WARNING! This post is VERY picture heavy! I tried to include any pictures I thought would be found useful by someone. I am also assuming a basic knowledge about how to use a sewing machine and how to cut fabric. I have done quilting so I use a 1/4 inch seam throughout but use what you feel most comfortable with just stay consistent. The exact numbers are not important it's the consistency. You can do this without a sewing machine it will just take long to sew but it is doable.
If you want to stitch this piece to finish you can find the pattern
HERE. It is called Accountant or Magician and it's one of my designs.
You will need:
- Finished Cross Stitch
- Border Fabric
- Backing Fabric
- Either scissors or a ruler, cutting board and rotary cutters.
- Wadding (though this is optional)
Instructions
Collect all your supplies together. I have a pile of quilting supplies so I used them but this is possible with scissors.
I cut a 2 1/2 inch strip of fabric, and then I measured the top width of my stitching. I then allowed for a little extra either side of the design and cut two 6 inch lengths. Remembering the top and bottom lengths only need to be short.
Then cut two more lengths that are longer than the design and the top and bottom lengths as shown in the picture below.
Now is the time to cut into your fabric. But first measure it out! TWICE AT LEAST BEFORE CUTTING!!!
I counted 5 squares from the design and marked it with pins. As this was where I wanted to sew the seams.
I then cut another 5 squares out from where I marked with the pins. As you can see below.
I then laid the top bit of fabric (right sides together) along the top seam as below and re pinned along the pin line. Because that is where you want to sew.
Move to the sewing machine... you will sew along that pin line. I recommend sewing with the aida side up as it is really easy to sew.
Just follow along the line of the aida.
Do the same with the piece on the bottom and then we are going to get our irons out.
Carefully iron the top and bottom piece away from the cross stitch.
It will look like this when ironed. If you have fabric hanging over the sides this is the time to trim it nice and straight again. I was lucky mine was perfect this time.
Lay the side pieces on right sides together and repeat the process you did with the top and bottom.
Being careful when you sew it to keep an even seam even though you don't start on the aida part.
Once sewn carefully iron the sides back and then trim it up so it is all neat.
Using this front piece as a guide cut out a piece of backing fabric and wadding to match. I just had to use this awesome pink.
It was at this point I realised I would need to hang this up somehow. There are a few ways you can organise this but I decided to make two loops.
I cut two strips about 2 inches wide and about 5 inches long. If I did it again I wouldn't have gone quite as long. I then carefully using the iron folded the long edge over and then over again making a tiny edge. You only fold it over the least amount possible.
I then sewed down each of the long edges.This creates a protected edge for the handles
Once these are done fold them in half and then pin evenly along the top of your stitching. You lay them on top of your backing fabric between the backing fabric and the front stitching.
The order you lay the pieces down is wadding and then the backing fabric face up on that. Then the stitching face down on top of the backing fabric. As can be seen below.
Pin it carefully
Sew around the edges I recommend sewing the whole way off the side and then starting each side again rather than turning as it creates crisper corners. Remembering to leave a gap to turn the work right side out.
Here is the gap below. Just make sure it isn't on the top where the handles are as this could weaken this section. I put mine on the bottom but up the sides would work too.
Before turning cut the corners and trim the wadding up to the stitching a bit.
I didn't do the neatest job but it takes out some of the bulk.
Turn your work pulling from between the front and backing pieces.
It will look like this once turned. Make sure you have your corners neatly turned.
Now there is an open gap at the bottom. There are two ways you can close this. You can do an invisible stitch but I prefer to top stitch around the whole piece to finish it off. This also has the added benefit of securing the corners nicely. Also if you wanted to turn this into a pillow this would be the point you would stuff is and close it with an invisible stitch (just thought you'd like to know that!).
As you can see here you only top stitch just in from the edge. I pin the bottom closed But I've never had a problem with doing it this way.
I also decided to top stitch around the edge of the stitching but you don't have to do this. I thought it gave a nice effect so I chose to.
Here it is testing it out with a bit of dowel. You can see what I mean by maybe a bit too long with the handles but they look so cool!
A close up of the top stitching around the stitching. It adds a nice frame and holds the wadding in nicely too.
I hope you've enjoyed my tutorial. If you have any questions or clarifications please ask them below and I will reply as soon as I can.
Happy Stitching,
Caitlin