Stop fabric fraying

1 The quickest and easiest way to seal your fabricThe material on which cross stitch is made, of the fabric is aida though evenweave and linen can also be used. Fabrics come in many colours and many counts. It can also be made of perforated paper or plastic. Only fabric especially made for cross stitching should be used for stitching, because the even spacing of the threads is very important – each type of fabric is made up of holes of an even stitch count. To stitch on other fabrics you can use waste canvas. edges is with masking tape. Simply measure and cut a length of masking tape for each side, and fold it carefully over the edges of your fabric. The sticky substance on masking tape can sometimes stain fabric, so always remember to leave enough material around the actual stitched design. This way, any marks can be trimmed off later or be obscured by a frame.

2 Hemming your fabric is a really secure way to keep it neat and intact. Fold your fabric over by approximately 2cm (¾in) on each side, and press it carefully with a warm iron. Then, using a brightly coloured, strong thread (doubled over if necessary), stitch around the edge using simple running stitch, finishing your thread off securely at the end.

3 If you have chosen to stitch a smaller project, the best way to keep the edges of the fabric in good condition is to simply pop your stitching in a hoopAn embroidery hoop is a round frame made of wood or plastic. This has an outer and an inner ring that hold your fabric taut while you are stitching. Stitching with a hoop can help to keep your stitches neat and even.. Not only does a hoop help you to create nice even stitches, it also helps to take the pressure off the edges of your fabric, discouraging you from touching and fiddling with them as you work.