Preparing Needlework for Framing:
- Rinse under running water.
- Wash in cool water using mild soap.
- Roll in towel to dry for 30 minutes.
- Press or Block while damp. Press: face down over towels with a pressing cloth. Block if the piece is not square. To Block first, try to pull it straight. If you can’t pin to a soft board covered with gridded fabric or onto an ironing board. If you don’t have gridded fabric, check for “square” with a piece of paper if it is fairly small or with a carpenter’s square if it is large. Pin from the center outward, outside of the stitching or design. Remove pins after it is completely dry.
Mounting Needlework:
Mount needlework on a stretcher frame or over a board. The board could be lightly padded if appropriate to the needlework. Hold in place by taping to the back with acid free tape or lace together with thread.
Framing:
There are many, many kinds of frames. Try your needlework or picture in several different kinds/colors before making your final selection. The frame should complement and draw attention to the picture but not overpower it. You will also want to consider whether or not to add a mat. Will it help the picture? Or detract from it? Which color(s) would look the best?
Glass:
If you use glass, non-glare is always your best choice. Guidelines for whether or not to use glass:
- Needlework - optional. It protects the needlework but also hides the stitches. Glass should never touch the needlework. Use spacers or mat to keep glass from needlework.
- Watercolors - Use mat and glass to protect.
- Acrylics/Oils - No glass.
- Pastels/Charcoals - Glass.
- Graphics (Silk Screen, Etching, Lithographs) - Mat and glass.
Finish Backs:
- Some frames come with covers/stands - use them!
- Others - Cover the back with paper glued to the frame.
- Don’t forget the hanger. If it is meant to hang then you must have a hanger attached. For small pictures, alligator brackets are OK. For larger pictures, use screw eyes and wire.
Hoops:
- If you are putting needlework in a hoop, be sure to cover the raw edges on the back by covering the entire back with paper or covering the edges with some type of trim or lace.