Cutting out & attaching cross-stitch things to other things?

[evilcarrot]

I don't know if I'm just being completely dense, but I can't think of a good way to deal with the edges of cross stitch characters and such if I want to cut them out and then sew them onto other things. Can anyone help me out here, maybe pixelpockets could offer some insight? How do you keep your stuff from fraying, and what's the best (prettiest & neatest looking) way to attach them?

[PixelPockets]

I trim the aida or whatever fabric down to the edge of the cross stitch, then use my sewing machine by going over the black stitches on the edge. I will intentionally add some black x's to a pattern to make it easier to sew onto fabric. then you have to go back over and trim it etc.. I use the zig zaggy stitch on my machine *(usually used for closing up edges to keep fabric from fraying) but I close up the stitch so it's more like machine embroidery.


this technique won't work for stretchy fabrics though.. as it won't allow for give.

[evilcarrot]

So you cut ALL the excess aida off, right down to the edge of the stitching? Hmm, I guess if you pay attention to which way you go on the backs of the edge stitches (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) the stitching wouldn't fall apart... I think. I'll have to make something itty bitty and experiment. THANKS!!!!

[PixelPockets]

I do leave some room on the inside corners. but really, unless your stitching something HUGE onto fabric, it doesn't come undone. and the sewing machine stitches will cover and close up any that do come slightly undone.

I've never had any of mine come undone, and my customers haven't complained =)

but you do have to trim it again after you machine stitch it.