How to Frame Cross Stitch! A look at how I frame my needlework at home

[@jeannetowery1965]

I’m a newbie so have very little quilting or framing know how. What is the purpose of the batting?

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

The batting is definitely not a necessary step, just something I like to do. For me I feel like it gives a slightly softer look on the front of the piece rather than tightening the cross stitch onto the hard foam board alone, I also feel like it helps disguise any loose or carried threads on the back and gives something for the linen to grip onto as I’m tightening my pins. But I don’t know if professional framers use it or not, it just my preference!

[@kathiethompson6719]

the batting also "grips" the cross stitch fabric and helps to stop sagging as it is hanging and gravity is pulling on it over time.

[@WPeterson14591]

It also creates a barrier between the spray adhesive and the needlework. Adhesive will yellow the needlework canvas and can deteriorate the thread over time.

[@BetsyRossCanDoIt]

Thanks for asking this question 💚💚

[@laureld.8715]

I was also struggling with the batting -- only found felt at Michael's and used that. It really did make a difference with the softer look and with the rest of your instruction video, the project turned out beautifully! Thank you for saving me so much money!!!

[@valerieroling8035]

This is the BEST tutorial I've come across for framing a cross stitch sampler. You took all the anxiety out of the process and made it simple and professional. I love the sequin pins. Great idea....❤

[@stevenrigoni3182]

Great Video. My wife just handed me an old cross stitch and said "frame this" I have done plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, welding, and many other construction projects but was clueless on what to do with this project. Didn't want to destroy the piece ( I was thinking of nails, plywood, etc.) so ignored the request as long as I could. After watching your video I can now complete it easily. Thank you !

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

so glad it was helpful!!

[@saellis98]

Excellent video! My mom was an avid cross stitcher and framed all of her own pieces. She has since passed away and I just finished my first piece in a long time and never asked her to show me how she framed her finished crafts. Thank you so much!

[@sarahbethsstitching9937]

Amazing tutorial. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for this as you have saved me lots of money in framing costs. I went to goodwill today and got two gorgeous frames for 3 dollars a piece. I can hardly wait to begin framing my own pieces. I have done lacing before but this looks wonderful. Thanks so very much💖💖

[@emmamakesbadart]

I could kiss you on the mouth for this video. Saved my life fr i was so lost on mounting a circle piece for a real expensive commission but i just do not have great experiences with going to the framers so this was literally perfect 🎉

[@caitjohnson6021]

Your framing is spectacular! Thank you for this tutorial. It will be a great help to many, especially those of us that do not have framing people/stores available in our rural communities. Well done and with explanations we can understand.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@kathyaschenbach8081]

Beautiful! Thank you so very much! This is exactly why I quit crosstitching the professional framing was just too expensive. Thank you so much!

[@maryfields1382]

Great video, and your frame choice for your finished project is just perfect! I was told by a professional framer, for stitched pieces where you aren't using a mat, you should evenly space the sides of your piece, but if you have enough margin space, your bottom margin should be about a quarter inch longer than your top margin. He also used batting under the piece to give it a little "depth".

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

ooh good to know!

[@Craftywithwords]

Oh my gosh! I just framed my first piece. And it wasn't even scary! Thank you so much for this video. My stitch was just a little 5" square piece, but it was a gift for my son. He loves it. I'm pretty proud of how it came out. I can't wait to try something bigger. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Yay I'm so happy to hear that!

[@counseling3863]

This is the best framing video I have seen. Great teacher!

[@michelledavis18]

I have kept all my moms magazines for cross stich, embroidery, heartanger, i have patterns and book coming out my ears. Always keep your books and magazines and pass them to your kids or sell them to people that do this Art.

[@SuperBellezza1]

I feel that after watching this tutorial I could successfully do this myself.

[@prietom1031]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I agree that the pinning is better than the lacing. Lacing is much more difficult for me, at least, as I am a beginner. Thanks for sharing this!

