Finishing Directions
Center cross stitching on the sticky back shape by holding it up to the light. Then trim the design to within 3/4" outside the shape. With sharp scissors, snip from edge in about 5/8". Snip around entire edge about every 3/8". Peel off backing on sticky back shape. Center design on top of shape, then, starting at top, attach cut fabric edge to the back. Go to the bottom and do the same, pulling fabric firmly. Then attach one side, then the opposite side, pulling fabric firmly. Finish attaching needlework all around, from one side to the opposite side. Check continually to see that the design stays centered. To ensure that the fabric is secure on the shape also use heavy tape. We use library tape because it is acid free. Cording may be attached with Tacky Glue to the edge for a nice finishing touch. Use a loop of cording to hang it.
Framing
Cut foam core board to fit into the frame. Center cross stitching on the
board. Then trim the fabric to within 3/4" outside the shape of the board.
Starting at the middle of the top, tape the edge of the fabric to the
back of the board. Pull firmly and tape the middle of the bottom of the
fabric to the back of the board. Now go to the middle of one side, tape
(heavy tape, like acid-free library tape), then tape the middle of the
opposite side. Tape all around this way, going to opposite sides and pulling
firmly. Check continually to see that the design stays centered. To do
the corners, first place it into the frame and secure with brads. The
frame will hold the piece firmly in place to make it easier to tape the
corners. Secure with more brads all around. Cut brown (packaging) paper
the size of the frame. Put double-sided tape on the back of the frame.
Press the paper onto the tape.
Attaching Needlework to Wire Hangers
Cut the cross stitch piece oversize, allowing at least 3/4" all the
way around to fold under. Fold under and iron edges. Using thread or floss
that matches the fabric, take a sharp needle and slipstitch the piece
onto the hanger. You may prefer using black thread to blend in with the
wire hanger. Using heavy tape like library tape, tape the edges down on
the back for a quick finish. You may want to finish off the back with
muslin. Cut a piece a little larger than the cross stitched piece, fold
under the edges and iron. Then pin onto the back of the cross stitching
and slipstitch into place.
Attaching Needlework to Metal or Tin Pieces
We attach our cross stitching to the metal piece with a loop of heavy
tape, like library tape. Then the stitching can be changed seasonally.
If you would like it to be more permanent, glue it into place.
Using Paper Mache Boxes
Cut finished cross stitching (on Perforated Paper) to fit on top of paper
mache box. Using Tacky Glue around edges, glue to the top of the box.
Glue a piece of craft store ribbon (country colors- calicos
or ginghams) around the rim of the lid, keeping edge of ribbon flush with
the top. You may also glue a
piece of jute to the top edge for a more finished look.
Fraying Fabric
If cross stitching is going to be used (like a placemat, table runner,
etc.), sew a zigzag stitch around the
entire piece, just above where you want the fraying to stop. This prevents
further fraying. If it will only hang on a wall this isn’t necessary.
To fray: start at the bottom, pulling out horizontal threads only. Pull
out between 1/2" and 3/4". The more you remove, the curlier are the remaining
vertical threads. You may need to use a sharp needle to dislodge some
of the threads. Pull out one thread at a time.
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