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No Glue Box Top


I like to finish small cross-stitched items as box tops.

Paper Mache boxes are inexpensive and come in various sizes.  I like that I can paint them any color to go with my stitching.

Usually I glue my piece around cardboard and quilt batting.  Then I glue it to the box top and glue on a trimming.  It is quick and easy.  But it can't be undone.

I wasn't ready to do this to the Striped Mountain so I decided to try a no glue method.

I laced the work around the cardboard backing instead of glueing.  Next, I cut holes in the box top.  The plan was to sew the item in place.


Unless you have curved needles or infinite patience that will not work.  There's not enough room to manuever the needle around.  Instead, I marked the location of the holes with a maker (yes, I know, that can't be undone, but I made small marks).  Then I attached a length of thread at each hole.  I was able to thread the thread through the holes and tie them off tightly.  It wasn't easy.  I needed a few extra hands. 


However, I got the threads tight enough that the top is very secure (no wiggling) and it's tight against the box.  If I want to, all I have to do is snip a few threads and I can remove the stitching.

A little more work, but definitely worth it.  I'll be finishing this way again.
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