How to Iron Your Cross Stitch

Below you’ll find how to iron a finished cross stitch or embroidery piece before framing or finishing. Ironing your stitching the right way smooths wrinkles without flattening your stitches.

What You’ll Need

• Ironing board with padding
• Clean cotton cloth (muslin, handkerchief, tea towel, etc.)
• Iron (steam optional)

Steps

1. Make sure your ironing board has good padding to protect the stitch texture.
2. Place a clean cloth on the board.
3. Lay your stitching face down on the cloth.
4. Add another clean cloth on top.
5. Set the iron to the correct heat for your fabric.
   Use gentle pressure and lift the iron between sections.
6. If your threads are colorfast, steam is fine.
   If not, use dry heat or a light mist of water.
7. Lift the cloth, check for wrinkles, and repeat as needed.

Quick Tips

• Use lower heat for metallic or specialty threads
• Always iron from the back first
• When in doubt, skip steam