What is what to do with cross stitch when done?

Once you've completed your cross stitch project, there are several things you can do to finish and display it. Here's a rundown:

• Washing and Ironing: Before anything else, gently wash your finished piece by hand with mild soap and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly and roll it in a towel to remove excess water. Then, iron it face down on a padded surface at a low temperature to remove wrinkles. This is an important step to give your finished product a professional look.

• Framing: Framing is a popular way to showcase your cross stitch. You can choose a frame that complements the design and the room where it will be displayed. Consider using acid-free matting to protect the fabric from the glass.

• Hooping: Displaying your cross stitch in the hoop you used to stitch it can give it a rustic, contemporary look. Trim the excess fabric, leaving about an inch or two around the hoop's edge. Then, glue or stitch the fabric to the back of the hoop for a clean finish.

• Creating a Pillow: Turn your cross stitch into a decorative pillow. Sew the stitched piece onto a backing fabric, leaving a gap for stuffing. Stuff it with fiberfill and then sew the gap closed.

• Making Ornaments: Smaller cross stitch designs are perfect for making ornaments. Back them with felt or another fabric, add a loop for hanging, and embellish with beads or other decorative elements.

• Sewing Patches: Cut out your cross stitch design, leaving a small border of fabric. Fold the border to the back and iron it to create a clean edge. You can then sew or glue the patch onto clothing, bags, or other items.

• Creating Cards: Mount small cross stitch pieces onto cardstock to create unique greeting cards. This adds a personal and handmade touch to your correspondence.

• Finishing as a Banner or Wall Hanging: Attach your cross stitch to a dowel rod or decorative hanger to create a banner%20or%20wall%20hanging. This is a great way to display larger or more elaborate projects.