimension to the structure and makes the frame look like an extension of the art. 

• Easy To Do

Framing is an easy task, and you can do it at home by getting the materials. Also, it does not consume much time and is a cost-effective approach. You can get sturdy cardboard and frame and start the process. 

With that, you can upgrade the cross-stitch without investing any amount. So, you can start the process by buying the products and start preparing for the frames. 

When you hang a framed cross-stitch in front of an unframed one, you will see a huge difference. It changes the entire beauty of the place, so go for framing. 

Hopefully, now you can start preparing for framing and complete the process at the earliest. Once you start, you will find that it does not consume much time and is fun. 

Slowly, you can frame all your old products and make them look different. You can also prepare for cross stitch and frame it to present to your near and dear ones. It will look like the gift is purchased from the market. 

What Are The Products One Need To Start Preparing For Framing?

One will need to prepare for framing sturdy cardboard, thread, finished cross stitch, frame, and clips. 

After getting all the products, you can start the preparation work for framing. The steps are easy, and you do not need any expert help. Follow the above steps and see how you will complete the task in no time. 

Is It Necessary To Frame Cross Stitch Before Hanging?

Framing cross stitch is unnecessary, but you must do it if you want to protect the artwork from being spoiled. Also, anyone can do the process to prepare for a framework at home, and you do not have to invest a huge amount. 

Thus, you can go for preparing the framing and at least frame the cross-stitch.