Finishing Embroidery with Edge Stitch
Learn how to finish your stitching piece with edge stitch in this tutorial. Edge stitch is a nice decorative touch for small items. This long cross stitch gives the look of a braided edging, but is also a very secure way to join two pieces together.
I have used this technique to make Christmas ornaments with embroidery pieces such as the Bargello Ornaments and the Pojagi Circle Ornament, but you can also use this method on non-ornament pieces.
See it All
Below you will find:
- supply list
- video tutorial
- step-by-step written tutorial with pictures
- pattern inspiration
- other finishing options
Supplies and Tools
Everything you need to make this project
- Embroidery mounted on card (see tutorial for details)
- Backing fabric mounted on card
- glue
- clips
- embroidery thread (This technique works well with chunky thread like perle cotton and is fun with variegated thread. Play around and find what you like.)
- sharp needle large enough for the thread
pin for later ⤵️
Tutorial
See each step in the process, with images to help you.
Before stitching mount your embroidery and backing fabric onto card. (To see how, check out the tutorial for Finishing Embroidery with a Felt Backing, but don’t add the felt.)
OPTION: Instead of using a backing fabric, you can also do this with two pieces of embroidery to make your piece reversible.
1. Align pieces
If you want a loop to hang your finished piece, tape it onto the back of one of the sections. When you stitch across that section, it will hold the loop in place permanently.
Hold the two pieces together, right sides out. If your pieces have a clear top and bottom, make sure they are aligned.
2. Begin stitching
Bring the thread up on the left side. Bury the knot between the two pieces.
3. Cross Stitch
Take a stitch about 1/4″ above the thread, taking the needle through both pieces from right to left.
If you are left-handed, you can reverse the direction of the stitching.
Take the next stitch just above the bottom thread, also from right to left.
Repeat the stitches, one up and one down each one just slightly above the last stitch.
4. Repeat cross stitch
Eventually the lower stitches will overlap the upper stitches, so there is a bit of padding in the seam as well.
This is beautiful with either matching or contrasting threads. It looks wonderful with variegated thread.
Pattern Inspiration
This embroidery finishing techniques would work well with any of these patterns
Other finishing options
Looking for other ways to finish small embroidery projects? Here are more great options.
Finishing in a hoop
Finishing embroidery in a hoop is a popular option for any sized piece.
Finishing with felt backing
A felt backing is a minimalist option that leaves the embroidery frame-less to stand alone.
Finishing with piping trim
A trim of piping gives the embroidery a simple frame without a lot of bulk or weight.
No matter how you finish your embroidery, have fun stitching and displaying your hand made projects.
Be sure to #epidastudio when you share your projects on social media!