Crestar Frames Cross-Stitch Artwork – Here's How We Do It

At Crestar Picture Framing, we take pride in everything we do here—whether it’s a priceless heirloom or a quirky piece of personal art. If you’re reading this, you’re probably curious about something a little different, and especially delicate: cross-stitch artwork. Luckily for you, our team of expert framers know exactly how to handle that—with care, precision, and the respect your hand-stitched piece deserves 

To put it simply: If we’ve framed a whole guitar (yes, seriously), we can absolutely frame your cross-stitch masterpiece. 

Why Go To a Custom Frame Shop for Cross-Stitch? 

At first glance, framing a cross-stitch piece might seem no different than framing a photo or a poster. But once you’ve held a hand-stitched piece in your hands, you know it’s anything but ordinary.

Needlework pieces are unique. They’re textured, dimensional, and often take dozens or even hundreds of hours to complete. Many are passed down through families, given as heartfelt gifts, or made to celebrate life’s special milestones. And unlike printed artwork, there’s no simple way to replicate a cross-stitch piece once it’s made—it’s truly one of a kind.

So why trust a custom framer with something so special?

Because we understand how important it is.

We use archival-quality, conservation-grade materials that protect your piece from damage over time. We don’t just want your stitching to look good for the next few months. We want it to stay clean, flat, and vibrant for generations. 

Now, let’s walk you through exactly how we frame cross-stitch artwork—step-by-step.

Step 1: Cleaning and Pressing the Fabric

Before we begin framing your cross-stitch, we take the time to carefully inspect the fabric. If it needs a bit of freshening up, we’ll provide you with guidance on gentle washing and pressing techniques to remove any wrinkles, oils, or residue. Having clean fabric is the key to a truly successful, professional frame job.

Step 2: Measuring and Mounting

We then measure your stitched piece to guarantee perfect centering within the frame. This step is important in order to make sure your design is balanced and visually pleasing. Once the placement is confirmed, we stretch the fabric over an acid-free backing board to provide a stable, supportive foundation that won’t damage your work over time. 

To secure the fabric, we use a traditional method called lacing, which involves threading along the back to gently and evenly pull the fabric tight. Unlike adhesives or tape, lacing is non-invasive and completely reversible, meaning your cross-stitch remains unharmed and can be remounted in the future if needed.

Step 3: Matting and Spacing

Adding a mat creates visual space to the overall look of your design and serves as an important protective function by not letting it touch the glass, which can trap moisture and flatten raised stitches over time. We offer a wide variety of mat styles, colors, and textures to complement your piece—whether you prefer something bold and modern or subtle and classic. If your work includes specialty elements like beads or dimensional stitching, we’ll use spacers to ensure everything remains safe and undisturbed within the frame.

Need help choosing the perfect mat? Check out our blog post, 50 Shades of White: Choosing the Right Mat, for tips on how to match tone, style, and fabric for the best presentation.

Step 4: Choosing the Right Frame

The frame you choose is the finishing touch that ties everything together. Our custom framing experts will help you through a curated selection of styles—from rustic wood to sleek contemporary options—so you can find the perfect match for your piece and your space. The right frame should help to enhance the look of your stitching without overpowering it, and we’re here to help you strike that balance. We consider your design, the color palette, and where it will be displayed to make sure the finished result is both visually harmonious and long-lasting.

Step 5: Using Glass for Protection

To protect your cross-stitch from dust, humidity, and harmful UV rays, we recommend using high-quality glazing such as UV-protective or museum glass. These options provide crystal-clear visibility while helping to preserve the vibrancy of your threads and fabric over time. Unlike regular glass, UV-filtering options significantly reduce fading and deterioration caused by light exposure. Choosing the right glass not only helps protect your work but also enhances its presentation—keeping it as vivid and detailed as the day you finished stitching.

Want to know more about your glazing options? Take a look at our blog post, Framing Brilliance: A Guide for Artists on Choosing the Right Glass, for an in-depth look at what type of glass is best for preserving and displaying your artwork.

Step 6: Sealing and Finishing

Once your cross-stitch is fully mounted, matted, and framed, we complete the process with a professional finish. This includes sealing the back of the frame with dust cover paper and installing secure hanging hardware appropriate for the size and weight of the piece. This final step not only protects your artwork from debris and pests but also ensures it’s ready to display or give as a meaningful, beautifully preserved gift.

Need help getting it on the wall? Read our guide on Hanging Picture Frames Like a Pro for expert tips on placement, tools, and techniques to display your framed piece confidently and securely. 

Trust Crestar with Your Cross-Stitch Masterpieces 

We understand how much time and care go into every stitch. Whether it’s cross-stitch, embroidery, or other needlework, your piece deserves a frame that reflects the heart you poured into every thread. 

From preparing the fabric for mounting and choosing the right mat and frame, our team uses archival materials and trusted techniques to protect your work and truly enhance its overall beauty. So don’t worry, we take the time to understand your vision and guide you through the entire process. 

Feel free to stop by our shop to speak with a knowledgeable framer and get a free quote. Let us help you make the project of your dreams become a reality.