Finishing Ideas: Counted Cross-Stitch
Once you have completed your counted cross-stitch piece, it can be finished in a variety of ways. But before you do, you may want to wash your project first. Wash it in lukewarm water using mild dishwashing liquid. Do not use cold water fabric soap intended for hand washables, which may cause the floss to bleed. Roll it in a clean towel to squeeze out the water, then unroll it and lay it on a flat surface to air dry. If needed, press carefully, laying the needlework on a clean towel and using a pressing cloth. Press lightly at a medium temperature setting and do not use steam. Once your needlework is dry, you are ready to finish your project! Here are a few of the more popular options:
Framed Pictures
Iron the finished needlework on the wrong side using a dry pressing cloth and medium temperature setting; do not steam. Accurately measure the length and width of your completed piece before purchasing a mat or frame. You can also bring your project to a professional framed to have it mounted and framed.
Wood Coasters
To insert the needlework, unscrew the side panel and remove it, then remove the insert board. Wrap the needlework around the board and secure it in the back with needlework tape. Place the needlework face up into the coaster opening. Replace the side panel and screws to secure in place. If the coasters become soiled or dusty, gently wipe a damp cloth over small areas until it is clean. Do not submerge in water.
Acrylic Coasters
Use the coasters’ corkboard as a template to cut out your design, making sure the design is centered. Peel the backing off the thin cardboard piece. Center the stitched design over the sticky side and press. Do not cut off the excess fabric. Place the design facedown into the coaster; the fabric will stick out around the edge. Trim only if needed. Peel the backing off the foamcore piece. Place the sticky side over the back of the cardboard piece. Peel the backing off the corkboard. Place the sticky side on the back of the coaster and press. If the coasters become soiled or dusty, gently wipe a damp cloth over small areas until it is clean. Do not submerge in water.
Trivets
Make sure the design is centered over the thin cardboard piece that comes with the trivet. Fit the stitched design and cardboard piece into the trivet. You may need to trim the cardboard. Peel the backing off the thin cardboard piece. Center the stitched design over the sticky side and press. Do not cut off the excess fabric. Place the design facedown into the trivet; the fabric will stick out around the edge. Fold the fabric over and tape. Peel the backing off the corkboard. Place the sticky side on the back of the trivet and press. If the trivet becomes soiled or dusty, gently wipe a damp cloth over small areas until it is clean. Do not submerge in water.
Greeting Cards
Center the design inside the opening of the card. Trim the needlework to fit inside the card. Affix with double-sided tape.