Excellent tutorial. Thank you. I've not laced a cross stitched piece but now feel confident I can accomplish the task (with or without my husband's anchoring).
I was pushed to try this because of the exorbitant cost of framing a piece. It seemed overwhelming to me but your video made it so easy. Thank you so much - this will save me money for years to come!
Thanks to your video I have been able to stretch two cross stitch needlework my auntie has just completed. Both ready for framing now. So glad you up loaded this video. It’s the most easy to follow. Wonder tutorial I have found on this subject on UA-cam!
Thank you for your excellent video. I am back into cross stitching but can no longer afford to have professionally framed. Was mortified with other how to videos taping or pinning the work. The contrast of the darker colored thread made it so much easier to see what exactly you were doing. Can’t wait to frame my finished piece and give to my daughter.
This is great. I'm a Framer in England - and I was struggling to get needlework stretched and looking good. Having watched this tutorial and practised a few times - I can now do it, and I offer this as a service to customers who don't want to do it themselves (or don't know how). Thank you so much. You did a great job , very clear and easy to follow.
Thank so much for making this video. I know it’s from 9 years ago but I think it’s the best one out there! It makes it so much easier using the slip knot to add new thread. That was a total game changer for me. Thank you again for the great video! I hope all is well!
I don't know how I missed this video. It was perfectly clear and very easy to follow. I am self taught, but there were little nuances that you do differently that were wonderful. I have definitely saved this one. Thank you so much.
My first attempt turned out great - I like this so much better than pinning because you can adjust it a bit as needed. Thanks so much for teaching me a new skill!
Great video. Very informative and easy to understand. I’ve always framed my work, but had never tried lacing, until now. I started my first piece, watched you a bit, went back to my piece, laced some more. Lol. It’s taking a while to do, but the finished piece is turning out just perfect. It’s for my granddaughter for Christmas, and I must say I’m quite proud of it. Had I not run across this video though, it may have been a disaster. Thank you soooo much for taking the time to show us and explain things so well. I’m a fan of yours now, for sure ! Blessings, grandma GG.
Thank you so much for your video! I recently needed to lace a small project and it was your video I found on You Tube that helped me achieve a successful outcome. I’m grateful for folks like you that share your talents, so the rest of us can learn. True video was well done. Thanks again. Carol
Wonderful, detailed, helpful instructions. And great filming too. You answered all my questions. I could see clearly. I feel like I can do it. Fingers crossed. Thanks so much.
Janet, thank you so much for this awesome video. I have watched it to finish two projects and have saved a ton of money by framing myself! Both projects look great! Your instructions are amazing and I am soooo grateful for your step by step instructions!
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, I have tried stretching & framing my work in the past but not been happy with the result, now I can see where I was going wrong. I used my new found knowledge and the result is now hanging on my wall, without your help it was destined to live in my needlework box.
This is great!! I've stretched and laced my own projects but they don't come out this nice! The instructions being SO step by step makes it so easy! I'm excited to try this with my next project! :)
I so wish I had found this tutorial before my past poor attempts to lace my embroideries. I've taken notes and will return to the work room in the morning, full of confidence that I will make a better job of the several pieces that lie in wait for my attention. Thank you so much for sharing knowledge & experience in such a calm, friendly manner, brilliant !.
I am so glad I found this video. Framing of my last project costed me so much and 1/3 of that cost could be reduced by doing lacing myself. Now that I know how to do it, I'll be saving so much money! And thank you so much for your tutorial - now I see lacing is not a rocket science and the person who is able to do a decent embroidery certainly can do lacing by herself! Thanks so much, very informative video, loved it!
That was excellent I've always managed to lace my cross stitch (in a fashion) but I am really confident in being able to frame my next cross stitch to the extent that I will get on and finish it now. Many many thanks.
Just wanted to say thank you! I am ready to start lacing and am so glad I saw your method! Wow you have saved me a lot of grief! Thank you Thank you...this was well done and explained so I am not afraid...
Thank you for a great tutorial, I have always got my finished cross stitch professionally framed but its costing me a fortune! I've been trawling you tube looking at cross stitch framing and this is the best one I've found, thanks again i will be giving this a try :)
Thank you so much for an excellent tutorial, you have given me the confidence to have a go myself. I love your natural and relaxed teaching style, I have learned so much from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. x
Wonderful! It has been years since I laced a piece of needlework and I could not remember how to do it! This is a fantastic video and I really appreciate how much detail you put into it. Thank you sooo much!!
