Anyone know how to stretch and frame xstitch or needlepoint

Has anyone stretched and framed their cross stitch (or needle point) themselves. I madea cross stitch for my friend's daughter and the dimensions would allow that I could get the supplies right off the shelf so Im considering doing it myself if possible since framing can be so costly.

Any advice? Or is it such a hassle that's its not worth doing?

Thanks.

From what I have heard it is a hassle, and that is why they charge so much.

I tried to do it myself once, but I was clueless, and wound up bringing it to a frame hop. I don't think I was even trying to do it the right way.

Its not worth the hassel. Bring it to your framing shop and have them do it professionaly. You would hate to ruin your hard work.

Please post a picture of your masterpiece!! I would love to see it!!

i have done it myself a few times. you can buy this product - i can't remember the name right now - but it has a sticky side that you put the cross-stitch on (it's also lightly padded). i normally lightly iron the cross stitch first and then stretch it onto this product. i usually start from the middle and work my way out. definitely make sure you iron the cross stich good and try not to bunch it up so it doesn't get wrinkled.

it's definitely not hard to do. it just takes some patience. it saves a lot of $$.

There is a place in Sayville thatw as so much cheaper then fast frame, it is on the southeast corner of Main Street and Gilette. I priced out the same frame at Fast frame was 95 and this store was 55.

Also check for Michael's 50% off entrie framing order, but they take two weeks, and sometimes I can't wait that long.

I also heard that the sticky foam is bad for the needlework also.

yikes - i didn't know the sticky boards were bad next time i am going to try kmcwed's method.

Wow thanks for all the info!! I think with this one I will get it framed, I'd hate to mess it up in any way. I trust all of your opinion that it's tricky. I didnt know so much went into framing, like making sure the glass doesnt touch the stitches. Karen, thanks for all the detailed 'how to' info, I would like to try it with something smaller and less significant.

I'm almost done with it, I will post pics when it's done. Then I'm onto doing one for me, for baby #2.