How to Finish a Cross-Stitch Project
Your completed cross-stitch project may need some care or cleaning before it's displayed, used or given as a gift.
Things You'll Need
- Spray Bottles
- Clean White Towels
- Ironing Boards
- Irons
- Lukewarm Water
- Mild Liquid Dish Soap
Instructions
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Remove the completed cross-stitch piece from the hoop or frame and check for any dirt or smudges.
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Launder the item if your soiled cross-stitch piece has been worked directly onto an item that will eventually be laundered.
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Lay flat to dry until slightly damp.
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Dry-clean the cross-stitch project if the materials used are labeled "dry-clean only."
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Frame or mount the work as desired or by following kit instructions.
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Tips & Warnings
To remove creases left by an embroidery hoop, lightly spray the back of the piece with water. Place the piece on a clean white towel, and press with a dry iron at the medium-high to high setting.
Avoid moving the iron back and forth too much or pressing too hard when ironing the damp piece - you may flatten stitches.
Soak the cross-stitch piece in lukewarm water if any of the colors bleed. Change the water every hour until it remains clear.
Consult a professional craft or frame shop for framing instructions.
Comments
View all 6 Comments-
cyffermoon
Dec 17, 2009
"Frame or mount the work as desired or by following kit instructions." Seriously? There are some good entries on this site, but the more of these sort of "instructions" I find, the more likely I am to skip over "ehow" in search results. -
boarstone
Dec 16, 2008
Well there's more to finishing a stitchery project after the washing, any comments/ideas on HOW TO MOUNT THE PROJECT? What is it mounted ON? -
Jan 05, 2006
When I need to press a cross-stitch project, I place it on a thick towel, right side down. I mist it, put a thin handkerchief over it. Press up and down, not back and forth. The towel helps not getting the stitches flattened. -
Jan 05, 2006
When I need to press a cross-stitch project, I place it on a thick towel, right side down. I mist it, put a thin handkerchief over it. Press up and down, not back and forth. The towel helps not getting the stitches flattened. -
Nov 22, 2005
Soak cloth in lukewarm water with a little Dawn dish soap (original blue, NOT ULTRA). Rinse well. Roll in a white towel to dry. Place between white sheets to avoid stains from an iron. Iron on medium heat until dry - on low for metallics that could melt.