The more cross stitch pieces we finish, the more ways for framing a cross stitch we will need. Most go straight to putting it in a frame, matted or filling the frame completely. Let’s get a bit creative with framing a cross stitch!! Let’s put an “art” type spin on framing! This is our Artsy Framing Idea. Not only will it display your finish beautifully, it will also put a spotlight ON the fact that it’s a cross stitch. In this training:
  •  How to prepare your piece for Artsy framing
  • Mounting your piece in the frame
  • What frame I used as well as some other suggestions
  • Some great Amazon recommendations
  • Where to get a cross stitch advent calendar pattern
This is a super fun way to showcase your stitching!

 Framing A Cross Stitch – Brought to You by the Stitchee Collective

This framing a cross stitch training has been brought to you by our Stitchee Collective. Stitchee’s receive new trainings each month on all sorts of cross stitch topics – making them the best stitcher they can be with this cache of trainings. Want to become a Stitchee?? Learn more about being a Stitchee

Artsy Framing Steps:

This process is SUPER easy! You only need your finished piece and some scissors to prepare for mounting. Once we are ready to mount, you may need some fabric tape (if you go with the frame choice I made) and your frame.
What You Need:
  • Finished cross stitch pattern
  • Scissors
  • Fabric tape
  • Frame
(see below for some Amazon recommendations) Step 1 We want to even out our lines, so the frays are all of even lengths. You will want to leave approximately 2 inches away from your stitch area (more if you want an even larger fray). Even weave fabric is so easy to make straight lines – just follow your boxes!
Step 2
Once we have nice even lines, we want to start pulling at the fabric. Anyone who has worked with even weave knows it frays and comes apart square by square if needed.
We are going to use that to our advantage in this artsy frame.
  • You will want to pull away one square at a time, all the way around your piece – this will ensure an even fray.
  • You can pull more than one on each side as well just keep track of how many you pull from each side – we want them even.
The number of squares you pull off for your fray depends on how large of a fray you want to display. I went 10 squares worth. If you are unsure, pull one square from all around your piece – stand back – and decide. Then keep going until you are happy. Step 3 Fray stop? Nope, not necessary. Because we are framing the piece in a frame, it will not be handled so your fray will not move from where you have it. Note: If you decide to use the fray styling but mount this on a rod or scroll, or something that may be handled, you will want to sew just inside your fray so it stays in place.  Step 4  Mount in your frame!

Framing Choices

When choosing a frame for this, we want to be sure that the frame size is LARGER than our finished piece. We want to display the edges. You can:
  • choose a clear frame, like I did, and no matting.
  • choose a clear frame, but add in a white back piece – covers the back as well as gives a solid white background.
  • choose a regular frame and use no matting.
  • choose a regular frame and use a matting – but making sure the fray is outside the matte area.
I purchased my frame at Michaels – it is an 18″ x 24″ Studio Decor Float Frame — I have also made a few Amazon suggestions below

A Few Key Points About Framing a Cross Stitch:

  • If you choose a frame that may be slightly loose when closed up (like mine is) the piece may be prone to sliding out of place. This may also happen because there is no matte. In this case, we need to be sure your piece is secured in place on your frame. To do this, simply add four squares of fabric tape on each corner (just inside the fray).
  • Add further to your artsy feel by showcasing the back too!! With the clear style of frame it is very simple to turn it around and have a peek “behind the scenes” of a cross stitch.
  • If using a clear frame, and you’re keen on matching your house décor, remember this when choosing your fabric color! If your walls are blue, and you are working on a piece you plan to Artsy Frame, maybe choose a grey fabric or some other coordinating color.

Amazon Recommendations

Here are a few recommendations I have found on Amazon that can help you with this project. Psst! These links are affiliate links, this means I will get a small reward for you click them (at no cost to you!).
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