How to Frame Cross Stitch that Doesn’t Fit into Standard Size Frames

Have you ever completed a project only to find out later that it doesn’t look right in any of the frames you have? There may be too much white space on one side and not enough on another.

Of course, that’s what custom framing is for, but always getting your projects custom-framed can get expensive. I reserve custom framing for really elaborate projects.

Completing a cross stitch project is so exciting. You put hours of your blood, sweat, tears, and time into this piece only to be completely clueless about how to finish it.

So then it sits. Then years go by and you still haven’t displayed this amazing project.

Sometimes I wish that patterns fit into standard size frames.

I like to frame a lot of my pieces myself, but it isn’t always as simple as seeing a frame that I like and buying it.

However, I’ve learned that there are a few ways around framing your pieces that don’t fit in standard size frames. With the right tools and know-how, you will be able to inexpensively frame all of your cross stitch projects.

What are Standard Frame Sizes? 

Standard sized frames coincide with the sizes of photographs. The most common dimensions are 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, 11×14, and 16×20.

Yes, there are smaller frames, bigger frames, and less common sizes like 6×8 and 9×12. But generally, these are the sizes we are working with.

Not all art or stitching fits in these dimensions. The good news is this can be fixed.

Add Fabric and Trim to Fill Up the Extra Space

I was cross stitching She is Fierce by Emma Congdon and decided to use a piece of scrap aida instead of cutting a new piece. Luckily my pattern fit on the piece of fabric.

Although it probably would have fit perfectly in a 5×7 frame, the fabric didn’t have enough height to fit in the frame.

If I had planned ahead, I would have cut a completely new piece of fabric to the appropriate size.

Ultimately, I made it work!

Instead of making the frame fit the piece make your stitching fit the frame. 

One of my favorite ways of finishing is to mount my stitching with a fabric background.

In addition to adding fabric, you can also add trim, bows, ribbon, buttons, and other elements to decorate the space. This works particularly well in a shadowbox because it offers more depth.

Now it looks like your project fits perfectly in a standard size frame!

Custom Cut Your Mat to the Size of the Frame

If you don’t want to add extra frills and finishings to your cross stitch, I understand. Too much decoration can detract from your glorious stitching.

You want your cross stitch to be the main focus. 

Why not add a mat that fits your frame? This is still a simple and inexpensive way to allow your stitching to fit in standard dimensions.

The opening for my project here is 9×12 while the outside of the mat fits in a 16×20 shadowbox frame.

I have a mat cutter so I custom cut this double mat. If you don’t have a mat cutter, I imagine it would be inexpensive to get a custom cut mat at your local farmer.

If you are going to be cutting a lot of mats yourself though, I highly recommend buying your own mat cutter.

Then you can cut any size mat you need. However, be careful not to overdo it. Too much matting can look awkward. 

Traditionally, mats are typically 1-3 inches equal around your image. The smaller the frame the smaller the mat, and the bigger the frame the bigger the mat.

In other words, a 5×7 might have 1-1½ inch border, while an 11×14 might have a 2-2½ inch border. However, you could opt for a thicker mat. That’s totally a look.

My mat had 4 inches each width and 3.5 each height, but I don’t think it was too noticeable.

Cut Your Frame Down to the Right Size

I love thrifting for frames. You can find a lot of nice frames for super cheap. You can even find hidden treasures, such as pieces that were custom framed with nice glass.

You may even get lucky and find an odd size frame that works perfectly for your piece.

Sometimes people just want to get rid of things and don’t know how much they are worth or don’t care. But that’s good news for us because we get such a steal.

Get your frames from thrift stores!

Once you find your perfect frame we can cut it down to size. Make sure that your frame is wood and not plastic or metal. 

Start by measuring your stitching and add the margins.

You will need a miter saw to cut your wood. The angle you will want to cut is 45 degrees.

You could also use a hand saw and miter box, but this is more effort.

I don’t mess with cutting glass as of now so I would recommend getting that cut down to size professionally or you could just not use glass.

I tend not to use glass on frames with a shallow rabbet. A rabbet is the depth of the frame where the stitching, glass, and other layers for framing go. Normally I would include glass and spacers, but not all frames allow for that.

Then you can use a good wood glue to glue the new frame together. Ta da! You have a frame that perfectly fits your stitching.

Final Thoughts

There are lots of ways that you can be resourceful when it comes to framing your cross stitch that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

Get fancy and add some charm to your stitching by adding fabric, ribbon, trim, and other elements. This will allow your stitching to fit in any standard size frame while giving your piece extra character.

You could custom cut your mat so that it fits your project and the frame. Be careful that your dimensions aren’t too off otherwise the proportions will look awkward.

If you want your frame to fit your stitching you could always cut it yourself. It may be scary the first time you do it, but the more you do, the better you will get. Before you know it, you will want to frame every stitching you have.

Happy Stitching!