While stitching your cross-stitch project, you might wonder about how to take care of your fabric.
⚠️This page doesn’t cover hand-dyed fabrics and threads. Their care might differ, please refer to the instructions given by the artisan who make them.
Before starting your project
Wash and iron your fabric
I wash my fabric by hand, in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. I rince it well before putting it to dry inside, avoiding direct sun.
I usually use a hanger with gentle clips so the fabric dries avoiding wrinkles.
Cutting
I double check the fabric count and number of stitches to get the measurements of the finished project. I add good margins (between 2 and 4 inches / 5 and 10cm) to those measurements before cutting.
Use clean fabric scissors, cutter or rotary cutter to cut your fabric.
Avoid fraying
Tape the edges
You can use paper tape like masking tape or washi tape.
Sew the edges
📌 It is my favourite method since I have a sewing machine. I highly recommend it for bigger projects.
If you have a sewing machine, a zig zag stitch will never disappoint.
By hand, you can use a whip stitch or a blanket stitch.
When your project is finished
Wash your project
Use the same method than above. Be gentle when washing to protect your stitches.
Iron with care
Your iron should not be too hot and press on the back of the fabric gently to avoid flattening your stitches.