Should Cross Stitch Be Framed With Glass?

Ah, the age-old question: to frame with glass or without glass?

There are many stitchers who prefer to frame their stitching without glass. This provides a more primitive appearance to their stitching.

Personally, I love framing my cross stitch projects with glass to complete the look of the piece, but there are times when I don’t use glass. It all depends on the project.

How you choose to frame your projects ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, there are many advantages to framing with glass.

Here are some reasons why you should frame your cross stitch with glass.

Protects Your Cross Stitch from Dust and Dirt

One of the biggest advantages is that glass protects your project from dust and other environmental factors that could damage it over time.

For some reason, people want to touch your stitches. Although you may not be able to see the fingerprints, the oils from the skin could deteriorate your materials in the long run.

Your stitching can discolor from pollutants in the air if not properly protected.

Easier to Clean

Of course, you can vacuum your cross stitch if it gets dusty. However, what if you have small children or pets and it gets legitimately dirty?

You would have to disassemble the frame and wash or spot clean your project.

Nobody wants to go through all that hard work!

If you have glass protecting your cross stitch, you can just wipe down the glass. Easy peasy!

Protects Your Project from Sun Damage

Not all glass will protect your cross stitch from the sun, but there are some that filter the UV rays and protect your stitching better than others.

Regular, clear glass has no UV protection qualities, whereas conservation and museum glass can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays.

To learn more about different glaze types, you can read my full framing walkthrough.

UV rays can drastically fade your cross stitch over time. Go with conservation or museum glass to preserve your colors.

Gives Your Project a Polished Look

If you’re planning on gifting your finished project to someone, framing it with glass can make it look more professional and high-quality.

I definitely have noticed an elevated appearance when I frame cross stitch with glass. 

Most of my projects are given as gifts and the glass just makes them look complete.

Makes Your Project Easier to Transport

Adding glass to your framing will provide extra durability. More premium glasses are 2.5m thick to provide better strength and rigidity.

The glass prevents stitches from snagging and being pulled out.

If you’re taking your project to a show or competition, for example, the glass will keep it safe from being damaged in transit.

Get Amazing Clarity

Are you worried that you won’t be able to see the detail of your stitches? Not a problem!

There are many different glass coatings that change the appearance of the finish.

Museum glass is my favorite type because of its UV protection and anti-reflective properties. You get very little glare when you use museum glass, it’s practically not even there. In addition, museum glass shows the most accurate colors of your cross stitch.

Side by side with other types of glass there’s no comparison. Museum glass wins every time!

Final Thoughts

Glass is an excellent way to protect and display your work, and it can give your project a more polished look.

Keep these advantages in mind when considering framing your next cross stitch project.

Happy Stitching!