What is the best method to frame a cross stitch work?

Question

Is it the same way of framing a picture or painting?

Any especial materials? How to keep it longlasting?

Answer 1

This is how I frame my cross stitches.  I usually buy some mounting foam board at Michael's.  They come in different sizes like 5 x 7, 8 x 10 or larger.  I cut a piece from that to fit into the opening of the frame, if a cut is needed.

I measure the design and I measure the opening of the frame.  I then calculate how much space I need on each side of the design for margin around the design for it to fit into the frame and I mark a small spot on each side of the back of the fabric.  I then place the sticky part of the mounting foam board to the back of the fabric lining up  my 4 marks on the fabric to the perimeter of the board.  I straighten any loose parts and smooth it down and possibly even lint roll if necessary the front part of the design now mounted on the board.

I then proceed to tape back the remaining fabric to the back of the foam board but before I do, I place the mounted design into the frame to see if all sides are centered and even.  Sometimes I have to make some small adjustments right here.

Once I am satisfied with the mounting, I remove the board from the frame and then I tape back each side of the fabric to the back of the mounting board.  I place that inside the frame opening and check to make sure it is still even.  I then complete the process by closing up the frame with any parts necessary such as a backing and tighten the staples or screws down.  

With the foam board you can not have glass or mats but you can use this same procedure without the foam board using regular sticky mounting board (no foam) and add the glass or mats if desired).

Some folks like to sew/tie the fabric closed to the back of the mounting board rather than use tape.

There is also another type of board to attach your fabric that is not sticky that can usually be found near the framing sections and is what professional framers use.  To afix to this type of board you would pin or staple your fabric to the board and/or sew/tie the fabric closed on the back.

here is a link for tutorials for all kinds of cross stitch finishes:

http://focusonfinishing.wordpress.com/

Answer 2

Using sticky boards or adhesive sprays is NOT the way to frame a cross-stitched piece.  If it is worth framing, it is worth doing it correctly so that it will remain as a treasure for many years.   Use only an acid-free foam or backing board to mount the finished design.   As suggested, you can pin the design to the edge of the foam board.  I also like to lace the design on the back of the board.  

Choosing the frame is also important.  The frame has to be deep enough to accommodate an acid-free mat or spacers, and glass.   The design should never be framed so that it touches the glass.  It needs room to "breathe."

You can find a number of sites that give tutorials about proper framing of Needlework on the net.  

MaryK

Answer 3

I have done these in a couple of different ways. First was to use a pretty embroidery hoop and glue it together on permanent basis. Can be washed this way if the glue is not watersoluable by soaking in soapy solution and swishing a bit. This one is about 25 yrs old and still looks good.

another way is to tack the piece to stretcher bars and place a nice frame that emphasises the picture over it. This too can be washed by soaking or drycleaning in some establishments.

third way is to use spray adhesive, put a piece of thin foam on a cardboard backer, then the embroidery on the foam and insert the whole thing in picture frame. This cannot be washed or drycleaned.

the second 2 methods can or not have glass or plexiglass over the fabrics, but this has a nasty tendancy to prevent the fabrics from breathing so they deteriorate faster even if it does keep them cleaner.

Answer 4

I don't recommend using any sort of spray adhesive or sticky board to mount your stitching. The glues will dry out in time and there is a real possibility of the glue turning your fabric yellow (and the stain will never come out). There is also the possibility of the stitchery shifting in its frame as the glue dries so it won't be straight. Whether or not any of this matters to you is personal preference. I would recommend using foam core board and stainless steel silk pins to pin your stitchery directly into the sides of the board. It's what professional framers (the ones who actually know how to handle needlework) do.

Helen, you attach your stitchery to the foam core by using stainless steel silk pins. You position your stitchery on the foam core and push the pins through the fabric into the sides of the foam core board. Done properly, your stitchery will remain straight and in place for many years. As for how to to keep the frame in place, you have to make sure the frame opening matches the size of the foam core (you may also want to have mats to set off the stitchings colors) . Professional framers use a stapler that shoots tacks sideways into the frame that keep the foam core and any mats in place, then cover the back with brown paper. Whatever mats and foam core you decide to use, they should be acid-free, archival quality. Do not use plain cardboard because it is definitely not acid free and WILL discolor your fabric!