I typically frame all my cross stitch in fabric.

I have some too, & was thinking, if put in a quilt, why not quilt a bit over them too, just like you would a quilt block. I think that would help them hold up better. Maybe make wall hangings or pillows, versus something that needs constant washing. But, even if put in a quilt, & they eventually wear, wouldn't that be better than just getting rid of them? Do something you enjoy with them. You could also put them on a tote bag, or a sweatshirt, or something, just get creative & think about how else you could use them, besides just framing them, & enjoy them!...

I even saw a quilt design recently that called for a cross stitched or embroidered square, to be used in the center of it! Can't remember where right now, but it was a pretty idea!

I agree! And a great idea!

Beautiful!

I use to cross stitch, and it was most relaxing- not to mention beautiful!
But unless you have used small stitches, I would not recommend a quilt. Not unless you keep it for yourself. Many people don't think twice about the care of a quilt, ie. washing in hot water and it shrinking and even fading. In the case of cross stitch, you have to think of the type of thread that is used and will it hold up to numerous washings? That's why I believe it would be better for a wall hanging, or even a picture.
Stephanie

Some years ago I made a pattern that was called Hospice Quilt which included several larger x stitch blocks. These were done on fine linen and included in a large bed sized quilt. It came out beautifully other than I forgot to cut those linen blocks bigger than the called for size to allow for the x stitch to pull in a bit shrinking the orignal size called for but I made it work. It came out beautifully but is displayed on a quilt rack and has never been washed therefore uncertain about the washing part.

Oooh....so many more great ideas...my mind is going in all sorts of directions now. I guess I won't run out of ideas for using them. Love it!

My suggestion is quilt.

They look truly magnificent in a quilt. The framing of the block seems to suit them better than a wooden frame.

Barb, my first quilt I ever made was a cross-stitch Teddy Bear ABC quilt for my nephew (who is now 20yrs old). I have also cross-stitched a States quilt. I set those blocks into picture frames with black sashing and borders. I hand quilted both of these quilts, which I would not recommend for beginning quilters. Presently, I am doing a detailed map of Great Britain for the center of a BOM of British cottages.

Wendy

I use a mild soap for quilts to wash the blocks. Wash by hand in cold water and rinse well. Lightly block, and press while damp. I have never had any problems with the colors running doing them in this manner. Hopes this helps. :D

Wendy

thanks Wendy. I use to wash my project, but I just couldn't remember what I did.

that sounds about right. I have some beautiful ones from a garage sale that need to be cleaned...precious moments. I'll post pics of them once I'm done.

Thank you for asking the question!! I made some pictures years ago and really did not know what to do with them and this is a perfect solution. THANK YOY!!!

You are all so clever.....

I love combinations of creativity in a quilt.

Last year at the Denver Quilt Expo I saw many quilts made from cross stitched and embroidered pieces not orginally intended to be used in a quilt. Also saw some made from old tablecloths and napkins and linen tea towels. They were all beautiful.

My dad has cross-stitched for years & we (his daughters) started making them into quilts. Dad has actually won several awards with his cross-stitching. So go for it!

Yes, I made a quilt for my mother with the state flowers I
cross stitched.

If you want to put them in a quilt, I would suggest that you look into a method of seaming called 'french seam". It is what manufacturers use on loosely woven fabric. Make sure to quilt in the aida cloth areas for support. I would not put them in a child's bed quilt either way. (Too much washing)

Beautiful cross stitch pics, Thanks for letting others see it! So many talented ppl.

Many thanks to all the above people, if you have the skills why not? A very good idea.

Hi frugalfabrics, I machine embroidery and have used embroidered quilting pieces in a quilt. Oh course there is a big difference in hand cross-stitching and machine cross-stitching. Embroidery in quilting is not as popular as straight quilting but it is catching on. The fabric was prewashed and have withstood many washings since. I am assuming the pictured cross stitch was on Aida cloth. Can you take a small embroidery and do a quilt square and wash it to see if it will stand washing before using a larger one? I also did hand embroidery and washed a wall hanging Aida cloth cross-stitch in the machine on cold water and laid it o flat to dry and it came out fine.

ditto-really gorgeous.

As usual all your comments just gave me a great idea - I have been making hexangonal table toppers using Baltimore Album Beauties as the center becasue I wanted some hand work to do in front of TV with DH at night - however, I am getting a little tired of applique so I think I will do the next one with a cross stitched Baltimore pattern - how cool is THAT? Now I just have to draft the pattern!

YES I have. A small Christmas Quilt with what was supposed to be Cross Stitched ornaments. It came out great, but is now packed away, so do not feel like taking out for a picture.

Both Herschnerr's and Jack Dempsey companies make quilt blocks that you can embroider or crossstitch. I've done several and they incorporate into a quilt beautifully. They look especially pretty with reproduction 30's fabric.

yes I've put aida cross stitch on quilts. Right now I'm working on a redwork wall hanging which has 4 cross stitch blocks. Something different and it really looks pretty..

I did one with embroidered cats. Each block represented chores one does around the house. It was soooo cute and it was donated to a lady confined to a wheelchair. She loves cats and will take good care of this work of art. I quilt with a quilt ministry, thus donating completed projects. And, I forgot to take a picture.

The most georgeous jacket I ever saw was made from embroidered linens pieced together, then made into a lined Chanel style jacket. One of a kind masterpiece!

I think that's a great idea. I have several pieces that I cross-stitched myself several years ago. They're a series of animals that I had intended to frame in groups of 3 (12 altogether). Now I'm thinking...maybe I could get them out of the closet and put them into a wall-quilt.

Nice idea...thanks!! :D

JNCT14, be sure to show your table topper when you finish it! I have a feeling it will be gorgeous.

Wendy

DJ beautiful ideas and work.

I would worry about washing them, so wallhangins would be the way to go, maybe put a fusible backing on those squares to bond the threads from the stitches.

I have just started a cross-stitched quilt. I am not using previously cross stitched blocks. I am using waste cloth to stitch my patterns on cotton, then will incorporate my blocks into a quilt.

You completed those "blocks" as a labor of love. I wouldn't want to see them "gotten rid of." If framed, and you don't want them, perhaps they could be donated to a nursing home to brighten the room of a resident.... or if more appropriate... to a shelter for children/families.

Will be looking forward to answers as to how this quilt might hold up. :-)

When my youngest son was in seminary, I xstitched 12 blocks. Since he was single, I used a variety of greens for the rest of the blocks. I paid someone to do the quilting for me. It turned out gorgeous.

What beautiful cross stitch. It made a great quilt. Love it.

I have made a quilt with Cross Stitch. Here is a picture.

I have never used anything but aida clth to do cross stitich. Do you have to use a printed pattern to do it on a regular cotton quilting material? Do you have to buy patterns or can you draft your own and if so, how?

The quilt I posted the cross stitch is done on aida. You just put the quilt together just like any other quilt.

The center of this quilt was cross-stitched onto a cotton fabric with the tear-away cloth for counted cross-stitch. It washed up very nicely.