Cardboard Insert Finishing Instructions for any Project

July 4th wool project and Antebellum quilt ~ FREE patterns from Pam Buda of HeartspunQuilts.com

I don't always want my projects to hang on the wall, or become pinkeeps or paper weights.  I often want them to stand up as if they were framed, without the expense of having them framed, so this idea seems to be a good alternative.   Here's the simple method I created to do just that.

I'm using my July 4th freebie project as my sample, but you can do this to any small quilt, wool applique or cross stitch project.  You will want to adjust the border measurements according to the size of the project you're working with.  You don't have to have a border, so keep that in mind as an option as well.

At the end of this post, you can download/print the written instructions for this tutorial, saving you from scribbling notes for these steps.  (Click here to get the July 4th wool project above.)

To begin, I added a 1 1/2" cut border to my July 4th top.  Measure the length and width of your top including the new added border.  Cut a piece of scrap batting to the same size.

Cut a piece of lining fabric the same size as your top.  I used a light print so you can clearly see which piece is which piece for the technique, but you can choose to have the fabrics match the border, and/or backing, or use up scraps.

Cut a backing fabric the same size as your project.  Using a disappearing marker or pen, measure and draw a line 3/4 of an inch along the bottom edge.  Fold the backing, wrong sides together, along the marked line and press.

Sew a top stitch seam 1/4" from the folded edge to give it a nice finish.

Cut (2) 1 1/2" squares (mine are red) and fold each one in half diagonally, wrong sides together, forming a triangle.  

Layer your project components as follows:  

*project top facing down

*batting 

*inside lining face up

*place the two triangles in the bottom corners of the project on the back

*backing face up

Pin all around and stay stitch 1/8" on all four sides of the project.  This will hold all the components in place when you sew the binding.

Prepare the smallest width binding you are comfortable using.  I used (2) strips cut 1 7/8" wide for single fold binding.  

When calculating binding for another project, here is the math formula:

L+L+W+W+10 inches, divided by 40 = how many strips to cut at the width you desire.

Bind as you usually would.

Cut a piece of cardboard or tag board 1/2 inch smaller than your project size.  You don't want to use a box as that is too thick.  I used cardboard that I took from the back of a pad of paper.  You can also use a cereal box.

Insert the cardboard between the lining and the backing.  Tuck the bottom corners into the two triangles.

Voila!!!  Easy, peasy!!  It's ready to be displayed anywhere with a decorative easel.

Click here to download/print my Cardboard Insert Finishing Instructions.

 I hope my tutorial and technique help you find new ways to enjoy your many stitching projects.   The tutorial will remain on my blog for you to reference anytime in the future.

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Be well, dear readers....keep on stitching!