[@marymoffitt1624]

I am new to your channel. This is the second tutorial I have watched. I am so impressed with how informative you are without adding a lot of “fluff”, just to the point. You don’t need to be the center of attention, you let the tutorial do the entertaining/teaching. So refreshing! New subscriber here! Thank you!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Thank you so much!

[@littlemonster24ify]

I’m not very experienced in finishing my cross stitches and this was such a helpful informative video, thank you for taking the time to make it it’s helped me loads 👍

[@RecipesRepurposingandReallife]

Thank you! I’ve been cross stitching for over 30 years and my mom framed a few of my pieces but I’ve never done my own. I can’t afford professional framing so I’m going to attempt this.

[@andraskewes5804]

beautiful - thank you for an anxiety free process!

[@stitchingbythemoon]

Thank you so much for this video and showing everything required! I appreciate that you didn't lace it in the back. It's nice to see how to do it without having to get fancy in the back!!

[@jennyunderwood4457]

I am new to cross stitch and have been watching a lot of videos on finishing ideas. The framing process has always intimated me and I had resigned that I would need to take my projects to a framer, which can be very costly. Your video is so great, easy to follow and understand. I feel for the first time that I can try and do this myself. Thank you for your great video.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Wonderful!

[@tinafraser682]

Your framing tutorial video is....eye-opening...to me. I have only really FFO'd ONE piece I have finished in a frame, given to a friend a couple years ago who tragically died in the PA turnpike bus crash this past January. I was pretty much under the assumption that lacing was the "tried and true *only*" way to stretch a piece for framing. Boy howdy you make this process seem so easy..... I am now going to be getting some foam core, sequin pins, and the other supplies to try my hand at finishing some of the FO's I have lingering in my craft storage. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh I'm so glad you found it helpful, and so sorry to hear about your friend! I think lacing is still probably the method that most professional framers use but I've never been able to stretch my pieces as well with lacing as I am with pins.

[@elaineb7977]

Start out by framing a small piece, to get the feel of the process. Then move on to larger projects.

[@jsjohnson55]

Great tutorial. I used all of the easy steps, except for adding the batting, and I successfully framed my cross stitch creation. It looks fantastic!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Wonderful!

[@LegendaryCS4]

thanks so much! I've completely self taught most of the craft activities I do and don't have anyone to explain these things to me. very helpful!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You are so welcome!

[@5877user]

Thank you. It is soooo EXPENSIVE to frame a project at these framing places.

[@jas2627]

Thank you so much for making this video! I will be saving this and rewatching when I am ready to frame my own work. Your editing skills are awesome! Please keep making these finishing and framing videos! 😃

[@susanmulroy7367]

I'll keep watching this as well until I get the hang of it!

[@Msjangel1973]

thank you so much, I have just found a frame for a long but short cross stitch for my step grandson and didn't think I could afford to frame it and even if I tried myself I would have too many problems, you have made it look so easy.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh I'm so glad!!

[@Craftywithwords]

Liz - as always you make that look so easy. I am going to have to rewatch the video while I frame my first piece. Thank you!

[@TheStarletStitcher]

great video! I've been doing mine the same way and struggling and now I know why. I've been trying to use the "back" that comes with the frame. here you show how you replace it, so your foamcore is able to actually fit in the frame without causing issues with the prongs to hold the piece in there. thank you so much for this

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

ahhh yeah! I meant to talk about removing the backing and glass from a store bought frame!

[@karenturner-wensel9536]

Thank you so much for sharing the sequin pin trick. I love it!+ ❤❤

[@simpletings511]

Wow this was perfection... Thank you for sharing now I don't feel so intimidated about doing this... your stitching is so Beautiful ❤️

[@residencialsoloriens2757]

I will try mine. You have inspired me to frame my work. Lot of good details!!! Thank you

[@jomcbay]

This was great! Thank you. Step by step, straight to the point. I was thinking of making an embroidery baby present and this just upped "I can do this!" sense. Cheers!

