How to finish embroidery: remove markings, press, frame in a hoop and back it

TUREFF• •0

The stitching is done, but the piece is not finished yet. Removing marking lines, pressing out the hoop crease and framing or backing the work are what make it look ready to display or give. This guide covers each step and the mistakes that can spoil a finished piece.

Check the back first

Before anything else, turn the work over. Trim long tails, secure any loose ends by weaving them under existing stitches, and snip any threads that cross empty fabric where they might show through.

Removing marking lines

How you remove marks depends on what you used.

Water-soluble pen: rinse the area in cool water or dab it with a damp cloth until the lines disappear. Do not iron before the marks are gone, as heat can make some marks harder to remove.
Heat-erasable pen: marks vanish with heat from an iron or hairdryer. The ink can reappear in very cold conditions, and washing is often the most thorough way to remove it, so it may be worth rinsing anyway.
Water-soluble stabiliser: soak the piece in water until the stabiliser dissolves, changing the water if needed.
Pencil: usually removed by gentle washing; test a small area first.
Permanent transfers: these do not come out and must be covered by stitching.

Washing

If the piece needs a wash, use cool water and a mild detergent, and swish gently rather than rubbing or wringing. If you are unsure whether a thread colour will run, test a spare length first by wetting it and pressing it on white kitchen paper. Rinse well, then roll the piece in a clean towel to remove excess water.

Pressing

Lay a clean, fluffy towel on the ironing board.
Place the embroidery face down on the towel, so the stitches sink into it rather than being flattened.
Press from the back with the iron at a temperature suited to the fabric, using a pressing cloth on top if you are unsure.
Press, lift and move the iron rather than sliding it, which can distort the fabric.
Pay attention to the crease left by the hoop.

Let the piece dry and cool completely before handling or framing.

Framing in the hoop

Displaying the work in an embroidery hoop is simple and popular.

Centre the design and put it back in the hoop, pulling the fabric drum-tight and keeping the weave straight.
Put the screw at the top so you can hang it from it.
Trim the excess fabric to a few centimetres all round on the back.
Gathering method: run a running stitch around the edge of the excess, pull it to gather the fabric towards the centre, and tie off.
Glue method: trim closer and glue the excess to the inside edge of the inner ring with fabric glue.

Backing the hoop

A backing hides the reverse and gives a neat finish.

Cut a circle of felt or card slightly smaller than the inner ring.
Place it over the gathered fabric and stitch it to the gathered edge with small whip stitches around the circumference, or glue it in.
A felt backing can carry a small note: the date, a name, or who it was made for.

Other ways to finish

Picture frame: lace the embroidery over acid-free board with long stitches across the back, then frame it, ideally with a spacer so the glass does not flatten the stitches.
Cushion, bag or clothing: wash and press, then sew the piece in.
Patch: back it with fusible interfacing and finish the edges.

Caring for finished embroidery

Keep it out of strong direct sunlight to slow fading.
Dust gently, or vacuum through a fine mesh on a low setting.
Store unframed pieces flat or rolled, not folded, with acid-free tissue.

How do you like to finish your hoops? Share your methods or ask about a stubborn marking line in the comments.