How to Sew a Cross-Stitch Pattern to a Pillow
Making cross-stitched patterns is a relaxing pastime that lets you create beautiful pictures or patterns on cloth. Once complete, instead of framing the cross-stitch, sew your work onto the front of a decorative pillow or a removable pillow case. Use coordinating trims to frame your cross-stitch design. Whether you use a closed throw pillow or a pillow with a removable cover, there are only a few steps needed to hand sew your cross-stitch onto the pillow.
Things You'll Need
- Sewing shears
- Straight pins
- Sewing needle
- Thread
- Finished trim
- Buttons
- Iron
Instructions
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1
Trim around the edges of the cross-stitch with sewing shears to create straight, even sides. Leave as much border around the design as desired, as long as it will fit onto the pillow.
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2
Position the cross-stitch on the top of the pillow and pin in place with straight pins.
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3
Thread the needle with coordinating thread, pull the ends together and knot the end.
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4
Stitch around the cross-stitch, removing the pins from one side at a time. Use small, straight stitches to attach the cross-stitch to the pillow fabric. Ensure that the cross-stitch lies flat as you work around each side.
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5
Cut a piece of trim to the length of each side of the cross-stitch.
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6
Apply double-sided fabric adhesive tape to the back of each piece of trim and place over the raw edge of the cross-stitch.
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7
Press the finished piece with a warm iron, using a pressing cloth on top of the cross-stitch to avoid burning the cross-stitch or getting glue residue on the iron.
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8
Cover the corners where the trim overlaps with decorative buttons.
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Tips & Warnings
As an alternative to four pieces of trim and buttons, cut one long length of trim and miter the corners like a picture frame, then hand-stitch onto the edges of the cross-stitch.
If you prefer not to add trim to the hand-sewn cross-stitch, press the edges under and use a decorative overcast stitch to finish the edges. Overcast stitches are equally spaced diagonal stitches used to hand sew appliqués to fabric.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
