A finished piece always looks better after a gentle wash and press: the hoop marks disappear and the stitches plump up.
Washing
- Fill a bowl with cool water and a drop of mild soap (wool wash or gentle dish soap).
- Let the piece soak for 5–10 minutes, swishing gently. Don't rub or wring.
- Rinse in cool clean water until no soap remains. If a color runs, keep rinsing in cold water until it stops.
- Roll the piece in a clean white towel and press to remove most of the water.
Pressing
Lay a fluffy towel on your ironing board and put the stitching face down on it. Press (don't slide) with a medium-hot iron, through a thin pressing cloth if you like. The towel cushions the stitches so they stay raised. Let it dry flat.
Framing
- Hoop: trim the fabric to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) beyond the hoop, run a gathering stitch around the edge and pull it tight at the back. Felt glued or stitched to the back gives a neat finish.
- Frame: lace or tape the fabric over acid-free foam board, centered, then frame. Leave out the glass, or use a spacer so the glass doesn't flatten the stitches.
- Ornaments and minis: back with felt, add a ribbon loop and a little stuffing – our cameo, ornament and stamp sets were designed with this in mind.
- Cards: mount a small motif in an aperture card for a handmade greeting.
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