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Hello cross stitch wizards!
4067 views   3 replies   Latest reply: November 17, 2014 at 1:52:56 AM

 
Member since:
Oct 9, 2014
Posts: 6
MamaPak message #1
Hello cross stitch wizards!
October 20, 2014 at 7:56:58 PM
 
Hello!  My name is Debi, and I am returning to cross stitch after many years.  First, I want to say that I love this site!  It is fantastic.  

I have a few questions that I hope members of the community can help me with.

1)  I just finished a project, and I am not quite sure how to finish and frame it.  Any suggestions, youtube vids, advice?

2)  I tried very hard to make sure that all my ends were well secured, but I'm very leary of them coming out at some time.  I've seen the product Needlework Finisher for small pieces, but mine is 10" x 11".  Is there any product to put on the back of something that big?

3)  I have a pattern that will be 10x11 in 14 count, but I was thinking using 11 count.  What size with the finished project be, and do you still use 2 strands?




Thank you so much!


 
Look at that smile! (Photo guaranteed unretouched)
 
Member since:
Jul 1, 2009
Posts: 4610
Stitchboard Admin message #2
Re: Hello cross stitch wizards!
October 21, 2014 at 2:04:00 AM  (in response to MamaPak message #1)
 
Debi,

Welcome!  Kiss  We're so glad you like our site!

To answer your excellent questions (by no means am I an authority...this is what I've done with cross stitch...YMMV!):
1) For framing, if you don't mind spending a lot of money, you can bring your finished work to a shop and have it professionally framed; however, if you were to do so, I would strongly suggest talking to people who have brought cross stitch work there, because there are professional framing places that don't know how to frame cross stitch.  And you don't want to go with someone who is going to mess up your beautiful work!

For that reason (and others), I used to frame my own work.  It's very complex and I don't want to get into long descriptions, but it involved centering the work on mounting board, then pulling all sides tight and "lacing" the work in the back - e.g., taking stitches from top to bottom and side by side, to keep the fabric taut.

This was very, very tedious.  It's also why I don't have a lot of cross stitched pieces that are framed.  But it can be done...with a lot of trouble.

2) Honestly, I wouldn't recommend coating your finished work with any kind of coating.  If you notice a problem after, you won't be able to fix it.  And then there's the look of the fabric and floss.  You'll be giving up that look for a very plasticized look.  If that's what you like, it's one thing, but if you don't think you want your work looking plastic, I would say to be cautious.

I once had an issue with a bead project, and I was going to use what was basically a plastic coating on it.  Then a friend asked me if I would want my piece to be plastic rather than glass.  I did a lot of thinking and realized I would hate it looking all plastic, so I tore it out and started over the right way, and that worked.  Had I put the plastic on it, I wouldn't have been able to do that without buying all new materials.  Frown

3) For 11 count, your finished project would be approximately 12 3/4" x 14".  I've seen 11 count go either 2 or 3 strand, so it would probably be best if you tried both 2 and 3 strand to see what coverage you really like.  Also, you may find it uncomfortable to stitch with 3 strands...I sure did.  Frown

Hope that helps!  Kiss


Melanie  (cat slave and Official Feline Can Opener) =^.^=
~~~~~
I'm a beading, knitting and crochet addict.  If that means I'm admitting I have a problem, then I admit to nothing. Please refrain from helping me.


 
Member since:
Oct 9, 2014
Posts: 6
MamaPak message #3
Re: Hello cross stitch wizards!
November 16, 2014 at 3:09:50 PM  (in response to MamaPak message #1)
 
Melanie,

I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner to your great reply!  I can blame it on the fact that I have been very happily Cross Stitching away!  I have found a few fellow stitchers in my area which makes me even more excited!

Thanks again!

Debi 


 
Look at that smile! (Photo guaranteed unretouched)
 
Member since:
Jul 1, 2009
Posts: 4610
Stitchboard Admin message #4
Re: Hello cross stitch wizards!
November 17, 2014 at 1:52:56 AM  (in response to MamaPak message #3)
 
Debi,

You're very welcome!  Kiss

That's fantastic news...always great to find other stitchers nearby and to be busy with cross stitching!  Kiss


Melanie  (cat slave and Official Feline Can Opener) =^.^=
~~~~~
I'm a beading, knitting and crochet addict.  If that means I'm admitting I have a problem, then I admit to nothing. Please refrain from helping me.

 
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