Thank you for this video. I'm a bit of a traditionalist and so I'm not so much into the glueing, taping, etc that all other video's I seem to find on finishing cross stitch projects.
Thank you so much for this video! I no longer have a good needlework framer in my area and was nervous about taking it someplace like Hobby Lobby or JoAnn. I was afraid they would just tape it. Now my piece is all laced up and ready to go, thanks to your video! I was a bit intimidated by it, but it was really easy to follow your instructions! I'll be lacing all of mine myself from now on!
Thank you for this very informative and extremely useful tutorial; it is clear and straightforward. Looking forward to apply this on my next piece of work. It's very kind of you to share your knowledge! :)
I mark the centres on each edge of my mountboard on the back of the board. I then baste stitch the centres on each side of my stitched piece so I can line them up. I then gauge approximately where the fabric will fold over the board and put a basting stitch all the way around - counting the Xs rather than using a ruler. I then have a line on 4 sides to guide me when I'm pinning. Thank you for your video as I lack confidence with lacing and tend to pin and stick with masking or framing tape.
Hi Janet, i recently got some prices for mounting and lacing my embroideries and it was proving just far too expensive as i'm hoping to try sell some.I cannot possibly thank you enough for this wonderful tutorial.i will be having a go now for sure.Thanks so much xxx
Needed a refresher on lacing and your video fit the bill...great job !!! I'd never used #8 pearl cotton floss/thread before for lacing, but like it so much better than heavy sewing thread. Thanks so much for sharing your tutorial :-)!!
Such a helpful tutorial!!! Thank you for making this and being So thorough :) greatly appreciated. Have so many pieces and had no clue how to prep them for framing! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I have been doing needlework for many years but always had them professionally blocked/framed. Now that I am retired I decided to try and do this myself - you are a lifesaver!!! I followed your instructions very closely and am thrilled with the result. I also thought I would try and cut my own mats (using youtube directions) but I have to admit, this did not turn out well - off the art store for that. Thank you very much for your excellent video
Thank you Janet...have never tried lacing but I think I'm going to. I have tried pinning before by lining up along one thread but found it very tedious, maybe I'll have better luck with this method.
Hi that was a great video lot's of good info thanks so much when l go to finish my next cross stitch piece l will be watching your video again thanks big help to all
I wrote to you before but I forgot to ask you a question. When your ironing a counted cross-stitch project, face-down on a towel, what should your iron setting be on? Also, what setting on your iron would be good if you used beads and metallic threads? I have been told many things but I wanted to check in with you and see what you said. Because you have given me good advice so far:o) Thank you so much for all of your help! Your really quite wonderful. You taught me how to lace my projects so I have gotten caught up on years worth of projects and am stitching new prpjects:o) Thank you.
Hi Laura! Sorry for the long wait! I use my iron on cotton with steam.. Unless there are metallic threads or that fishing line type thread used to attach beads. Then I will lower the heat and cover the back with a thin cloth(like a t-shirt or the like) then I try to iron like normal, just making sure I stear clear of the areas that have the plastic line or metallic that can melt with high heat. So I'm basically getting the wrinkles out of the fabric, without rubbing the iron over the delicate stitched part. Hope that helps! Janet
I use a steamer when I do mine. I wash it in Orvus, roll it in a towel to dry it & steam it when it is dry. My steamer has a small tank that sits on the floor & a long hose. I lay the piece face down on a clean ironing board surface/press cloth (or on a white terry towel if there are delicate beads, metallics, etc...) & gently go over the back with the steamer wand. Works a charm. The only thing I have to watch is for water drips since I am steaming it horizontally instead of the usual vertical. So I occasionally hold up the wand & jiggle it so the drips go back down the tube. I also use distilled water so there aren't as many minerals (just in case it does drip). It also works wonderfully to flatten folded or rolled linen, adia, etc... from my stash before stitching too! If you were super worried about things melting you could always hang them in the steam & see what happens... BUT I have never had a problem with the steamer and it doesn't mash the stitching or get caught on the edges of things.
