Posted by Lauren Baldwin on September 30, 2022.
So you've just finished a beautiful cross stitch and are ready to display it, but you don't know where to begin. No worries: we've got you covered! Framing cross stitches and other needlework is one of our specialties.
Cross stitch is much different than a photo or painting, and, therefore, it has a different set of framing requirements. Here is our considerations and procedures for designing and framing this type of project.
The Design Process
1. Decide whether or not to use glass.
On all projects, glass is used to protect items from everyday wear and tear. With fabric pieces, however, precautions must be taken to ensure the fabric stays away from the glass in order to avoid damage to the piece.
Inside of a frame, condensation may form on the inside of the glass panel. If the glass is resting against fabric, this condensation may transfer to the fabric and cause staining and discoloration. Additionally, as the condensation seeps into the fabric's fibers, it may cause mildew and molding.
Although these are daunting possibilities, glass can be used in a safe way on fabric pieces. Additionally, choosing to frame the cross stitch without glass is a safe option that allows for clear viewing as well.
2. Choose your glass accommodation method.
If you choose to use glass, there are two ways to use it harmlessly. First, matboard can be used to create space between the glass and fabric. This also adds an element of design into the frame. However, if a matboard isn't your style, an alternative is spacers.
3. Choose your molding.
When choosing your frame molding, if you chose to use glass, the depth must accommodate the space that the glass, spacer or matboard, cross stitch, and backing board will take. If glass wasn't chosen, the molding only has to accommodate for the cross stitch and backing board.
The Framing Process
1. Stretch the cross stitch.
Before anything else, when we work with your cross stitch, we stretch it around a piece of foam backing board to ensure it looks presentable without any wrinkles. This also allows us to make sure that the piece is squared up.
2. Cut and place the matboard.
If a matboard was chosen in the design process, we would cut and place the matboard on top of the cross stitch.
3. Frame the cross stitch.
Now the cross stitch is ready to frame. During this step, all of the items that were chosen in the design process are secured in the frame with professional framer's points. In addition, we add a dust cover and hanging supplies to the back of the frame, so that it is ready to hang on your wall. Now it's ready to enjoy!
Cross stitch and other needlework projects require a different set of steps and considerations than other projects do. However, with the correct precautions, cross stitches will be beautiful on your wall for many years!
If you have a cross stitch or other needlework that you are interested in having framed, call, visit, or contact us here. In addition, if you are in need of needlework supplies, visit us in store or online to shop.