FEATURED IDEA
Framing Your Needlework

Do-it-yourself Rating: Intermediate

 

This month's offering shows you how to mount, mat and frame your prized needlework projects. To celebrate Valentine's Day we stitched a heart sampler to demonstrate the process.

Our example uses the Radius Plus Frame, 3 Mat Boards, Self-Adhesive Mounting Board, and UV Plexi-glass, all custom cut to 11-7/8" x 11-5/8". For your project, simply apply the following steps using your own dimensions and product selections.

 

 

 

Materials:
- 11-7/8" x 11-5/8" Radius Plus Frosted Gold Frame
- 11-7/8" x 11-5/8" Bainbridge Papermat 754 Porcelain top mat, 2" border
- 11-7/8" x 11-5/8" Bainbridge Papermat 849 Grape middle mat, 2 1/4" border
- 11-7/8" x 11-5/8" Crescent Whitecore Basics C994 Chamois Gold bottom mat,
   2-3/8" border
- 11-7/8" x 11-5/8" Bainbridge Papermat 754 Porcelain top mat,
  no border (no window)
- 11-7/8" x 11-5/8" Self-Adhesive Mounting Board (foam core)
- 11-7/8" x 11-5/8" UV Plexi-glass



You will also need:
- adhesive transfer tape
- regular screwdriver
- sharp cutting blade
- "T" pins


Need to stock up on any of these items?
Click on the following:
Adhesive Transfer Tape
Snap Blade Knife


Let's Get Started!


STEP 1
Measuring for Materials.

Measure the stitched image area of your needlework fabric and add the desired border length and width for the mat board. For our project the needlework image area is 8"x8", and we added an additional 4 inches for our border, 2 inches on each side, top and bottom. Once the overall size is determined, all materials (frame, mat board, mounting board and plexi-glass) will be ordered in that size.

Tip: Do not trim any excess fabric until after you've measured for your finished size.

 


 
STEP 2
Blocking.

During the stitching process your needlework may have become wrinkled or pulled out of shape, so you must first iron your work, returning it to its original shape. This is called "blocking" and is usually done on a hard surface by wrapping the work around the stiff board. You may need to trim loose threads on the backside of your work.

 


 
STEP 3
Mounting.

Using our self-adhesive foam mounting board you can now begin mounting your work. Center your needlework design on the board and insert only a few T-pins into each side of the mounting board. When you are sure your design is centered continue this process using additional pins until your fabric is smooth and taut.

 


 
STEP 4
Attaching mat board.

Attach the top mat to the middle mat, then to the bottom mat using adhesive transfer tape. Make sure they are aligned perfectly.


 
STEP 5
Frame things up.

Assemble three side of the metal frame, (both sides and bottom). Insert the plexi-glass, mats, artwork, and backing mat into the metal frame and attach the top portion of the frame.

 


 
STEP 6
Secure Frame.

Tighten corner brackets and insert Spring Clips between the frame and the backing board to secure the needlework. Our SpringMate makes inserting spring clips quick and easy.

 


 
STEP 9
Finishing touches.

Secure the hanging hardware and you are ready to present your framed needlework as a heartfelt gift or enjoy it in your own home.

 

Here are a few tips to help when framing your needlework.

  • When selecting a frame, make sure the rabbet depth is deep enough to accommodate your work.
  • If you are not using mat board, the size of your framing materials will be the size of your needlework's image area.
  • Depending on the thickness of your work, you may want to stiffen the backing board by using two boards.
  • Depending on the item being framed, you may want to substitute Alphamat Mat Board and Archival Mounting Board for conservation purposes.

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