How to Frame and Finish Cross Stitch: 5 Ways to Display It

This guide shows 5 ways to finish and display a cross stitch: in a hoop, in a frame, on a card, as an ornament, or as a patch. The best choice depends on the size of your design. First wash and press it, then pick the method from the table below.

Which method for which size

First: wash and press

Do this before any finish.

1. Wash only if needed. If the fabric has marks, wash it gently in lukewarm water with a little mild soap. Rinse well.
2. Don’t wring it. Roll it in a clean towel to take out the water.
3. Press face down on a thick towel. Use a medium iron. The towel stops the stitches from getting flattened, and the hoop creases come out.
4. Let it dry completely before you mount it.

1. In a hoop (quickest)

A wooden embroidery hoop works as a frame and a hanger.

1. Choose a hoop about 2 inches wider than the design.
2. Center the design and tighten the screw until the fabric is tight.
3. Trim the fabric at the back to about 1 inch.
4. Run a loose stitch around that inch and pull it tight, or glue it to the inside of the hoop.
5. Optional: glue a circle of felt over the back to cover it.

Hoops work for designs up to about 8 inches. Bigger than that, the fabric sags.

2. In a picture frame

Best for designs over 8 inches and for gifts.

1. Choose the frame: the design size plus at least 1.5 inches on each side for a mat or bare fabric.
2. Mount the fabric: stretch it over acid-free foam board cut to the frame size. Hold it at the back with pins along the edges, or lace it from side to side with strong thread.
3. Glass is optional. It keeps dust off, but it flattens stitches if it touches them. If you use glass, ask for a mat or spacer to keep it off the fabric.

3. On a card

1. Buy a card with a cut-out window (an “aperture card”), a little larger than your design.
2. Place the stitching behind the window.
3. Fold the inside flap over the back and stick it with double-sided tape.

Works for designs up to about 3 inches, like the Kawaii Smiling Burger (1.9“ x 1.6“).

4. As an ornament or magnet

For designs under about 3 inches, like the burger or the Flower Crown Ghost (2.9“ x 3.3“).

1. Trim the fabric, leaving a few squares around the design.
2. Cut a piece of felt a little bigger.
3. Sew the two together around the edge with a simple running stitch or blanket stitch.
4. Ornament: add a little stuffing before you close it, and a ribbon loop at the top.
5. Magnet: skip the stuffing and glue a flat magnet to the felt.

5. As a patch, pillow or pouch

1. Trim the fabric, leaving about half an inch around the design.
2. Fold the edges under and sew them down so they can’t fray.
3. Sew the patch onto a tote bag, a pencil case or a cushion cover.

Aida is stiff, so this works best for small designs on things that don’t bend much. Wash by hand, not in a hot wash.

Questions

Should I wash my cross stitch before framing? Only if it has marks. Always press it face down on a towel.

Do I need glass in the frame? No. If you use it, make sure it doesn’t touch the stitches.

What size hoop do I need? About 2 inches wider than your design.

My design is 10 inches. Hoop or frame? A frame. Hoops sag above about 8 inches.

Want something to finish next? The small and mini patterns are sized for hoops, cards and ornaments, and the cute patterns make good gifts. For a big piece, read how to plan a large cross stitch project before you cut your fabric.