If I have spent ex amount of hours on a cross stitch (small or big) I do NOT want to give it to a framer who is going to staple it! I want it to be done properly as in laced. So why don't we give it to him already laced. That way it is going to be cheaper to frame using his professional expertise to get the right frame and backing board etc. He knows what he is doing when it comes to cutting 'straight' lines.Once we know what we are doing we can offer our services - we know what we are doing!
No, it doesn't Sarah. I use the same size thread no matter the fabric count. Although I couldn't say for sure with really high count fabric like 40-50 count, I can't go that high! Lol :)
Your video is GREAT!! I was referred by Elena (the bake shop owner in the Bat area). I am not crafty so this was done so well; I think I can lace. ONE QUESTION: What would be the best tool to cut the mat board straight? Thanks a million! Are u going to make anymore videos for flosstube??
Hi Karen! Thanks :) I use a utility knife (make sure it's a good blade). Also use a quilter's ruler to keep the edge straight while cutting. Hope that helps! Janet
This vid is 5 yrs old and still relevant! I have a question. Some stitchers frame without glass, I'm planning on framing with glass. I've read that when framing with glass you should use spacers to keep the stitches off of the glass. I haven't found any cross stitching related vids concerning using spacers. And I wondered if instead it was possible to just cut a frame a foam core to go on the outer edge in front of the cross stich, hidden, but creating space. Like a mat board, but not a mat because it's hidden, and because I'm not fond of them. It wouldn't be very wide, and would require lots of measuring, but with limited resources it would be easier than hunting down spacers that I don't know how to utilize. Or does it even matter if the stitches are against the glass at the end of the day? Any thoughts? Thanks!
GreenEcheveria.. Thanks! I always use museum (preservation) glass with my stitching, but it is pricier. I am a proponent of keeping your work protected by glass, UNLESS it is not something you care to save for generations. I also always use spacers if not using mating. Any framer will have 'spacers', which they can sell to you. They are basically long, thin pieces of black/white plastic with a adhesive back that you cut to size and stick on the glass edges to keep your piece directly off the glass itself. You could try cutting strips of foam core, but it wouldn't be worth your time and frustration. They are worth the small cost, trust me! I hope this helps, if you have any more questions, please let me know.. :) Janet
I’m thinking about using a black foam board since this is my very first project and the back is horrendous lol the beige project ( wedding theme with names and marriage date for each of my two sons) As I do more projects I will pay more attention to the back. My question is can I use a black board with the beige project?
Have you ever added padding before framing? Wondering how you would center all the different layers. (Thank you for this video. I was self-taught and did it almost exactly the same way.)
If I were to use batting for the padded look (like with ornaments), I use acid free spray adhesive and tack down the batting, then lace as normal. Hope that makes sense! :)
Thanks for your video! I was wondering about the way you stitched the outside edges of the fabric; is it by hand or by machine? I can't find any videos or other how-tos about this, most info says to tape the fabric before you start your project but I didn't do that. The Aida fabric I used (which I tea dyed before stitching) hasn't frayed at all so I'm not sure if I need to worry about it. Thanks.
Lisa Undercoffler, thanks! I just use my sewing machine and do a regular zigzag stitch. Please don't use tape, as the acids will break down the fabric. If you don't have a machine, just whip stitch the edges by hand. You could leave them raw, but your using a decent amount of tension to lace, so it might make your fabric fray. :) Janet
Thanks so much for the demo on lacing. Reminded me of that saying..."How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." Love the Edgar A. Poe piece foe Halloween. Could you share details about the pattern? I would like to know where to find it. Thanks again, Kathy
hi! I have used this method a few times, and I have found that the corners tend to be bulky because of the many layers of fabric. is there another way to cut/fold the corners to reduce bulk?
