Finish what you stitched
A window greeting card
Size a rectangular window around the whole chart, mount it from behind and cover the fabric edges.
From stitches to a finished piece
Pocket Tulip · 14 count Aida
A window greeting card
Size a rectangular window around the whole chart, mount it from behind and cover the fabric edges.
- Whole chart
- 2.29 × 2.86 inIncludes the empty chart squares.
- Working cloth
- 8.50 × 9.00 inStart with this larger piece while stitching.
- Finishing trim
- 3.54 × 4.11 inCut this only after stitching and all fit checks.
- Finished size
- 4.04 × 4.61 inThe visible finished object.
- Backing
- 3.91 × 4.48 inDry fit before attaching.
- The window includes the whole chart and at least 0.125 in of blank cloth on every side.
- The fabric overlap stays clear of the card edge and fold.
- The 8.50 × 9.00 in working cloth contains the entire finishing trim line.
- Window opening
- 2.54 × 3.11 inA rectangular opening, centred in the front panel.
- Fabric overlap per edge
- 0.50 inThis extra fabric sits behind the card, outside the opening.
- Two-panel card blank
- 8.07 × 4.61 inScore 4.04 in from one short edge. The closed card is one panel wide.
Finishing supplies
- Completed, pressed Aida
- Cardstock for a two-panel card and a separate cover panel
- Fabric-safe double-sided mounting tape, tested on a scrap
- Pencil, ruler, blunt scoring tool, scissors or craft knife and cutting mat
These are measured-layout plans and original assembly diagrams. Fabric stretch, bulk, tape adhesion and the finished object have not been physically sample-tested. Make a paper dry fit and measure your actual supplies before cutting.
Diagrams are not full-size templates. Use the written dimensions and check any printer scale before tracing.
1. Try a paper window first
Cut a scrap-paper window 2.54 × 3.11 in. Centre it over the entire chart. The blank area inside the chart belongs to the design. Check all four sides in the same orientation as the card.
Check: The whole design and at least 0.125 in of blank cloth around it are visible. Enlarge a cramped window.
Try a paper window first · schematic, not to scale 2. Prepare and trim the cloth
Secure tails and gently press from the back on a towel if the materials allow. Once the layout passes, trim to 3.54 × 4.11 in. This includes 0.50 in of mounting overlap beyond each side of the window.
Check: The cloth remains larger than the window; no stitched cell enters the adhesive area.
Prepare and trim the cloth · schematic, not to scale 3. Cut and score the card blank
Use cardstock 8.07 × 4.61 in. Mark the halfway line at 4.04 in. Score gently with a blunt tool and fold; each closed panel measures 4.04 × 4.61 in.
Check: Fold edges meet and the hinge bends freely before a window is cut.
Cut and score the card blank · schematic, not to scale 4. Open the front panel
On the inside of the front panel, centre the 2.54 × 3.11 in window. Cut on a mat with a ruler, keeping fingers clear of the cutting line. Recheck the window with the stitched front behind it.
Check: The remaining card frame contains the full mounting overlap plus clearance to the outside edge and hinge.
Open the front panel · schematic, not to scale 5. Mount behind the window
Test mounting tape on a scrap first. Put narrow tape strips on the inside card frame, in the overlap area. Lay the stitching face up and lower the window onto it; align before pressing the taped margins. Keep tape and pressure off the stitches.
Check: From the front the design is centred; from the inside the raw fabric edge stays clear of the hinge.
Mount behind the window · schematic, not to scale 6. Cover the inside fabric edges
Cut a separate cardstock cover 3.91 × 4.48 in. Centre it over the mounted cloth, leaving a narrow gap at the hinge. Tape its perimeter to the card outside the fabric, without pushing the needlework flat.
Check: The cover conceals all raw edges, and the card still closes without buckling.
Cover the inside fabric edges · schematic, not to scale 7. Close and inspect the layers
Fold the back panel behind the decorated front. Let any mounting adhesive settle according to its package. If the card bows, reopen it and correct the fabric tension or thick overlap before pressing only the plain card margins.
Check: The closed card lies evenly. The cover does not catch on the hinge.
Close and inspect the layers · schematic, not to scale 8. Write and protect the card
Write your message after the inside cover is secure. Place a clean sheet over the stitching for storage or an envelope. Keep the card dry; remove the fabric before any separate cleaning.
Check: No exposed sticky edge touches the stitches, envelope or message panel.
Write and protect the card · schematic, not to scale
Technique references
The sizing rules and diagrams above are original to this planner. These sources describe the underlying finishing techniques.