You have spent weeks, perhaps months, on a piece of cross stitch or embroidery, and now it deserves to be seen properly. Framing your needlework not only shows it off beautifully but also protects those hard-won stitches for years to come. The good news is that you do not need a specialist framer to do a lovely job. With a little care and the right ready-made frame, you can achieve a professional finish at home. Here is our friendly, step-by-step guide on how to frame cross stitch, embroidery and needlework so it looks its very best.
Start by measuring the stitched area
Before anything else, measure your finished design carefully. Lay the fabric flat and measure the width and height of the actual stitched area, not the whole piece of aida or linen. Then decide how much plain fabric border you would like to show around the design. A border of at least 5cm (2 inches) on every side gives the piece room to breathe and, importantly, leaves enough fabric to secure it to the mounting board later. If you are planning to add a mount, factor that in too, as the mount window will sit slightly inside the frame opening.
These measurements are the foundation for choosing your frame, so it is worth taking your time and jotting the numbers down.
Block and press the fabric first
Needlework often comes off the hoop looking a little creased or slightly skewed, and blocking gently coaxes it back into shape. To block a piece, dampen it lightly, then pin it out squarely onto a clean, padded surface and leave it to dry completely so the weave sits straight and even.
If your piece is only lightly wrinkled, a careful press will do. Lay the embroidery face down on a soft towel and press from the back with a warm iron, so you never flatten the raised texture of the stitches. Always test the heat on a spare corner first, especially with delicate threads or metallics.
Mount on acid-free board (lacing or pinning)
Mounting keeps your fabric taut and flat within the frame. Use acid-free mounting board, sometimes called conservation board, to prevent yellowing or damage over time. Centre your design on the board using your border measurements, then secure the fabric using one of two tried-and-tested methods:
- Lacing: fold the fabric edges around to the back of the board and stitch from side to side with strong thread, drawing the fabric taut like the laces of a shoe. Lace top to bottom first, then side to side. This is the gentlest, most reversible method and the one most keen stitchers prefer.
- Pinning: for a quicker option, fold the fabric over the board edges and push stainless steel pins into the very edge of the board, keeping the tension even all the way round.
Whichever you choose, please avoid glue or sticky tape on the fabric. Adhesives can seep through, stain the threads and make the piece impossible to remove later without damage. Gentle, reversible methods are always kindest to your needlework.
Why a mount makes all the difference
A mount (the card border between your stitching and the frame) is more than a decorative touch. It lifts the glazing away from the surface of your work, so the fabric never presses directly against the front. This protects the raised stitches from being squashed and stops any moisture becoming trapped against the design. A mount also gives that crisp, gallery-style finish that makes handmade needlework look truly special.
When it comes to colour, a neutral mount in cream, ivory or soft white flatters almost every design and lets your stitching take centre stage. Our frames with mounts pair a quality mount board with the frame, so the two are ready to go straight out of the box.
Choosing the right frame size
We should be honest here: our frames are standard, ready-made sizes rather than made-to-measure, so the trick is to measure your mounted piece and pick the nearest size, or size up and let a mount fill the gap. This is where a mount becomes wonderfully practical as well as pretty. If your finished stitching does not quite match a standard cross stitch frame size, choosing a slightly larger frame with a mount lets you close the difference neatly, with the mount window cut to frame your design.
If you are unsure which size to reach for, our size guide walks you through matching your measurements to the nearest frame. For a timeless look that suits traditional samplers and floral designs alike, our classic range is a lovely place to start.
A lightweight, shatter-resistant front
Every FramesPlus frame comes with a lightweight, shatter-resistant plexiglass front rather than heavy glass. It keeps your framed needlework safe to hang and easy to post as a gift, with far less risk of breakage. Paired with a mount that holds the fabric away from the front, your stitching stays beautifully protected and clear to admire.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wash my cross stitch before framing?
If your piece has been handled a lot or marked with a fabric pen, a gentle hand wash in cool water and mild soap can freshen it up. Let it dry flat, then block or press before mounting.
Do I really need a mount?
You do not have to have one, but a mount is well worth it for needlework. It keeps the fabric off the front, adds a polished finish and makes it far easier to fit your piece to a standard frame size.
What if my design falls between two sizes?
Size up to the next standard frame and add a mount. The mount window can be centred over your stitching, filling the extra space neatly and framing the design.
Ready to give your needlework the finish it deserves? Browse our frames with mounts and find the perfect fit. We offer free UK delivery and a relaxed 30-day returns policy, so you can order with complete confidence. Happy framing!