Melanie McDaniel, what type of fabric are you using, and how much leftover are you leaving after you've stitched your piece? If you're using aida (which is thicker than linen) and/or have too much leftover fabric for lacing, that could be your issue :) Janet
I want to thank you for you putting out videos to help all of us. That is sweet! I have a question. No matter what brand of aida cloth I use I can never get all of the wrinkles out of it after I washed and ironed it. I let the needlework soak in barely warm water with a cleaner for delicates. i soak it a few minutes and gentle swish it around and let it soak some more. Then I rinse it and let it drip dry. I hever wring/squeeze it out because i have found that causes more wrinkles. When it is dry I iron the piece face-down on a folded up towel. I do not know what I am doing wrong. I must be retarded! I am desperate. Should I not let my work completely dry before I iron it? Do you know what I am doing wrong? I do not want to use alcohol sprays to relax the cloth and take out the wrinkles. Can you please help? I will take any and all suggestions. Thank you so much for your help in this matter. Have a great evening. Laura
Thanks for your feedback! :) and to not have wrinkles, keep the Aida damp, put front side down on a towel, then iron. If you have any metallics or beads on it, put a clean thin towel or cloth over the back before ironing.
+Trixie Stitches Thank you so much! Your wonderful! I really appreciate your tip on metallics and beads. i am starting to use mor of those so I would have needed the information soon. Thank you so much!
+Trixie Stitches Here I am bothering you again! But I forgot to ask you some ironing questions for needlework.What setting do you iron needlework on? Can you move your iron or should you press, lift and then reposition the iron? Should you iron your piece when it is damp, until it is dry? What setting do you iron projects with beads and/or metallic threads? How to you protect beads and metallic threads? Thank you so much! I so appreciate being able to draw upon your wisdom and experience. If you have time there is a video I would like you to watch on you tube. It is professional mounting in a store situation. Go to you tube and type in "Mounting Needlework." It should be the first or second on the list. The sites name is MilitaryMemoriesAndYou. The reason I want you to watch it is because this is what I was going to do until I found your video, plus it does have a few good tips on it. Let me know what you think. Have a wonderful week-end and thank you again. PS I had to tell you that when you got to the part in your video and talked about this was where you husband usually helped you then his hand showed up, well, that was just down right cute:o)
Dear Janet this is my most watched video on UA-cam.. Thank you so much for making it
You're so welcome :)
Thank you for this - I had great success the first time thanks to your clear instructions.
I am so glad I found this tutorial as I have now successfully laced two pieces - thank you
My first time lacing. Janet was so easy to follow! It went perfectly for me. Thank you for such clear instructions!
Excellent tutorial. Thank you. I've not laced a cross stitched piece but now feel confident I can accomplish the task (with or without my husband's anchoring).
I was pushed to try this because of the exorbitant cost of framing a piece. It seemed overwhelming to me but your video made it so easy. Thank you so much - this will save me money for years to come!
Thanks to your video I have been able to stretch two cross stitch needlework my auntie has just completed. Both ready for framing now. So glad you up loaded this video. It’s the most easy to follow. Wonder tutorial I have found on this subject on UA-cam!
This video is exactly what I was looking for. You give the right amount of detail and demonstrate so clearly. Thank you for posting.
Thank you for your excellent video. I am back into cross stitching but can no longer afford to have professionally framed. Was mortified with other how to videos taping or pinning the work. The contrast of the darker colored thread made it so much easier to see what exactly you were doing. Can’t wait to frame my finished piece and give to my daughter.
So glad it's helpful to you!
This is great. I'm a Framer in England - and I was struggling to get needlework stretched and looking good. Having watched this tutorial and practised a few times - I can now do it, and I offer this as a service to customers who don't want to do it themselves (or don't know how). Thank you so much. You did a great job , very clear and easy to follow.
That's great! Glad it helped you! :) Janet
CB p no
Thank so much for making this video. I know it’s from 9 years ago but I think it’s the best one out there! It makes it so much easier using the slip knot to add new thread. That was a total game changer for me. Thank you again for the great video! I hope all is well!
You are most welcome! I'm so glad it's been a help to you :) Janet
Thank you - this was such a helpful video! Your pointers made lacing my embroidery straightforward and I’m pleased with the outcome.
You're welcome! Glad it helped :) Janet
I don't know how I missed this video. It was perfectly clear and very easy to follow. I am self taught, but there were little nuances that you do differently that were wonderful. I have definitely saved this one. Thank you so much.
My first attempt turned out great - I like this so much better than pinning because you can adjust it a bit as needed. Thanks so much for teaching me a new skill!
