framing cross stitch, how do you do it?

[jenniepanda]

I have done some cross stitchs for xmas pressies and bought some normal photo frames. I just wondered what methods you use for framing. In the past I have just cut the fabric to the size of the frame and let the pressure of the back plate stop it from slipping down. I have also had some professionally framed in the past and am aware that you are supposed to lace the sides together at the back...

Has anyone used the sticky white card to stick to before framing?

Thanks,
Jen.

I always frame the picture with quite a large overlap and then sew the back together.

do as lm suggests and lace it on at the back, do it as tightly as you can as they can sometimes go baggy over time. i wouldn't advise sticky board, i know some people do but, the sticky changes colour over time and can stain the cross stitch fabric and spoil it.

if there is no glass in the frame, you can put a flat piece of wadding between the board and the cross stitch before you lace it on, to take up any slack. i used to work for anchor and this is how they frame everything. hth

Thanks lojo and Lucy...but i have one more question!

What do i lace it around? I can't do it round the back plate of the frame as it will show and get in the way of the hook, the frame came with a piece of cardboard insert, should I just use that, and what should i use as a background, is just a white peice of paper OK?

Thanks, I really want to get these looking good as they are for xmas pressies and I've spent ages doing them!

if the card that came with the frame is quite sturdy (sturdy but not too thick is what you need, if it's too thick, it will make it all too bulky to fit in the frame), use that, it will do the job, and yes, make sure the background is white, if the card is coloured, slip some white paper in between