SpecialFeature
How to make frames and canvases
Embroidery hoops and hangings are great
ways to display your work – especially when
you add your own personal touch to them!The final touch!
BUTTONS
These are a great way to add pops of colour
or hide a little accident in your stitching!
Use two strands of thread when stitching
on buttons to ensure they go on securely.CARD TOPPERS AND STICKERS
Pull out an element from your design and
find a card topper or sticker that matches it
for a fun finish. For instance, stitch a flower
and put a floral sticker on the card to match!RIBBONS
Trimming your card with a ribbon or adding
a fringe of ribbon lengths can help pull out
a pattern or colours from your stitching. Have
fun playing with different types and sizes!INITIALS AND DATES
If you’re gifting your finished stitch, make the
recipient feel extra-special by stitching their
name in a corner. Or, stitch your own name
or initials and the date you finished stitching.Adding a bold ribbon or button to your work
can give it an entirely new look. Go on, try
something different with your next project!Mounting your stitching in a frame
or on a canvas means you can show
it off in your home for years to come!Try^ painting^ y
our^ hoop^ in^ b
right^
colours^ or^ wra
pping^ with^ ri
bbon^
for^ a^ special^ f
inish!
How to make hoops
and wall hangings
1 For a hoop, cut the stitched aida about 4cm
(1½in) larger than your inner hoop. Then, cut
a piece of felt slightly smaller than the hoop.
2 Ensuring it’s straight and central, insert your
stitching into the hoop. Tighten the screw at
the top, keeping the stitching taut like a drum.3 Sew running stitch around the
outside of the aida and gather the
edge at the back. Lay the felt over
the back of the hoop and tack it
into place to protect the back.1 To make a hanging, trim your
stitching with a 1cm (½in) border
along the sides and a 6cm (2¼in)
border along the top edge. Cut
a piece of backing fabric to match.
2 Place your backing fabric and
stitching together with right sides
facing and sew a 1cm (½in) seam
around all edges, leaving a 4cm
(1½in) gap for turning. Trim away
excess fabric from corners and
then turn through and press.
3 Slip stitch the gap closed, then
fold over a 3cm (1¼in) hem at the
top, towards the back, and pin in
place. Carefully stitch along the
length, 2cm (¾in) down from the
top. Thread a dowel rod through
and add ribbon for hanging.1 For a frame, cut an acid-free mount
board to the size of the aperture. Lay your
stitching right-side up on your board.
2 Pin the centre of each side of the fabric
to the edge of the board, keeping it taut.
Then, push a line of pins down each side
of the board. Trim your fabric with a 5cm
(2in) border and fold excess to the back.3 Thread your needle, knot the end and
lace the two opposite sides together using
an under-and-over motion. Repeat for the
other edges and then pop in your frame.1 For a canvas, find the centre of your
canvas and stitching, then use a pin to
push through both. Trim your fabric with
a 5cm (2in) border around the frame.
2 Staple the fabric to the back of the
canvas, starting at the centre of each side
and then working towards the corners.
3 To finish the corners, grip your stitched
piece and pull it towards the opposite
corner. This will create two flaps of
fabric on either side. Fold each of these
in towards the central point and staple
in place to finish your canvas.T Use a length of acid-
free double-sided tape
to attach ribbon lengthsT Lots of craft stores
stock card toppers like
the ones used belowW Don’t worry! If you don’t have
a staple gun then you can use the
frame lacing method instead