Great video. Very informative and easy to understand. I’ve always framed my work, but had never tried lacing, until now. I started my first piece, watched you a bit, went back to my piece, laced some more. Lol. It’s taking a while to do, but the finished piece is turning out just perfect. It’s for my granddaughter for Christmas, and I must say I’m quite proud of it. Had I not run across this video though, it may have been a disaster. Thank you soooo much for taking the time to show us and explain things so well. I’m a fan of yours now, for sure ! Blessings, grandma GG.
That's great! Congrats on your piece and glad the video was helpful :) Janet
Thank you so much for your video! I recently needed to lace a small project and it was your video I found on You Tube that helped me achieve a successful outcome. I’m grateful for folks like you that share your talents, so the rest of us can learn. True video was well done. Thanks again. Carol
Carol Hogan You're welcome!! :) Janet
Thank you! This was a great tutorial. Now I feel more confident about finishing some of my pieces myself. So happy I found you. 💖☘️💖
Thank you best video on lacing I have seen.
You're welcome! :)
Wonderful, detailed, helpful instructions. And great filming too. You answered all my questions. I could see clearly. I feel like I can do it. Fingers crossed. Thanks so much.
Janet, thank you so much for this awesome video. I have watched it to finish two projects and have saved a ton of money by framing myself! Both projects look great! Your instructions are amazing and I am soooo grateful for your step by step instructions!
I love your stitched piece. It's beautiful.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, I have tried stretching & framing my work in the past but not been happy with the result, now I can see where I was going wrong. I used my new found knowledge and the result is now hanging on my wall, without your help it was destined to live in my needlework box.
That's wonderful! So glad it helped you :) Janet
This is great!! I've stretched and laced my own projects but they don't come out this nice! The instructions being SO step by step makes it so easy! I'm excited to try this with my next project! :)
I like your center marking - leaves no doubt
I so wish I had found this tutorial before my past poor attempts to lace my embroideries. I've taken notes and will return to the work room in the morning, full of confidence that I will make a better job of the several pieces that lie in wait for my attention. Thank you so much for sharing knowledge & experience in such a calm, friendly manner, brilliant !.
Your very welcome!
I am so glad I found this video. Framing of my last project costed me so much and 1/3 of that cost could be reduced by doing lacing myself. Now that I know how to do it, I'll be saving so much money! And thank you so much for your tutorial - now I see lacing is not a rocket science and the person who is able to do a decent embroidery certainly can do lacing by herself! Thanks so much, very informative video, loved it!
That was excellent I've always managed to lace my cross stitch (in a fashion) but I am really confident in being able to frame my next cross stitch to the extent that I will get on and finish it now. Many many thanks.
Brilliant, clear and concise video. You make it look effortless, but I'm sure it isn't. Will give it a go with your expert guidance. Thank you Janet!
Just wanted to say thank you! I am ready to start lacing and am so glad I saw your method! Wow you have saved me a lot of grief! Thank you Thank you...this was well done and explained so I am not afraid...
So glad it was helpful! :)
Thank you for a great tutorial, I have always got my finished cross stitch professionally framed but its costing me a fortune! I've been trawling you tube looking at cross stitch framing and this is the best one I've found, thanks again i will be giving this a try :)
Thank you so much for an excellent tutorial, you have given me the confidence to have a go myself. I love your natural and relaxed teaching style, I have learned so much from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. x
Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful :) Janet
Trixie Stitches - it turned out brilliantly. I’m absolutely over the moon. Thank you so much. X
Wonderful! It has been years since I laced a piece of needlework and I could not remember how to do it! This is a fantastic video and I really appreciate how much detail you put into it. Thank you sooo much!!
vrrusa you're very welcome! So glad it's been helpful :) Janet
Thank you for this video. I'm a bit of a traditionalist and so I'm not so much into the glueing, taping, etc that all other video's I seem to find on finishing cross stitch projects.
Great video! Thanks so much--will definitely be framing more of my own works from now on!
So helpful, thank you! I’ve never tried lacing my own pieces before, but my usual framers are retiring. I’m excited to see it laid out this way!
Thank you so much for this video! I no longer have a good needlework framer in my area and was nervous about taking it someplace like Hobby Lobby or JoAnn. I was afraid they would just tape it. Now my piece is all laced up and ready to go, thanks to your video! I was a bit intimidated by it, but it was really easy to follow your instructions! I'll be lacing all of mine myself from now on!
Pam Koontz that's great! So glad it helped you! :) Janet
Thank you for this very informative and extremely useful tutorial; it is clear and straightforward.
