after

I took my cross-stitch back and had them get a new mat cut for it (and I didn't have to pay for it, which I shouldn't have had to). I got it back last week, and I am A LOT happier with it. And there was only 1/4" behind the mat, which is the standard for framing things like this. So I felt a little silly when I said it looked like more, but it actually wasn't.

So this is before: (sorry it's so dark)

And this is after:

There is really not that big of a difference. To me, the stitching area looks bigger because there is more visible around the edges. It is most noticeable in the upper corners. And the white part of the mat doesn't look so big, which was also a concern of mine before. Thanks to everyone for your input and advice!