How do you prepare a completed piece of counted cross stitch for mounting/framing?

Answer 1

Once you've completed the piece, you will want to wash it on the gentle cycle in your washing machine. If this is your first time doing cross stich, I would recommend dabbing a little "fray stop" on the back of the peice where you have any threads run under the stiches. This will keep them from unravelling when you wash the piece.
Once the piece has been washed, flatten it by hand as best as you can (you may need to pull the sides gently to pull out any wrinkles). Dry on a flat on a bath towel. Once dry, iron gently between two towels.
Now your peice is ready to bring to the framers!

Answer 2

If you are going to frame it yourself, please make sure the board you use is acid free.

You need to wash gently by hand, in cool water. Place it between towels to dry. Roll the towels, do not wring or stretch the stitching. Allow to dry flat on a flat dry surface.

If you can find someone to teach you to lace your work, that is the absolute way to get the piece on the board. You can use dental floss for that, but you really should have someone teach you as it is a tricky thing to do properly.

Or you can go to your local craft store and see if they will help you learn. Most are more than willing to teach you. As they hope that in the future you will buy from them.

Good luck. This is a craft I have done professionally. Used to do the samples for designers. Have had my stitching in magazines.

Answer 3

Here's what I do.

I hand wash the piece with a very mild detergent (a little bit of Woolite or something similar) and cold water. Rinse it out very well. Roll it up in a towel to get out as much water as possible. B esure not to twist it or wring it. You may need to use a couple of towels.

Then, I spread it out on a dry towel on my ironing board. I shape it as best I can and pin the corners.

With a warm, not hot, iron and NO STEAM, I just set the iron up and down to dry the piece and set the shape.

It takes a while, but you've invested so much time/energy to creating the piece, it's worth it.

Answer 4

You mean do it yourself? I'd hand wash it. Than I'd smoothing
it out to dry completely. May need to press it on low heat to have it have that smooth look. Once you have your frame. Cut out
your project to fit nicely in the frame making sure to have enough
to fold onto the stiff cardboard mounting frame first. If your sure
it is going to remain in that frame I'd use craft glue to secure it to the board. Let it dry. Now you can put it in the frame and hang
your masterpiece.