Looking forward to apply this on my next piece of work.
It's very kind of you to share your knowledge! :)
I mark the centres on each edge of my mountboard on the back of the board. I then baste stitch the centres on each side of my stitched piece so I can line them up. I then gauge approximately where the fabric will fold over the board and put a basting stitch all the way around - counting the Xs rather than using a ruler. I then have a line on 4 sides to guide me when I'm pinning. Thank you for your video as I lack confidence with lacing and tend to pin and stick with masking or framing tape.
Love the information from your video. Can’t wait to try it on a piece of needlework!
This was wonderfully helpful Janet - thank you so much!
Your welcome! :)
Hi Janet, i recently got some prices for mounting and lacing my embroideries and it was proving just far too expensive as i'm hoping to try sell some.I cannot possibly thank you enough for this wonderful tutorial.i will be having a go now for sure.Thanks so much xxx
Thank you so much for your tutorial. Just laced my first of many projects.
You're very welcome! Glad it was helpful :) Janet
Needed a refresher on lacing and your video fit the bill...great job !!! I'd never used #8 pearl cotton floss/thread before for lacing, but like it so much better than heavy sewing thread.
Thanks so much for sharing your tutorial :-)!!
Wonderfully helpful ... Thanks so much.
Thank you so much for this video! I was scared to do this, but it was easy after watching your video. Now I wanna frame more embroidery! :-D
Wonderful! :)
Such a helpful tutorial!!! Thank you for making this and being So thorough :) greatly appreciated. Have so many pieces and had no clue how to prep them for framing! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you so much! I believe I can do this now.
This is what I am looking for! It is a great!
Thanks for this. It’s exactly what I needed.
I have been doing needlework for many years but always had them professionally blocked/framed. Now that I am retired I decided to try and do this myself - you are a lifesaver!!! I followed your instructions very closely and am thrilled with the result. I also thought I would try and cut my own mats (using youtube directions) but I have to admit, this did not turn out well - off the art store for that. Thank you very much for your excellent video
Wonderful! So glad it helped you :)
Super helpful video!! Thank you for suggesting I come check it out! 💕-Jen
You're welcome! :)
Your video is SO helpful!! Thank you for posting it. I'm going to attempt this technique on a very wonky needlepoint...
Thank you for a great tutorial.
Amazingly helpful. Thank you!
Very helpful! Thank you very much!!
Great tutorial! I did hear the snap of the thread :D.
Thank you!!
Thanks :)
Thank you Janet...have never tried lacing but I think I'm going to. I have tried pinning before by lining up along one thread but found it very tedious, maybe I'll have better luck with this method.
Thank you very much for this tutorial; it was MOST helpful!!!!!
Your welcome! :)
This is so helpful! Can't wait to try it! Thanks :)
Your welcome!! :) Janet
Thanks, I found it very helpful.
Thank you for the informative video
Hi that was a great video lot's of good info thanks so much when l go to finish my next cross stitch piece l will be watching your video again thanks big help to all
What a great tutorial! Thank you!
Thanks! Your welcome :)
I wrote to you before but I forgot to ask you a question. When your ironing a counted cross-stitch project, face-down on a towel, what should your iron setting be on? Also, what setting on your iron would be good if you used beads and metallic threads? I have been told many things but I wanted to check in with you and see what you said. Because you have given me good advice so far:o) Thank you so much for all of your help! Your really quite wonderful. You taught me how to lace my projects so I have gotten caught up on years worth of projects and am stitching new prpjects:o) Thank you.
Hi Laura! Sorry for the long wait! I use my iron on cotton with steam.. Unless there are metallic threads or that fishing line type thread used to attach beads. Then I will lower the heat and cover the back with a thin cloth(like a t-shirt or the like) then I try to iron like normal, just making sure I stear clear of the areas that have the plastic line or metallic that can melt with high heat. So I'm basically getting the wrinkles out of the fabric, without rubbing the iron over the delicate stitched part. Hope that helps! Janet
I use a steamer when I do mine. I wash it in Orvus, roll it in a towel to dry it & steam it when it is dry. My steamer has a small tank that sits on the floor & a long hose. I lay the piece face down on a clean ironing board surface/press cloth (or on a white terry towel if there are delicate beads, metallics, etc...) & gently go over the back with the steamer wand. Works a charm. The only thing I have to watch is for water drips since I am steaming it horizontally instead of the usual vertical. So I occasionally hold up the wand & jiggle it so the drips go back down the tube. I also use distilled water so there aren't as many minerals (just in case it does drip). It also works wonderfully to flatten folded or rolled linen, adia, etc... from my stash before stitching too! If you were super worried about things melting you could always hang them in the steam & see what happens... BUT I have never had a problem with the steamer and it doesn't mash the stitching or get caught on the edges of things.