[@carmenhunter9194]

Hi! I’m not new to cross stitching but I am at framing. Your video was really easy to follow and understand. I had just finished watching the lacing method and it was just too complicated. So thank you very much for sharing. I’m looking forward to watching more videos from you.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You are so welcome!

[@dianeskindle1454]

Great video.I like how you explained each stage of framing very clearly.It's given me the push that I needed to try framing.I have watched all of your videos from the beginning.Your stitching is beautiful & your choice of projects are so good. Your one talented stitcher.🙂 from West Midlands,England

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Thank you so much!! 💕

[@elaineb7977]

Great job of demonstrating Elaizabeth Ann!!! I am referring this to a stitcher at Stitch Maynia. I also do pinning when I frame my pieces, tape on the back, and a piece of lightweight batting under my stitching. In my pining process, I very much want to have my fabric threads perfectly straight on the outside, (and I don't trust eyeballing it !) so I do some measuring and I add a contrasting basting line in the fabric with sewing thread, where the edges of the mounting board/foam core will be. I find this easier to see and keep on my foam core edge rather than trying to follow a linen thread along the edge of the board. As I pull and pin, this basting line usually ends up in about the center of the foam core edge or near the back edge. Stretching also helps eliminate and creases that were not ironed out of the front. (I also have a tape measure that on 1 side it starts the measuring from the center of the tape, so perfect for measuring from/finding center of the project.)

[@dianemanion7200]

Great to see you back!

[@reginaholloway2027]

This was so helpful!!! Thank you for taking the time to show us how you frame!!! I really appreciate it!!!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robinpalmer5087]

You did a beautiful job. I just finished my cross stitch and this is so helpful now for me to frame it. Thanks

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JMoorex2]

Thank you so much. I’ve finished a few cross stitches and needed this video to help me frame. It’s perfect and includes everything.

[@WhistlestopStitcher]

This is a fantastic video! Used your tips tonight to frame one of my pieces for the first time! Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Ohh thank you!! I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@lesley4928]

Thank you so much for this awesome tutorial! I feel more confident to attempt framing a piece now, and have saved your video to refer to. Your stitching is beautiful too. 💗

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You are so welcome!

[@lizzystitch4842]

Thanks for your tutorial. I have so many finished pieces that need framing!

[@dianeoyola5001]

Thank you so much, glad I saw this, it avoided me asking a million questions.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You're very welcome!

[@JAscat88]

Well I definitely like your approach you made it seem so easy. Thank you for your video. Excellent tutorial!

[@suzactu3725]

Great end product! Thank you for sharing your techniques.

[@sadieladydubois2763]

great video with very helpful information! I need to hurry up and get something done so I can put this to use!! Thanks for showing this!!!

[@kimmikemoissinac5175]

Thanks Liz, This is a great video. I especially liked the snaps 😆. I had heard of pinning but had not actually seen it. Your instructions are nice and simple and I’ll definitely try this. Thanks, Kim

[@juliesaalfeld8349]

Excellent video...I have this same frame from Hobby Lobby and need to frame a cross stitch piece that I finished recently. This will be very helpful - great job!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh awesome! Yeah I was really happy to find this frame a couple of weeks ago, it seems like a really nice quality and have to love the 50% off frame sale!

[@kathiethompson6719]

Great instruction! I have a number of pieces to frame and was looking for an easy-to-understand video. Thanks!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kimgoldman3929]

Great job! I prefer pinning as well. Lacing just seemed a bit more laborious for me. I will have to check out the smaller pins you’ve mentioned. I’m using the bridal and lace pins that are rustproof as these were what I found recommended a couple years ago when I started framing my own pieces. I’m always lazy about adding the paper backing (and I’m often changing out pieces for seasonal, using the same frames, so that’s usually okay). Thanks for sharing! Oh, and this chart is hopefully on its way to me soon 🤣🤗

[@susanbajdek6698]

Thank you so much for your framing video. You make it seem a lot easier than I thought.

