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Finishing and Washing a Completed Piece

How to check, wash, press and mount finished cross-stitch.

Beginner5 min read

Step by step

Check the whole piece against the chart for missed stitches. Trim any loose tails on the back to 1/4 in (6 mm).
Remove basting threads and the hoop.
Wash by hand in cool water with a drop of mild soap. Swish gently. Do not rub or wring. If colour bleeds, keep rinsing in cool running water until it stops.
Rinse well, lay the piece flat on a clean towel, and roll it up to press out the water.
While still slightly damp, lay it face down on a dry towel and press from the back with a warm iron. The towel stops the stitches being flattened.
Leave it flat until completely dry before framing, mounting in a hoop or sewing into something.

Safety and fabric care

Test red and other strong colours for bleeding by dabbing a damp white cloth on the back before washing.
Match the iron heat to the fabric. Cotton Aida takes a warm to hot iron. Blends need less.