If I have spent ex amount of hours on a cross stitch (small or big) I do NOT want to give it to a framer who is going to staple it! I want it to be done properly as in laced. So why don't we give it to him already laced. That way it is going to be cheaper to frame using his professional expertise to get the right frame and backing board etc. He knows what he is doing when it comes to cutting 'straight' lines.Once we know what we are doing we can offer our services - we know what we are doing!
You're welcome Linda! So glad it's been helpful :)
Best video out there on how to lace cross stitch! Now I just need a video on how to lace needlepoint. Can't find one anywhere! Any suggestions?
Thanks! And no.. I haven't seen one for needlepoint, I would be interested also. Although I think the concept is the same.
Thank you for this tutorial! Quick question...does the lacing thread size/type change depending on the type/count of fabric you are using?
Wonderful!, I'm so happy it helped you and that the video worked for you :-)
Thank you, I am going to attempt my first stretching wish me luck.
thank you, most helpful and generous tutorial. How would you mat it afterwards, if you don't mind my asking? Would you shim it?
No, it doesn't Sarah. I use the same size thread no matter the fabric count. Although I couldn't say for sure with really high count fabric like 40-50 count, I can't go that high! Lol :)
Your video is GREAT!! I was referred by Elena (the bake shop owner in the Bat area). I am not crafty so this was done so well; I think I can lace. ONE QUESTION: What would be the best tool to cut the mat board straight? Thanks a million! Are u going to make anymore videos for flosstube??
Hi Karen! Thanks :) I use a utility knife (make sure it's a good blade). Also use a quilter's ruler to keep the edge straight while cutting. Hope that helps! Janet
And yes, I will be making more videos, I'm just terribly slow :)
thank you for this is great just one question and this finished would you now to make a frame to put it in
Thanks Alan! I've had a few ask for that also, I will try and do that in the future :)
This vid is 5 yrs old and still relevant! I have a question. Some stitchers frame without glass, I'm planning on framing with glass. I've read that when framing with glass you should use spacers to keep the stitches off of the glass. I haven't found any cross stitching related vids concerning using spacers. And I wondered if instead it was possible to just cut a frame a foam core to go on the outer edge in front of the cross stich, hidden, but creating space. Like a mat board, but not a mat because it's hidden, and because I'm not fond of them. It wouldn't be very wide, and would require lots of measuring, but with limited resources it would be easier than hunting down spacers that I don't know how to utilize. Or does it even matter if the stitches are against the glass at the end of the day? Any thoughts? Thanks!
GreenEcheveria.. Thanks! I always use museum (preservation) glass with my stitching, but it is pricier. I am a proponent of keeping your work protected by glass, UNLESS it is not something you care to save for generations. I also always use spacers if not using mating. Any framer will have 'spacers', which they can sell to you. They are basically long, thin pieces of black/white plastic with a adhesive back that you cut to size and stick on the glass edges to keep your piece directly off the glass itself. You could try cutting strips of foam core, but it wouldn't be worth your time and frustration. They are worth the small cost, trust me! I hope this helps, if you have any more questions, please let me know.. :) Janet
Trixie Stitches.Thanks! That's incredibly helpful.
I’m thinking about using a black foam board since this is my very first project and the back is horrendous lol the beige project ( wedding theme with names and marriage date for each of my two sons) As I do more projects I will pay more attention to the back. My question is can I use a black board with the beige project?
Yes, absolutely! I had to do that on a baby sampler years ago for the same reason. :) Janet
Have you ever added padding before framing? Wondering how you would center all the different layers. (Thank you for this video. I was self-taught and did it almost exactly the same way.)