[@jackiedamico8455]

Another great tutorial… thanks so much for sharing.. love the pattern too.

[@carrollhopp4588]

Thanks for a great tutorial. I think I am ready to try this.

[@jilltunnicliffe4227]

Well done, both the framing and the quality of your video are excellent. ❤️

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

thank you so much! I was nervous posting this because it was my first one, and it felt awkward to keep everything in view of camera and not bounce the camera.. which of course I did anyways! But thank you for watching! 💕

[@rmcmahon76]

Thank you for sharing! I binged your videos this weekend. I hope you will do more tutorials. I'd love to see how you finish the little ornaments you did for your mom for example and how you attach trim to your little pillows. 😁

[@jackiefletcher5035]

Thanks for this video! I'm working on my first really big piece and wanted to get a handle on how I could finish it. Exactly what I was looking for!

[@claraarellano5931]

I really enjoyed your method of framing your needlework! Thanks!

[@terri6584]

Very well done, Elizabeth & inspiring to try & attempt myself & Save $$$! Thank you very much!

[@martyfragale2741]

Great job Elizabeth!! Your instructions were very clear and helpful....thanks so much

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You are so welcome!

[@KathysQuiltsandStitching]

Great instructional video! I am going to give it a try!

[@marcomama1]

Thank you for posting, this is so helpful!

[@marysedubeau8876]

That was great! I have always been afraid to use the pin method, I will give it a try! Your s look great!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Yay! Thank you!

[@theresachucle7766]

Awesome thank you for the tutorial have a great evening and happy stitching 😊💖

[@catherinecrossley9837]

Great tutorial! Thank you for sharing! I am encouraged now to start fully finishing some projects!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Have fun!

[@susanhaywood2394]

Thanks for doing this. Great job. You make it look so easy. One day I will try this

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You can do it! 💪

[@beverleygardam151]

Very well done ,saves expensive framing .

[@amandawarnke9735]

Fantastic video! You gave great instructions and now my next framed piece is going to look so much better. Thank you!

[@kellyhipkins5616]

Wow. Beautiful job. Thanks for sharing

[@ladilegionnaire13]

Great job! Exactly how i have done it for years!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Thank you 😀

[@pamelateague9503]

What a wonderful tutorial !!! Thank you for sharing.

[@artlvr52]

Great job in showing us how to do this at home ~Thank you!

[@cassandra3399]

That was perfect and you make me feel like I could actually do it!! Thank you.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

I'm so glad! 💕

[@teresagardenhire8424]

Thank you!!! I have one of these to do this afternoon!

[@jud2171]

Great video, I did learn so many things in framing. I think I can do it too.... The piece is beautiful also. Hugs!!

[@jackiediaz1363]

Thank you so much for this video! I found it so helpful!! I really enjoy your videos and projects.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

I'm so glad!

[@pamrichardson9228]

Thank you for this video!! Never framed my own stuff, but I think I can now!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

I'm so glad!

[@jodibedard4306]

Great Video!! Thank you, thank you! I think I might be able to do it! You make it look so easy!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You can do it!

[@patbarone4855]

Thank you so much for this great video! You have made it look so easy and maybe I can even do it!!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You can do it!

[@gailsgoldenneedle4513]

👏🏻Great job! Thank you so much for sharing your framing process with us ❣️

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@Ariesspinn]

Well done! Thanks for making this doable!

[@flowerandlinen]

What a fabulous video. Thank you for sharing your skill.

[@monasnowden7513]

Great video...so well explained.......I think I can do it now!!!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You can do it! 💪

[@melbaburwell6264]

Hi I am new to cross stitching and definitely didn't try to framing anything either. But I want to. My question to you is when you pick out a frame from the store do go by the measurements on the inside of the frame? And if it's not the standard framing size and you still want to frame it yourself do you buy a bigger frame and carefully measure how you want it to look all around? Lol sorry. I hope you understand lol 😅 I'm just glad that you have done these tutorials. I want to do more myself. Thank you 😊

[@patmatejcek5616]

Great tutorial Liz! thanks for sharing...

