How to Frame Cross Stitch with Lacing

I don’t make a lot of large cross stitch pieces so I don’t have much experience with framing. When I did it as a kid I think we mostly used cardboard and double-stick tape and put the pieces in picture frames. Which I’m sure isn’t the best way to go about it.

I came across this post from Thread Bare that shows how to use the lacing method to help when you are framing larger cross stitch pieces (I’m sure you can use it on small pieces, too.) This method both secures the edges and keeps an even tension on the cross stitch fabric, so that you can easily mount it in a picture frame.

This is a great option for your large pieces that you might consider taking to a custom frame shop, but of course doing it yourself is going to be less expensive. The post says all the materials including the frame cost about $27, and you may already have some of the supplies you need. One thing to note is that it uses what is described as cardboard backing, which in the photos almost looks like posterboard, but it’s important to use something acid free for this purpose if you can find it, since that’s the best option for long-term storage of textiles.

Another good thing about this method, other than being relatively inexpensive, is that because the lacing method just uses thread (albeit heavy-duty thread) if you don’t like the look of it initially you can always pull out the lacing and try again.

The post has a ton of pictures, which should make it possible for you to complete this project on your own. If you do something like this or have another method for securing your cross stitch projects for framing, I would love to hear about it!

[Photo: Thread Bare.]

Next Pattern:

An Easy Way to Keep Cross Stitch Fabric from Fraying

The post over at The Crafty Mummy has the click-baity title of “Is there a right or wrong way to cross stitch?” Of course the answer is no. As with any other craft, as long as you are happy with the results you’re doing it right and no one should try to convince you otherwise.

That said, there are things that you can do to make your cross stitch a little better if you aren’t totally happy with the way your projects are looking. They might not be considered the “right way,” but they are important things to think about and if you want to deviate from these “rules” at least you’ll know that you’re doing it.

You can head over there to read all the tips, but it’s things like making sure your stitches are all going in the same direction (meaning you stitch the bottom legs of a row all in the same direction, then work back and stitch all the top legs in the same direction). You wouldn’t think something like that would make a huge difference until you don’t do it and then you can’t unsee it.

Most of things things aren’t rules so much as they are reminders to be consistent in what you are doing as you work a project. So however you start doing things like stitch direction or the number of strands of floss (I might even add using a hoop versus not, since the hoop can stretch the fabric and change the tension of the stitches a bit) you should continue in that way throughout the project in order for it to look its best.

Head over to The Crafty Mummy to read the rest of her list, then come back here if you have something to add. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

[Photo: The Crafty Mummy]

Next Pattern:

Have you read?