Mount And Frame Cross Stitch - An Easy But Impressive Way!

We all know how much work goes into making a cross stitch project, and while finishing it in a hoop is a convenient option, framing cross stitch projects is an even more impressive way that you can display them.

It may seem a little intimidating at first, but the process is actually very easy! In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to secure the cross stitch to a mounting board and neatly finish the back so you can place it in a frame.

cabin in the woods cross stitch in a gold frame with embroidery supplies surrounding it

How To Frame Cross Stitch

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase an item.

For this tutorial, I framed this cabin in the woods cross stitch. The pattern is available in my shop.

Supplies Needed

Mounting Board – I used adhesive mounting board
Chalk Pencil – available at Colonial Needle
Basting Glue Stick – Colonial Needle
a piece of cotton or muslin fabric that is slightly larger than the mounting board
Pinking shears or scissors
Embroidery thread
Embroidery Needle
Sewing pins
Curved Needle (optional) – Colonial Needle

Extra Tips For Success

Select a mounting board that is the same size as the frame you plan to use.
Before you get started, make sure that the fabric is a few inches larger than the mounting board you’ll be using.
I chose to use adhesive mounting board, but any mounting board is totally fine. The adhesive isn’t super strong but it can be helpful while you’re securing the fabric.
Finally, I wanted to note that I didn’t have any curved needles on hand for this tutorial. But they are a lot easier to use when you’re securing the fabric to the back.

Preparing The Fabric

Using a chalk pencil, center the mounting board on the back of the cross stitch and trace along the edge. Make sure you like the way it is positioned before moving forward.

Trim the edges of the fabric with pinking shears, leaving about an inch of extra fabric around the mounting board.

Covering The Mounting Board

These next few steps may seem a bit extra, but covering the mounting board makes it so much easier to secure the fabric tightly and it also adds a little bit of padding to it.

Peel off the backing and place the sticky side of the mounting board face down on top of the cotton fabric. Secure the edges to the back of the board with basting glue.

step 2: mounting board covered in fabric

Secure all 4 edges. You may need to trim the fabric so that there is less bulk along the corners.

Mounting The Cross Stitch

Place the cross stitch face down on a flat surface. Then place the covered mounting board face down in the center of the fabric. Begin to place pins along one edge of the fabric, securing them into the cotton fabric.

Repeat on the opposite side of the fabric.

step 5: pinned cross stitch to mounting board

Repeat along the other 2 sides. Flip the embroidery around to double check that it is centered and nicely secured to the mounting board before proceeding to the next step.

step 6: securing the corners of the fabric

To secure the corners, fold the corner up against the mounting board.

Then fold the 2 sides, pulling them tight.

When you’re happy with the corner, secure both of the folded edges with pins.

Make stitches that run zig-zag across the top and bottom edges of the fabric. I used 2 strands of embroidery floss for this and started the thread using a quilters knot.

step 10: finished stitches on the back of the cross stitch

Then repeat these stitches running across the other 2 edges.

step 11: stitching the corners of the fabric

To secure the corners, make whip stitches along the folded edges.

Repeat for all 4 corners

the finished back of mounted cross stitch project

The back will now look something like this. It’s not pretty, but it sure is secure!

If you plan to frame the embroidery, covering the back of this isn’t necessary. However, if the back will for some reason be exposed, you can cover up the stitches by securing an additional piece of felt or fabric to the back.

cross stitch of a cabin that's mounted and secured onto board.

Framing Cross Stitch

Carefully place the cross stitch into the frame. For this particular project, I left the glass out of the frame.

finished framed cross stitch of a cabin in the woods with embroidery supplies surrounding it

And it’s all finished! I can’t wait to hang this up in my craft studio.

If you enjoyed this project and would like to learn more, take a look at this article for even more ways to finish your embroideries.

Amanda

Amanda is a hand embroidery artist and teacher. With over 15 years of experience in the craft industry and embroidery, she owns and runs Crewel Ghoul, sharing tutorials and patterns to help inspire fellow crafters to get inspired and creative. In addition to running this website, she teaches on Skillshare and Youtube.