How to Frame Cross Stitch
A simple guide to mounting and framing finished cross stitch, including Bothy Threads kits.
Framing your finished cross stitch properly will help protect it and show off all the detail in your stitching. A deep-set box frame is particularly suitable because it leaves space between the fabric and the glass, preventing the stitches from being flattened.
This guide explains how to prepare, mount, lace and frame your finished cross stitch, with specific advice for Bothy Threads kits and stitched samplers.
The Right Frame for Bothy Threads Cross Stitch
Many of the popular Bothy Threads Welcome birth sampler kits designed from Kate Garrett's original artwork have a finished stitching size of approximately 38 × 15cm. A 16 × 8 inch box frame (approximately 40.6 × 20.3cm) provides a neat fabric border around the finished design.
Gather Your Materials - What You Need to Frame Cross Stitch
Box Frame:
Deep-set frames are ideal because they provide a necessary gap between the fabric and the glass.
Backing Board:
Acid-free foam core or sturdy mount board
Lacing Tools:
A blunt tapestry needle and strong sewing thread (e.g., DMC or standard polyester sewing thread).
Optional:
Acid-free double-sided tape, pins, and acid-free tissue paper for padding (batting)
Prepare your Cross Stitch - How to Prepare Cross Stitch for Framing
Wash:
Soak your finished cross stitch in cool water with mild soap (like Soak or Eucalan) to remove oils and hoop marks. Roll it in a clean towel to remove excess water.
Iron:
Place the damp work face-down on a soft towel and press it gently with a warm iron until dry. This protects the raised texture of the stitches.
Mount and Lace the Fabric - How to Mount and Lace Cross Stitch
Cut the Board
Cut your foam core or mount board to perfectly fit the back of the box frame. If you buy one of my frames it includes the board
Centre the Work
Place your cross stitch face-up on the board, making sure the design is perfectly centered.
Lace the back:
Wrap the excess fabric margins tightly around the back of the board. Thread your needle and "lace" the fabric by zigzagging the thread back and forth between the left and right edges (pulling it taut like a corset). Do the same for the top and bottom edges.
Fold the corners:
Neatly fold the corners of the fabric to create crisp diagonal folds and stitch them down securely on the back.
Assemble the Frame - How to Assemble Your Cross Stitch Frame
Glass Protection:
Ensure the glass in your box frame is perfectly clean. My frames are fitted with acrylic glass with a protective film. Remove this at the last minute.
Avoid Crushing Stitches:
It is best to keep the glass in the frame to protect against dust, but ensure it doesn’t squash the stitches. Box frames naturally create space.
Secure the Piece:
Place your laced board into the frame, add the frame's backing board, and use the flexible tabs (framing points)to lock everything in place.
Seal the Back:
Seal the raw edges and back of the frame with brown framing tape (or acid-free craft paper and double-sided tape) to prevent dust from creeping in.
What Is the Best Frame for Cross Stitch?
A deep-set box frame or shadow box frame is usually the best choice for cross stitch. Unlike a standard flat frame, a box frame leaves space between the finished stitching and the glass, helping to protect raised stitches and decorative details. For a nursery or child's bedroom, acrylic glazing is a practical alternative to traditional glass because it is lightweight and shatter-resistant.
Looking for a new project?
Explore our Bothy Threads cross stitch kits, made from Kate Garrett's original watercolour illustrations.
Framing Cross Stitch: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to wash my cross stitch before framing?
Yes. Washing removes hand oils, dust, and hoop creases. Soak your piece in lukewarm water with a mild, bleach-free detergent, rinse thoroughly, and roll it in a clean towel to remove excess water. Always iron your piece face-down on a plush towel while it is still damp to preserve the raised texture of the stitches.
What is a box frame and why should I use one?
A box frame (or shadow box) has a deep inner profile that creates space between the glass and the backing board. This gap is vital for textile art because it prevents the glass from flattening your stitches, crushing decorative beads, or trapping moisture against the fabric threads.
Should the cross stitch touch the glass?
No. Fabric should never press directly against the glass. Over time, trapped humidity can lead to condensation, which causes mold, mildew, and permanent staining. A box frame or a cardboard window mount (mat) provides the necessary breathing room to protect your work.
What is the best way to attach the fabric to the backing board?
Lacing is the safest, most archival method. You wrap the excess fabric around an acid-free foam board and sew a zigzag pattern across the back to pull it taut. Avoid standard glue, household sticky tape, or cheap masking tape, as their acidic adhesives will stain and rot the fabric over time.
How do I stop dust from getting inside the frame?
Once your piece is secured inside the frame, seal the gap between the backing board and the wooden frame using brown paper framing tape or a high-quality artist tape. This creates a dust-proof and insect-proof barrier that keeps your needlework clean for years to come.
Is acrylic safety glass or traditional glass better for a child’s room?
Acrylic safety glass (often called Perspex or plexiglass) is highly recommended for children's bedrooms and nurseries. Unlike traditional glass, high-quality acrylic is shatterproof, eliminating the risk of sharp shards if the frame is accidentally knocked off the wall. It is also significantly lighter to hang and offers excellent clarity to showcase the vibrant details of your Bothy Threads kit.