Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Bringing Home the Tree Cross Stitch Pattern and How to Frame it Tutorial



Today I want to share my latest 
cross stitch pattern with you...


I designed it to go with my quilt
 by the same name
Bringing Home the Tree


And you can find that 
quilt pattern in my book



The same amazing company
It's Sew Emma
 who publish my quilting books 
also publish my cross stitch patterns!

They are hosting a Stitch Along 
for Bringing Home the Tree.
to read all about it!


Lately I've had a lot of people
 ask me how I frame my cross stitch.

I've posted tutorials and taught this 
 over the years but because 
I'm now designing my own patterns 
I have had a lot of different people
 ask me who are not quilters...
and are new to my blog and so
 I thought this would be 
a great time to show you again!


First of all I use acid free mat board 
and cut it the same size 
as the frame opening...
 then I place a piece of cotton batting 
on that cut the same size.
This frame happens to be an 8" x 10"
 so that's exactly what I cut 
my batting and mat board.

I lightly glue the batting 
in each corner of the mat board using
 Aleene's Glue 
because it's acid free.
You can get the mat board sheets in the 
framing section of places like
 Hobby Lobby, JoAnns or Michaels.

I just use an old rotary cutter blade
 and a quilting ruler to cut mine.
 You could use a craft knife or whatever 
you are most comfortable with.


I use the "lacing method" because I
 prefer not to glue my cross stitch down...
even with acid free glue.
I don't want to damage my piece and
 I also like the freedom of being able
 to change my mind if I want to later
 by "unlacing" my stitch and 
finishing it another way.
I have cross stitched for many years 
and you would be surprised how often
 I have done this with a piece 
after the way that I finished it
 goes out of style or I just 
simply want to refresh it!


I use cotton crochet thread 
because it's strong and I don't have to 
worry about it breaking
 during the lacing process.
I always use a doll needle when
 using cotton crochet thread...
it's long and has a larger eye
 to accomadate the thread.
If you have watched my pin cushion 
tutorials you know that this thread
 and needle are my favorite combo
 when making pincushions as well 
so I always keep both on hand.

You can see how I begin in the photo above..
and you can see why it's called 
"lacing"  because it's pretty much
 like lacing a shoe...
back and forth but with
 thread and needle.
I use a single strand 
and just knot it off when I run out
 and thread my needle again and continue. 


Then I start going the 
other direction like this.
Lacing is wonderful because it
 allows you the freedom of turning 
your piece over and adjusting it 
so that your stitching is centering
 on the front as you go along.

I adjust it simply by pulling 
the cloth and smoothing it with my hands 
on the front as I go along.


Once both sides are laced 
I start on the opposite corners.
Notice how I fold my corners so that 
 they don't show on the sides.


I finish up with the 
last corners and knot off my thread.


This is how the front looks 
and I could even adjust it now 
without un doing the lacing.

The lacing is very forgiving and if
 you have never done it before 
you may be surprised how much 
you can adjust it at this point.
This is another reason why 
I like to lace it.
This method is used by many and
 is also the method that professional 
frame shops frame needlework...
it really works great and 
with awesome results:)


I place it in the frame and just
 use the little metal things 
in the back to keep it in place.
Most frames have a bit of adjustment 
back there too so that your piece can 
slide back and forth if needed.
You can also use glass if it comes with the frame...
I just choose not to because
 I love the look and I like to
 see the texture of the stitching.
Later on down the road 
if you ever feel like you need to 
give it a "dusting"...
there always the vacuum attachment
 that will do the trick!


It looks great in a frame alone
 but you can always add a bow 
or greenery because its Christmas!

Because we are makers we all love to embellish and decorate right?
I've used the same "recipe" that
 most of us use to decorate 
all things like 
 wreaths...gift baskets...
shelves...mantles...tabletops:)
 for the seasons as well as 
embroideries and cross stitches.


The simple recipe is:
 Ribbon + Flowers/Greenery

I like to use several ribbons 
with different textures
 and sizes and colors and I usually 
do the same for the flowers or greenery.
Sometimes depending on the season 
I'll add things like 
acorns..flags...hearts or snowflakes:)

To me when embellishing something 
either large or small...
scale is everything.
To those of you who have been asking me
how to know when how much is too much...
here is my answer:
Do what you think looks cute
 for your own project and trust
 yourself to embellish it how you like.

But here is what I do 
when it comes to embellishing:
I like to use large scaled 
ribbons and things for large items...
like wider ribbons...big flowers etc. 
And smaller scale for
 smaller items like cross stitch
 because I do not want to take away
 from what I am embellishing...
especially when it's needlework.

I want to keep the focus on the stitching 
and the details in the design
 and just embellish it without over doing... 
being careful to keep it in balance.
I hope this answer helps!


Instead of a flower I used a 
snowflake tree ornament...
and used my Farm Girl Vintage 
gingham to cover a button for the center.
I use covered buttons alot as you know
 and I especially like to use them 
for flower centers...
and in this case snowflake centers!


And yes! 
My button now match my nails:)haha
I used a glue gun and glued
 it to the center of the snowflake.


I glued the snowflake to the 
ribbon and then onto the frame.
I just stuck the greenery in there...
 no glue needed...easy peasy.

I had the snowflake ornament already 
but I'm sure you can get one 
at any store during Christmas time.


I got my frame at Hobby Lobby


Here is the price and the SKU number...
use a coupon and it's 
really inexpensive for a frame!


I love how this turned out 
and I can't wait to add it
 to my holiday decor:)
if you would like to get a pattern
and then

if you would like to join in
 on the stitch along hosted by
Kimberly on her awesome
Tune in there every Wednesday morning 
for the livestream or watch it later 
because it remains there afterwards as well. 

Happy Stitching!
xx
Lori


4 comments:

  1. Thank you so much! Perfect timing as I am making a needlepoint for my sister this Christmas. I'm getting far enough along, I'm thinking about the framing. I used to use the adhesive padded boards, but they are impossible to adjust if you are a little off. Thanks again!

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  2. Thank You, I will have to try it!

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  3. Thank you for the tutorial on prepping your needlework for framing. Do you put it under glass or is the glass not used that typically comes with a frame? If there is no glass how do you do dust your needlework?

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  4. Lacing makes me think of those old timey corsets women used to wear. They had to have someone lace them up nice and tight for them. Lovely and yes, I like the less is more embellishing because I've seen some huge HUGE gawdy embellishments that hides part of the stitching and that's a shame.

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