How to Frame Cross Stitch

The short version: wash and press your cross stitch face down on a towel, so the stitches stay raised. Stretch it over a piece of acid-free board and secure it at the back, either by lacing the edges together with thread or with pins into foam board. Then frame it with a mount, which keeps the glazing off the stitches, in a frame big enough to leave the design some breathing space.

What you'll need

• Your finished cross stitch, with at least 5 cm of spare fabric round the design
• A clean towel and an iron
• Acid-free mount board or foam board, cut to the frame size
• Strong thread and a needle for lacing, or stainless steel pins if you're using foam board
• A frame and, ideally, a mount

Washing and pressing

1. If the fabric is marked or the hoop has left creases, hand wash it gently in lukewarm water with a little mild soap. Rinse well and don't wring it.
2. Roll it in a clean towel to take out most of the water.
3. Lay a dry, fluffy towel on the ironing board and place the cross stitch face down on it.
4. Press from the back on a medium heat while it's still slightly damp. The towel lets the stitches sink in rather than flattening them.
5. Let it dry completely before you go any further.

Lacing or pinning the fabric

The fabric needs to be stretched taut over a board so it stays smooth and square in the frame. There are two common ways:

Method	How it works	Good for
Lacing	Fold the fabric round the board and lace the opposite edges together across the back with strong thread, first top to bottom, then side to side.	Heirlooms and pieces you want to keep. Nothing is glued, and it can be undone later.
Pinning	Push stainless steel pins through the folded edges into the side of a foam board, working out from the centre of each side.	Quicker and easier. Use stainless pins so they don't rust and mark the fabric.

Whichever you use, keep checking the front, so the rows of stitches run straight and parallel to the edges of the board. Avoid glue or self-adhesive board on anything you want to keep: it can discolour the fabric over time and can't be undone.

What size frame?

Measure the stitched design, then decide how much border you want around it. The border can be plain fabric, a mount, or both.

• With a mount: choose a frame that's the design size plus about 5 to 8 cm on each side, and have the mount window cut slightly larger than the design so a little fabric shows round it.
• Without a mount: choose a frame that leaves 2 to 4 cm of plain fabric showing round the design, and use thin spacers to keep the glazing off the stitches.

Cross stitch is rarely a standard size, so a made to measure frame (UK delivery only) or a custom-cut mount in a standard frame usually gives the best result.

Putting it in the frame

1. Lay the frame face down on something soft and remove the backing.
2. Clean the glazing and make sure no dust or threads are on the inside.
3. Place the mount, then the mounted cross stitch, face down into the frame.
4. Replace the backing and press down the fixings.
5. Turn it over and check that the design sits straight in the mount window.

A mount is worth it here. Its thickness keeps the glazing off the stitches, so they aren't flattened, and helps stop moisture getting trapped against the fabric.

Common questions

Should cross stitch be framed with glass?

Yes, glazing keeps dust and moisture off. Use a mount or spacers so the glazing doesn't press on the stitches.

Do I need to wash cross stitch before framing?

Only if it's marked or creased. If you do, wash it gently by hand, then press it face down on a towel while slightly damp.

How do I stretch cross stitch for framing?

Fold the fabric over acid-free board and lace the opposite edges together at the back with strong thread, or pin the edges into the side of a foam board with stainless steel pins.

Can I glue cross stitch to board?

It's best avoided. Glue can discolour the fabric over time and can't be undone, which matters for heirloom pieces.

What size frame do I need for cross stitch?

The design size plus the border you want: about 5 to 8 cm each side with a mount, or 2 to 4 cm of plain fabric without one. Most pieces suit a made to measure frame.

More framing guides: what is a picture mount, how to frame a jigsaw puzzle and how to frame a picture.