Good question. That instruction does sound confusing. You still have to allow three inches on each side of the finished piece to allow for finishing.

NancyeG, Can't picture this in my mind's eye. Sounds like a lot of fabric to be turning to the back.
Maybe "lacing" it would be in order. Something tells me I am going to have to analyze this when I see the pattern. You know how us stitchers are....we want to figure it out yesterday! Thanks.

fHi Jersey,
I agree with NANCYE G. to allow 3 inches extra fabric each side when you order the fabric you are going to stitch on! It is better to have too much fabric than not enough. You will need the 3 inches on each side if you decide to add 1-3 layers of matting and have enough for the frame.
If you are going to frame it yourself, you're going to need to buy acid-free NON Stick mounting board.
There is an excellent 2-part turtorial on doing your own framing on You-Tube if you type in " TARA C. how to frame cross stitch"
If you decide to have a professional framer do the framing, I would stongly suggest that you begin the "hunt" for someone who can frame cross stitch projects CORRECTLY. Some of the big Craft stores charge and arm-and-a-leg and don't necessarily do a quality job. I know that Syagel (on this website) does her own matting and framing and saves not only money, but also knows she's doing the framing correctly.
Hope this helps!

Bermuda, I am getting like dbye now! I am trying to picture something other than what I have always done!! I see what you mean about the extra fabric. I will say (in their defense), I have had several things framed at A.C.Moore. They did an excellent job. Not cheap though. The gal who did my framing told me they are not allowed to frame unless they are fully trained and hold a "certificate". I don't know if that is ALL A.C. Moore stores, or just this one. Someone queued me in to an independent framer who is about 45 minutes away and has evidently won some local awards. So, I shall check that out as well. "My" shop in Cape May also does framing. So, out of loyalty, I may go their first. I am anxious to see The Toy Box pattern. I will be "broadening my horizons"! Gotta practice what I have been preaching to dybe! Thanks for your input. I appreciate it.

I agree Jersey. They KNOW you are the "Cape" store. I would go there first and see what kind of prices they give you. You sound like you trust them as well.
I will be saving 2-3 of my LARGE projects to take to the "cross stitch" shop up in Ohio that I dealt with all these previous years. The owner has done a couple of large projects (and a few small ones) and she does excellent work. I haven't learned to trust the "new" framing shop that I had a couple "small" things framed... I'll see by taking a "peek" under the "backing paper" on the next small project I intend to have them frame to see if I'm satisfied.

Bermuda,
I don't blame you for going back to Ohio with things that you have completed. After all the "countless hours" we put into these projects, having trust in our framer is everything. I used to go to a private framer several towns away. It was a family business. The last thing I had framed had to be re-done because it was not even. I never went back. After all of my work, I realized someone just framed it and never really looked at it. That is why I am going to change framers!
P.S. You are right, they "know" me in Cape May!

Ok, to get off the framing company mish-mash.... ALWAYS plan on 6" of extra fabric total from your finished design. Secondly, I have a good friend who does a lot from HAED, and she always grids her fabric before starting. And she usually has several going at the same time, so she keeps herself organized. Thirdly, if it's an historical sight, make sure it's accurate, too... I don't know what company she got it from, but one picture of one town was way off. Have fun stitching. Oh, and do not.... never!!! Do never stitch to the end of a page and then start again... it will show on your finished piece! If you have to change pages, keep on stitching, or the divisive line WILL show! You'll be much happier with your work and it's worth the trouble! Happy stitching!!!

Framing: If framing to the size of the picture, you will lose 1/4" each side to the depth of the rabit. You of your framer may mount it on a foam core board about 3/8" larger on side to avoid this loss.

If matting, you'll mount it on foam core about 1" larger on each side. The framer will fill in the difference with strips of foam core, or a piece with a window the size of your mounted design. Called Collars or Shims. Holds the needlework in place.

You can add glass on top of a mat. If no mat, ask for 1/8" acrylic spacers to keep the glass from touching the fiber.

momcat & jlhewes, Thank you so much! I am going to print out this information so that when the time comes I won't be in a fog!! I am looking forward to doing something completely different!

momcat25
In reading your post I don't understand what you mean about changing pages and not stopping but to keep on stitching or it will show you stopped. I am working on a 9 page pattern and am just finishing page 1 and will be going to page 2 later today. I'm a little dense so would you please explain to me what you mean about not stopping my stitching. I know I'm not saying this how I mean it other than to say I am confused. Thanks a lot.
cheryl