How to frame your cross stitch kit
The popular Bothy Threads "Welcome" Birth Sampler kits by artist Kate Garrett feature an average finished stitching size of 38cm x 15cm, making a 16 x 8 inch (approx. 40.6cm x 20.3cm) box frame the perfect fit to allow an elegant fabric border around your finished work.
Gather Your Materials
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
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
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
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.
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.