Framing my finished cross-stitch pieces at home has become one of the most satisfying parts of the process.
After spending so many hours stitching, I used to put off the final step because custom framing felt too expensive and overwhelming.
But I’ve learned that with a few basic supplies and a clear step-by-step plan, it’s totally possible to get a professional-looking result right at home. I don’t need fancy tools—just some everyday materials and a little patience.
Framing my own work lets me personalize each piece and saves me money, too. Whether it’s for a gift or to hang in my own home, I take pride in finishing what I started.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how I frame my cross-stitch projects so you can confidently try it yourself, even if it’s your first time.
Why Learn to Frame Your Cross Stitch?
Custom framing offers a beautiful result, but it’s not always feasible. Prices can range significantly, especially for irregular sizes, special mats, or archival materials. Learning to frame at home gives you:
- Complete control over the framing process
- Freedom to choose materials and styles
- Flexibility in timing and budget
- A personalized, hands-on finishing experience
For many stitchers, the final step, framing, is one of the most rewarding.
Framing gives your work a polished, display-ready finish that protects it from dust, damage, and environmental wear.
Whether you’re preparing a piece for your own home or as a heartfelt gift, the ability to finish it beautifully yourself is a skill worth developing.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies:
- Frame (9×12 or similar, depending on your project size)
- Acid-free foam board
- Batting
- Tacky spray (or another temporary adhesive)
- Rotary cutter
- Scissors
- Wonder clips
- Ruler
- Pencil and air-erasable marker
- Sequin pins (shorter than standard pins)
- Your finished and ironed cross-stitch piece
Optional:
- Double-sided acid-free tape
- Craft or wrapping paper
- Picture frame hangers and wire
- Cordless drill and pliers
Choosing the right materials is key. For example, acid-free foam board helps prevent long-term yellowing or fabric deterioration, and sequin pins are easier to work with than longer pins that may poke through the other side.
Step-by-Step Guide for Framing Cross Stitch
Step 1: Prep the Mounting Board
Begin by spraying one side of your acid-free foam board with tacky spray. For safety, work outdoors or in a ventilated space.
Carefully place the board onto your batting, smoothing it firmly to ensure it adheres without bubbles or folds.
Once the batting is secure, use your rotary cutter or sharp scissors to trim the excess fabric neatly around all four sides.
Step 2: Position the Stitch
Lay your cross-stitch piece over the foam board to estimate spacing.
Since this isn’t a custom frame, margins may not be perfectly even. Use a ruler and an air-erasable fabric marker to draw guide lines for centering.
This will help ensure your design is aligned both vertically and horizontally.
Aim to align your guidelines with the grain of the linen as closely as possible. This keeps your stitches looking straight and professional once framed.
Step 3: Test the Fit with Clips
Use wonder clips to temporarily hold the fabric in place. This step lets you preview how your cross stitch will look once pinned and framed.
Adjust the fabric to ensure straight lines and centered design elements.
Clipping before pinning also helps identify any unintentional tension in the fabric, allowing you to reposition without putting holes in your piece.
Step 4: Pin the Design in Place
Begin pinning the fabric to the foam board using sequin pins. These shorter pins are ideal because they hold the fabric securely without poking through the back or front of the board.
Start with a few pins along the top and bottom edges. Flip the board to check for alignment and square corners, then continue pinning at regular intervals- every 1/4 to 3/8 inch for a snug hold.
Tips:
- Keep horizontal stitch lines level and vertical stitch lines straight.
- Check that the linen threads meet the foam board edges at 90-degree angles.
- Adjust pins as needed to avoid puckering or distortion.
Step 5: Test Within the Frame
Once fully pinned, place your piece inside the frame for a dry fit.
This is a good time to check for minor adjustments. Look closely at the top corners and along the sides to ensure nothing is pulled too tightly or loosely.
If needed, carefully remove and reposition a few pins to adjust the tension and alignment. Don’t rush this part; small adjustments here ensure a clean final result.
Step 6: Secure the Backing
Use acid-free double-sided tape to hold the fabric edges down on the back of the foam board. This step is functional, not decorative, so neatness is secondary.
The goal is to keep loose fabric from peeking into the front of the frame. This step also helps stabilize the fabric and prevents future slippage.
Step 7: Seal the Frame with Paper
Apply double-sided tape around the back inner edges of your frame.
Then lay down a sheet of craft paper or wrapping paper to cover and seal the back. This prevents dust from getting in and gives the back a clean, finished appearance.
Trim the excess with a rotary cutter or craft knife. You can also write a note or label on this paper to record the piece’s name, date, or your initials.
Step 8: Install Hanging Hardware
Decide which side of the frame is the top and mark it. Then screw in small picture hangers about one-third of the way down from the top edge.
Cut a length of picture hanging wire long enough to span the width of the frame plus a bit of extra slack.
Attach the wire securely and use pliers to press down any sharp wire ends. This protects your wall and the backing paper.
Final Checks and Display
Before sealing everything up, take one final look at your piece in the frame. Are the stitch lines straight? Are the margins even? Are any threads being pulled?
This is your last chance to make tweaks. Once you’re satisfied, your cross stitch is ready to hang.
For a more detailed understanding, follow the process in the YouTube video “How to Frame Cross Stitch! A look at how I frame my needlework at home” by @elizabethanncanstitch.
Pro Tips
- Use a lint roller to remove any dust or threads before framing.
- Iron your cross stitch before mounting for a crisp, clean look.
- If framing a gift, consider including a label with your name and date on the back.
- Save extra materials for future projects—framing gets easier the more you do it.
- Try practicing on a smaller, low-stakes piece before framing something special.
Conclusion
Framing my own cross-stitch pieces has become one of the most rewarding parts of the stitching journey. After spending hours or even weeks on a project, it feels amazing to give it a polished, personal finish.
Doing it myself saves money, lets me choose the perfect frame and style, and allows me to finish everything on my own schedule. I don’t need to rely on custom framing shops or wait for weeks to see my work displayed.
With just a few supplies and some simple steps, I can create a beautiful, lasting display for any design, from quick seasonal stitches to detailed heirloom pieces. It’s a skill that gets easier with practice and brings a lot of satisfaction.
I hope this guide has inspired you to try framing your own needlework. You might find, like I did, that it’s easier than you think!