Stretching counted cross stitch

**fixer** · 12-10-2008, 05:30 PM

I have started framing DW cross stitch projects. She has thirty-five done so my work is cut out for me. She is doing the stretching. Has anyone done this? I would be curious what you stretched it on and was it hard to keep straight.

**nandmsmom** · 12-10-2008, 07:26 PM

I have to say that I've never done a very good job stretching them myself. I'm sure if you checked youtube that there are videos on it.

**dcompton** · 12-10-2008, 08:03 PM

My parents had a framing shop, so this is what they did there.

My father stretched crossstitch and needlepoint on a board I don't remember the name of. It was about 3/8 or 1/4 inch thick, was like dense compressed paper layers. It was a building supply thing. He used a staple gun. He pulled it tightly over the edge and stapled it on the edge. If it was off the square, he would continue pulling out the staples and making minor adjustments a bit at a time until it was right. He wasn't a cussin' man, but pieces with borders could almost drive him to it because even a fraction off would really show.

He also said they were much easier to stretch if they had not been ironed first. Unless there was a hard crease, stretching would usually get it out.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-10-2008, 08:05 PM

I don't have a clue because I've never done this craft. What I do want to say is it's so nice to have a dh who does this type of thing. My dh is very handy when it comes to doing anything and I so appreciate it. I'm sure your wife does too. Great job!!