Cross Stitch School ยท Week 8 of 24 ยท Finishing your work

Free guide on our blog: How to Finish Cross Stitch in a Hoop: Step by Step

Week 8: Finish It in a Hoop

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A hoop is not only for stitching. It is also one of the quickest, prettiest and cheapest ways to display your work. This week you will turn a finished piece into a hanging hoop, with a neat back that looks as good as the front.

TimeAbout 45 minutes, plus about 5 to 8 hours of stitching if you make the practice pattern
You will needA finished, washed piece, a display hoop, felt, glue or strong thread, ribbon
You will learnFinish your piece in a hoop and hang it up

Why finish in a hoop?

  • It takes under an hour and needs no special tools.
  • It suits small and medium designs perfectly.
  • Hoops make lovely gifts, and they are easy to hang anywhere.

Choosing the hoop

Pick a hoop that leaves a comfortable border around the design: about half an inch to an inch (1-2.5 cm) on every side looks balanced. Wooden or bamboo hoops look warm and natural; you can also paint the outer ring or wrap it in ribbon. For display, use a good, round hoop: one you have stitched with for a long time can be slightly bent. Wash and press your piece first (Week 7) so no old hoop marks show.

Stitch Club members only

Keep reading: the rest of this lesson is for Stitch Club members

Still to come in this lesson:

  • You will need
  • Step by step
  • Pretty finishing touches
  • Hoop finishing ideas
  • This weekโ€™s challenge, its badge and the practice pattern (PDF)
This weekโ€™s practice pattern
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