Hey…I finished a cross-stitch piece. This one was a long time coming…
Back in 2019 when Kramer my husband was in the hospital I was stitching this. I was back to stitching and wasn’t the best at knowing what I was doing.
I ended up stitching this too far to the right and ended up with little to frame it. I had thought I might make it into a pillow but then stopped and decided to add some fabric to the side instead.
I believe I heard either Olivia at Pumpkin Hollow Quilting or Kim the Contented Stitcher on Flosstube mention doing that. I thought it was a great idea.
So…I sewed some fabric to the edge.
I found an old picture frame at the thrift store. I think I paid $2 for it. I took it all apart before I realized that I didn’t take a picture of it first.
I measure my piece. I put masking tape on the frame and then marked my cutting lines. I use my sewing rulers for this all of the time.
I cut them with the… chop saw and glued them in place with wood glue. I use this handy clamp to hold it all together. (THIS is the clamp I used)
While that was all drying I took the time to lace my piece.
Here is what it looked like after I added the extra fabric.
You can see just a smidge of the fabric from the front but that won’t be seen as it will be hidden under the lip of the frame.
I tried something new this time…
I cut glass to go in the frame. I had ZERO idea that cutting glass was so easy. A blog reader encouraged me to give it a try and I did. I used THIS little tool.
It’s really about as easy as using a rotary cutter.
I lined everything up. Dipped the blade in sewing machine oil and ran it on the edge of the ruler. I picked up the glass, wobbled it at the seam I cut, and it broke (not a scary break) right on the cutting line.
I was shocked that it was so easy. I’ll be doing it again for sure!
Next I added
Next I used THIS little Glazier Point tool to poke in the glazier points.
They are easy to put in place.
Now my piece looked like this…
I added paper to the back to clean it all up. I also added my envelope and card to the back to record the information about the piece.
You can find the cards and holder for them HERE.
Oops. I have to cross out that 2019 by my name.
Here it is all finished. I love the molding on this little frame. It was just the perfect frame for it.
I thought I’d give you an up-close of how my corners look. They aren’t perfect but not bad for the beginner that I am.
This was a kit that included the chart and linen. This is likely 30-count linen so I used two floss threads over two linen threads. I have gone through my charts and didn’t think I would stitch some of the other Lizzie Kate charts I had but this turned out so cute. I might have to go back and look through the charts to see if I might want to keep a couple of them. Hmm. I love the size of these to change up the look of my stitching wall.
I am so excited that I’m tackling some of these projects myself and learning new skills. I guess it’s not too late to teach this old dog some new tricks. After every piece I finish I get more and more confident.
I’m off to see if there are any other pieces I have stitched but not finished. I’m just thrilled that I am able to finish these myself now. They aren’t perfect but they are much better finished than in the drawer.
Jo, thank you so much for this tutorial. I’m having trouble finding a frame for a Lizzie Kate piece that I just finished. I’m going to see if my husband can do the cutting and finishing for me as I have some neuropathy in my fingers and they don’t work so well anymore.
This is a great finish, Jo. So much cheaper than sending it off to be framed and just as good! Thanks for sharing the tools you used :-)
Jo you did a great job! Thanks for the instructions. I think I just might frame my next piece. Margie/TN
Great job! A question….what sort of board do you use to lace the piece over? I bought some foam board at Michael’s to use but the piece turned out so thick it barely fit in the frame afterwards. Thanks for all your help.
Congratulations on a great finish – what a terrific job you did on framing the L/K piece. It sure gives the rest of us hope that we might be able to do something like this! I know I feel awkward doing it. Including the frame, how much do you think you saved doing it yourself as compared to getting it framed?
Again, well done!
Love and prayers
Donna. I’ll talk about this in the next Ask JO.
Nicely done! Thanks for showing how it was done.
What is the beautiful red embroidery piece hanging on the wall above where you put the new piece?
That piece is Newcastle Bouquet by Teresa Kogut
Wouldn’t pieces stitched on larger count linen work well further up on your wall as they would be more visible? I agree that finished is way better than in a drawer! Blessings!
Great job, Jo! You are inspiring to someone like me who is afraid to cut glass or even cut a frame. I like the stitching too.
Very, very well done! It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone and try doing more adventurous things. I tried glass cutting it worked but I’m not fond of it.
Jo, you are such an inspiration! I thank you for all your encouragement from cutting down “rescue” frames, cutting glass, cross stitching with silk and smaller count linen!!
Such a beautiful job. I’m always game to learn something new. After one of your earlier posts I asked my son if he knew anything about a chop saw. His reply- Sure I’ll go out to the garage and get you one to use. He’s sure we can figure it out. Hurrying to get the piece done I want to frame. Got a frame for $2.50 at thrift store. You have got me back in to cross stitching and on to thrifting and framing. Thanks!
Have fun. It’s awesome you and your son can work together.
Jo’s Framing Shop! I love it. I went to a do-it-yourself frame shop once and it is fun to do! I think your corners are well done.
I love this piece because of the saying, I’m so glad you didn’t let it just sit. It’s great being able to do new things that really help us and it appears you can do many things that will also show others how to do new things too.
Congratulations Jo! It looks great and finished is always a good feeling.
That finished so nicely – great job! It looks gorgeous!
Guess I need to dig out my tote of stitched pieces and start gathering supplies – evidently I need to get to the thrift store too! If I make it a priority (after the September and October events are over…) I can get some finished pieces up on the wall… :)
Look at you! Really nice workmanship on that finish. You do have a way of making all things possible. So many times that is not the talk I hear in my head. I appreciate your enthusiasm and encouragement so much!
You inspire!
Great job Jo! Looks beautiful !!!
You are such an inspiration to finish things! Your frame is perfect for that piece.
your framing is great, you’re a brave girl to take on the framing. I’ve done a little, but your tips have encouraged me to try again. one little tip I got from a framer is to mist with water (very fine mist, very lightly) the brown paper backing (after it is glued on and dry) to make it tight and smooth. yours looks very smooth, but mine come out a little wrinkly if I don’t mist it.
Is there a concern with the cross stitch touching the glass? I think this chart will go on my wish list on 123 stitch.
I use spaces to keep the glass away from the stitching.
Thank you for this wonderful tutorial, a beautiful inspirational thought and the exciting idea of re-purposing those lovely old frames in a new project! I loved seeing this, so pretty. Also for showing us the tools you have used in re-sizing the frame; I’ve already ordered them and can’t wait to try making a frame for an embroidered piece that I’m doing. I absolutely love going thrift-store shopping and now this gives me another type of item to search for. Such fun!