Matting Framing Stitching Washing Pressing

Washing your cross stitch piece before framing it is the best way to preserve it.

Matting framing stitching washing pressing.

If you don t wash it first those invisible oils from your fingers will stain the fabric and turn your cross stitch piece yellow. Framing a cross stitch project can seem daunting but in this post i ll be showing you how you can save yourself money and time by learning to stretch and frame cross stitch projects yourself. In the past few days i finished up stitching one of my cross stitch designs i was working on over christmas and new year. Dip your project in the first bowl and leave it to soak through while you add your soap to the second bowl.

Continue pressing the piece until it is completely dry. When you stitch the natural oils on your hands transfer to the fabric. Use your hand to disperse the soap and create bubbles. Transfer the wet cloth to the second bowl.

Fill one bowl with cold water the other with lukewarm water. Washing removes dirt and skin oils that remains on the surface after stitching. Washing your cross stitch is an easy step so don t skip it. My method of washing cross stitch.

If you have cross stitched a heavy material you may need to use the steam setting on your iron to remove the creases but as long as you use a pressing cloth the heat from the steam will not damage the cross stitch or any beading you have worked into your pattern. That s why it is important to wash your cross stitch and hand embroidery projects before framing even if the piece looks clean. Share this post on pinterest. Test your threads and fabric before washing to make sure the colors do not run.

Use a gentle phosphate free soap formulated for washing needlework cross stitch silk fabrics and quilts.