Dolphin Cross Stitch Patterns

I've been framing for over 20 years now and have framed quite literally thousands of cross stitches in that time. Even though I have moved to different states I still am shipped cross stitches from all over the country to frame as apparently it is hard to find someone who does them well.

So I'm here to share three different ways you can mount a cross stitch and do it well. All are easy to do but require varying degrees of effort to get the desired results. Namely a cross stitch that sits straight and square so as to look it's best when framed.

All of the techniques mentioned here are archival in nature and meant to be totally reversible. I believe that most cross stitch are destined to be family heirlooms so by taking the proper time now, they will be around in good condition for future generations to enjoy.

I do not advocate the use of sticky boards as they are often not archival and indeed acids from the mounting boards may seep into the finished needlework and cause yellowing.

1. Lacing
I'm not a big fan of this technique as it isn't as successful for me to get a cross stitch piece to lay straight. That being said this is usually the method of choice for many frameshops. Lacing involves centering your cross stitch on you mounting board (I suggest an acid free foamcore as an excellent archival support) and simply threading back and forth across the back of the cross stitch to pull it tight. You would want to be sure your cross stitch edges have been serged (stitched) or somehow adjusted so they won't fray when laced.

2. Glueing
Again not something I do but this is by far the quickest way to mount a cross stitch. You would want to use a super sticky acid free ATG (double sided) tape. Once again center cross stitch on your board and fold the edges over onto the back side. Run a strip of ATG along all four edges and then pull and press the cross stitch over the tape. This is adjustable as the tape will release and so you can adjust it to get a straighter line. No need to serge the ends against fraying for this method.

#. Using Pins
This is the method I use. It is also the most time consuming but it also offers the best results. This time you center the cross stitch on your mounting board but them push 1/2 straight pins into the edge of the foamcore. This is also totally reversible with no damage to the actual needlework.

For A fully illustrated tutorial on mounting a cross stitch using straight pins please visit the lens below.