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You are so welcome! 💕

[@chrissieb3350]

Beautiful stitching & framing

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Thank you so much 😊

[@nicolebaudry4447]

Thank you for the clear and simple tutorial ;)

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kristinetyler6455]

Very helpful! Thank you so much sharing for the tutorial.

[@texasstitcher308]

Hi, I just found your FlossTube channel and I love it. I have never stitched a Blackbird Design before, I am just now getting into samplers! I would like to win the pattern, it would bring me JOY!!!!!! I can’t afford a lot of expensive framing either. So I love your sensible framing suggestions. I live in Houston, TX and stitch a lot of Texas pieces. I have a huge stash of Red Bird designs. They all have blue bonnets and Texas iconic scenes. I buy mine at 3 Stitches in Spring Texas.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Awesome! I want to visit that shop next time I'm in Houston, I've only ever been to ABC Stitch Therapy in Houston though I don't think they do in person shopping any more which is a bummer, I really like their inventory!

[@marlenehaller1851]

Very nice finish....thanks for sharing.

[@phoxy_stitches]

You did an amazing job! Thank you so much for creating this tutorial!

[@wwjackie7751]

Thank you! Great job! One thing I’d like you to know is that wonderful Hobby Lobby will frame your piece for free when you buy the frame there! You must do the stretching and pinning though, then they will finish it. And Michael’s will do it also but for a charge of only about $6.00!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh thats awesome! Do you have to buy a custom frame for them to do that or just any frame off the shelf?

[@melaniew4354]

I recently got my son's college diploma framed at Hobby Lobby and I wanted a double mat cut for it. I bought a 16x20 ready made frame off the wall and they gave me half off the frame and assembled everything with a nice paper back. All together the total was $53.00 which I thought was very reasonable. I got way WAY into cross stitching samplers back in the 90s (when the son I just mentioned was a baby) and bought floss, patterns and linen like a mad woman. Then I got into quilting, painting, knitting...and I have moved two rubbermaid tubs full of cross stitching supplies around for 20 years. Now I am pulling it all out again and it's like Christmas! I'm so happy to find my way back to it and this time I will be doing my own framing. I have spent too much in the past on that, I won't make that mistake again. Thanks for the demo, it was terrific!

[@sunitagyani678]

Nice detailed video! I would like to know the list of items needed for framing. Thank you!

[@kendraelliott6761]

brilliant! so easy! thanks for the tutorial.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Yay I’m glad it was helpful!

[@anastasiyaoneil4729]

Thank you very much for a helpful video! Thanks to you I was able to frame my cross stitch project and save $400😂

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Glad I could help!

[@jeantruckey1502]

Great instructions.

[@elizabethkrafnick5466]

I’m watching this 2 years later. What a great tutorial! But where can I find acid free foam core?

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You can get it anywhere! Michaels, Hobby Lobby (I've had their framing depts cut me custom size pieces before which is great) I also order it on amazon or dick blick and cut it to size at home!

[@elizabethkrafnick5466]

Thanks!

[@cpa1029]

Thank you for taking the time to create this video. What are all of the dimensions of the acid free foam board that you purchase? I am presuming you buy larger sheets and cut them down as needed. Thank you!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

I cut down my foamboard to fit inside my 9x12 frame, but i usually buy it in a 20x30 sheet

[@lisacapuni5492]

Really helpful. Thank you so much for this. I love your vids!

[@stitchingsocial]

Fantastic tutorial Liz! -Jen

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

thank you! For my next one I'm going to figure out where to attach my camera so I don't shake it constantly while filming... haha

[@stitchingsocial]

elizabethanncanstitch I didn’t even notice that! Don’t change a thing 💕-Jen

[@francohen9685]

Great video. Found it very helpful. Thank you