If I were to use batting for the padded look (like with ornaments), I use acid free spray adhesive and tack down the batting, then lace as normal. Hope that makes sense! :)
Certainly does! Thank you. I'm not very crafty and don't even know about products like that. I'll give that a try.
Thanks for your video! I was wondering about the way you stitched the outside edges of the fabric; is it by hand or by machine? I can't find any videos or other how-tos about this, most info says to tape the fabric before you start your project but I didn't do that. The Aida fabric I used (which I tea dyed before stitching) hasn't frayed at all so I'm not sure if I need to worry about it. Thanks.
Lisa Undercoffler, thanks! I just use my sewing machine and do a regular zigzag stitch. Please don't use tape, as the acids will break down the fabric. If you don't have a machine, just whip stitch the edges by hand. You could leave them raw, but your using a decent amount of tension to lace, so it might make your fabric fray. :) Janet
Good luck! :-)
Can I ask if you have added a zigzag hem to your work prior to lacing it?
I do, yes. I would worry about the tension pulling out threads. Janet
Love the pattern... is there some where I can purchase the pattern?
It's called The Master and the Macabre by Cross Eyed Cricket
Tha's great! Glad it was helpful :-)
Thanks so much for the demo on lacing. Reminded me of that saying..."How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." Love the Edgar A. Poe piece foe Halloween. Could you share details about the pattern? I would like to know where to find it. Thanks again, Kathy
Thanks for your helpful video. Does the knot have a name?
The one tying off the ends is just a basic box knot. The 'snapping' joining 2 thread together are basically a slip knot :) hope that helps! :)
Thanks. My project turned our great :)
hi! I have used this method a few times, and I have found that the corners tend to be bulky because of the many layers of fabric. is there another way to cut/fold the corners to reduce bulk?
Melanie McDaniel, what type of fabric are you using, and how much leftover are you leaving after you've stitched your piece? If you're using aida (which is thicker than linen) and/or have too much leftover fabric for lacing, that could be your issue :) Janet
Thank you for getting back to me. I think too much fabric is the issue. 😃
I want to thank you for you putting out videos to help all of us. That is sweet! I have a question. No matter what brand of aida cloth I use I can never get all of the wrinkles out of it after I washed and ironed it. I let the needlework soak in barely warm water with a cleaner for delicates. i soak it a few minutes and gentle swish it around and let it soak some more. Then I rinse it and let it drip dry. I hever wring/squeeze it out because i have found that causes more wrinkles. When it is dry I iron the piece face-down on a folded up towel. I do not know what I am doing wrong. I must be retarded! I am desperate. Should I not let my work completely dry before I iron it? Do you know what I am doing wrong? I do not want to use alcohol sprays to relax the cloth and take out the wrinkles. Can you please help? I will take any and all suggestions. Thank you so much for your help in this matter. Have a great evening. Laura
Thanks for your feedback! :) and to not have wrinkles, keep the Aida damp, put front side down on a towel, then iron. If you have any metallics or beads on it, put a clean thin towel or cloth over the back before ironing.
+Trixie Stitches Thank you so much! Your wonderful! I really appreciate your tip on metallics and beads. i am starting to use mor of those so I would have needed the information soon. Thank you so much!
+Laura Moore Your welcome! And if you ever use hand dyed fabric or threads, they aren't colorfast, so don't wash those :)
+Trixie Stitches Here I am bothering you again! But I forgot to ask you some ironing questions for needlework.What setting do you iron needlework on? Can you move your iron or should you press, lift and then reposition the iron? Should you iron your piece when it is damp, until it is dry? What setting do you iron projects with beads and/or metallic threads? How to you protect beads and metallic threads? Thank you so much! I so appreciate being able to draw upon your wisdom and experience. If you have time there is a video I would like you to watch on you tube. It is professional mounting in a store situation. Go to you tube and type in "Mounting Needlework." It should be the first or second on the list. The sites name is MilitaryMemoriesAndYou. The reason I want you to watch it is because this is what I was going to do until I found your video, plus it does have a few good tips on it. Let me know what you think. Have a wonderful week-end and thank you again. PS I had to tell you that when you got to the part in your video and talked about this was where you husband usually helped you then his hand showed up, well, that was just down right cute:o)
Laura Moore i
Rosella, what do you mean by "shim" it?
So how did it go? Hope you were able to do it ok :-)