Supplies

A cross-stitch motif on white Aida canvas measuring 50 cm x 75 cm
Blue Aida canvas, colour DMC 796 (art. DC 28).
A piece of fusible fabric measuring 24 cm x 19 cm.
A reel of white thread and a reel of blue thread to match the Aida canvas.
A reel of basting thread.
Pins. A needle.
A pair of scissors. A pair of pinking shears.
A sewing machine. A tape measure.
An erasable felt-tip pen for fabric.
A piece of transparent oilcloth measuring 60 cm x 60 cm.
4 flat shells.
A piece of stiff cardboard measuring 48 cm x 50 cm
Double-faced adhesive tape.

Size of the finished frame: 31 cm x 24 cm

Preparing the different pieces of fabric

Cut a rectangle A measuring 52 cm x 50 cm out of the blue Aida canvas (5.5 sts/cm). Overcast round all the edges.
Cut a rectangle B measuring 52 cm x 50 cm out of the white stitched Aida canvas (5.5 sts/cm), making sure the motif is well centred. Overcast round all the edges.

Mounting the cross-stitch motif

Cut a rectangle of fusible fabric measuring 24 cm x 19 cm, place it on the back of the stitched Aida canvas, the sticky side against the fabric, making sure it is well centred over the entire motif. Seal it with the help of an iron (see diagram).

Making the window

Take the piece of blue fabric (see diagram).
Using a special felt-tip pen, draw a rectangle 23 cm x 18 cm high in the middle of the fabric.
Cut out this rectangle to create the window and make zigzag stitches along the edge of the sides that have just been cut.

Hem for the window

Using a pair of scissors, cut a diagonal slit of 8 mm in each corner.
Fold over a hem of 1 cm on each side of the window and flatten the pleats with an iron (see diagram).

Seams

Pin piece A over piece B and the border of the window over the stitched fabric to frame the motif. Machine stitch with blue thread, making a straight seam 4 mm from the edge of the window (see diagram).

Using a pair of pinking shears, cut out of the oilcloth four squares measuring 13 cm each side.
Pin these squares on to each corner, after having placed a seashell between the blue fabric and the oilcloth.

Machine each square with blue thread, making either a straight seam or, if you wish, a fancy seam, if this is possible with your sewing machine.
Sew the oilcloth all round the square 1.5 cm from the pinked edge, ensuring that the blue fabric and the stitched fabric are also caught in the seam.
If necessary, reposition the seashell if it slips.

Before lifting the presser foot, insert the needle in the fabric at each corner of the seam before turning so that you obtain a right-angled seam.
Stop the threads at the back and secure them firmly

Finishing touches

All round each piece of fabric, make a 1 cm hem between the blue fabric and the stitched fabric, pin and machine stitch 4 mm from the edge. For the corners, leave the machine needle inserted in the fabric as above (see diagram).

Finishing touches (contd)

Take the piece of cardboard and cut it to the same size as the frame.
Stick some double-faced adhesive tape on one side all over the surface.
Remove the film of paper and then stick the frame, placing a few heavy books on the flat areas. Leave for one night to ensure that it is firmly fastened.