How to Finish a Cross Stitch Project: A Step-by-Step Completion Guide

Embarking on a cross-stitch project offers a relaxing and rewarding endeavour. Throughout the stitching process, we focus on ensuring that each X-shaped stitch is perfectly placed, but as we near the end of our project, attention turns to the finishing touches that will showcase our hard work. Finalising a cross stitch piece is just as important as the stitching itself. It not only secures our work but also enhances its presentation, whether framed, mounted, or displayed in another creative way.

For many of us, the choice of how to display our finished work may vary depending on the project's size and intended use. Utilising a hoop frame is a timeless choice that can add a classic touch, while the more modern approach of a self-stick mounting board prevents fabric bunching and provides a flat, even appearance. For smaller designs, the creative use of unique frames or even showcasing the piece unframed can offer a distinct aesthetic. Each method has its own set of steps to follow to ensure the longevity and appeal of the finished cross stitch piece.

Key Takeaways

• A cross stitch project's completion includes securing and showcasing the work.
• The chosen display method for the cross stitch impacts its final appearance.
• Various finishing techniques cater to different project sizes and styles.

Use a Hoop Frame

When we embark on a cross stitch project, it's essential to ensure our fabric is taut and smooth. A hoop frame is an effective tool for maintaining this tension and providing a sturdy work surface. Here's how to effectively use one:

Setting Up the Hoop:

1. Separate the two rings of the hoop. You'll find an outer ring with a tightening screw and an inner ring.
2. Lay your fabric over the smaller inner ring.
3. Place the outer ring over the fabric and press down, sandwiching the fabric between the two rings.
4. Tighten the screw on the outer hoop until the fabric is taut.

Stitching Tips:

• Fabric Tension:
  
  
• Keep the fabric tight like a drum skin. This will help us achieve even stitches and prevent warping of the design.
• Movement:
  
  
• As we stitch around the hoop, it's necessary to adjust the fabric and move the hoop as needed.
• Protecting the Fabric:
  
  
• We should be aware that prolonged use may mark or crease the fabric. Consider covering the inner ring with soft fabric or felt to minimise this.

Remember, the size of the hoop should reflect the size of our project; a smaller hoop for intricate areas and a larger one for broader stitching spaces.

To ensure it's centred, we often start stitching in the middle of the design and work our way outwards. This helps to keep the design balanced within the hoop frame.

After completing our stitching session, it's prudent to remove the fabric from the hoop to avoid permanent creases, especially if we won't be stitching again soon.

Using a hoop frame correctly enhances the quality of our cross stitch project and makes the process more enjoyable.

Prevent Bunching With Self-Stick Mounting Board

When we finish a cross stitch project, it is essential to present our work without any creases or bunches. Utilising a self-stick mounting board ensures that our fabric remains smooth and taut. Let's walk through the straightforward process.

Step 1: Trim the Fabric
Firstly, we ensure our cross stitch fabric extends at least 5 cm beyond the finished design.

• Measure: With a ruler, we measure the final dimensions of our design.
• Mark: We lightly mark 5 cm from these points.
• Cut: Using fabric scissors, we cut along the markings.

Step 2: Secure the Fabric to the Mounting Board
The self-stick mounting board should be slightly larger than the finished design.

• Position: We centre our design on the sticky side of the board.
• Press: Gently, we press down from the centre outwards, affixing the fabric.

Step 3: Eliminate Creases
If we notice any creases, we carefully lift the fabric in that section and smooth it down again.

Step 4: Trim Excess Fabric
After ensuring our cross stitch is secure and smooth, any excess fabric can be trimmed or folded.

• Trim: We can cut the excess if the board is to fit in a frame.
• Fold: Alternatively, if the board is larger, we fold and tape the fabric at the back.

Step 5: Finishing Touches
For an impeccable look, we can cover the back with felt or another backing fabric, using double-sided tape or glue to keep everything in place.

By following these steps, we ensure our cross stitch project remains flat and presentable for displaying or gifting.

Creative Frames for Small Projects

We find that small cross stitch projects offer a unique opportunity to get creative with our framing choices. A personalised frame turns a simple piece into a bespoke artwork. Here are several fresh ideas that can elevate our completed small cross stitch projects:

Embroidery Hoop: Using an embroidery hoop is a classic and chic way to display our work. For added flair, we may consider painting the hoop or wrapping it with a complementing fabric or ribbon.

Floating Frame: A floating frame gives the illusion that our cross stitch is suspended in air. We choose two panes of glass that sandwich our stitched piece, securing it in place with a minimalistic frame border.

Shadow Box: For our three-dimensional effect, we opt for a shadow box frame. We can add depth by placing spacers between our cross stitch and the backing.

Recycled Frames: We can repurpose old picture frames or small trinket boxes. This sustainable option not only gives a new lease of life to forgotten items but also adds a story to our project.

Custom Cut Mounts: For projects that fit standard frame sizes, we may use mounts with custom shapes cut out to enhance our design's presentation.

Magnetic Frames: Small cross stitch pieces are perfectly suited for magnetic frames, ideal for adorning our fridge or other metal surfaces.

By carefully selecting the right frame, we ensure our cross stitch projects are not just crafts, but pieces of art that enhance the aesthetic of any space.

Unframed Cross Stitch Work

When we complete a cross stitch project, the final appearance is as crucial as the stitching process. If we choose not to frame our work, several steps ensure the piece remains neat and presentable.

1. Washing and Ironing:

1. Wash: Gently hand wash the finished piece in lukewarm water with mild soap. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue.
2. Dry: Lay flat on a clean towel, roll up to remove excess water, then unroll and leave to air dry.
3. Iron: Once dry, place face-down on a fluffy towel and iron on a low heat setting to avoid scorching.

1. Finishing Edges: It's crucial to prevent fraying. Here are methods we might use:

• Overcasting: Hand stitch along the edges.
• Fray Check: A liquid seam sealant applied to the edges.
• Fabric Glue: Another alternative to seal edges, if we prefer not to sew.

1. Displaying: For an unframed display, we can consider:

• Mounting on Canvas: Stretch and staple the fabric onto a blank canvas.
• Hanging Rods: Sew a pocket along the top edge for a rod to slide through.
• Pillow or Quilt Incorporation: Stitch the cross stitch piece directly onto fabric to create decorative home items.

We ensure to always handle our work with care during each step to maintain the integrity of the stitches and the overall look of the piece. By following these suggestions, our unframed cross stitch work remains well-preserved and ready for display.