The first step in framing a piece of cross-stitch is to select a picture frame and a mat combination based on the artwork itself. Choosing the correct frame can transform a normal cross-stitch into an heirloom cherished for years to come. Does it call for a simple picture frame, or would a jeweled ornate picture frame be better? Personal preference definitely figures into things, as well as the decor of the room where it will be hung.
Once you've selected your mat or mats, you'll need to cut a backing the same dimensions as your mats. Backing may be made out of matboard or foam-core. You will want to cut a square window in the backing you have selected, making it about a quarter inch larger on every side of the mat window. Stick double sided stitchery tape all along every edge of the piece that is cut out; eventually this will become the back side.
Position the backing - the section with the window cut out - on the mat with double sided tape.
Center the cross-stitch in the opening, then press the cutout into the opening (the side which doesn't have the stitchery should be facing the back of the cross-stitched piece.) It may take a few attempts to get the piece centered properly in the middle.
Choose a corner that looks the closest to the way you want the completed piece to appear, and begin pulling the fabric through the backing and adhere it onto the stitchery tape on the back. Begin at that very first corner and make your way all the way around. It's likely that you will have to keep adjusting certain parts of the piece, pulling on each spot multiple times until it is just the way you want it. When you are done you can use framing tape to adhere the backing to the window. Make a sheet of scrap mat which will fit over the whole back of the piece.
In the end, put the finished package into the picture frame you have chosen and ensure that it is secure. Select some craft paper to use on the back of the frame and then all you have to do is select the kind of hanger you would like, whether you choose a sawtooth hanger or both picture wire and some eyehooks.
Glass or no Glass
The weather and the place in your house in which this piece is going to be hung have a lot to do with coming up with the decision as to whether or not you should use glass, commonly referred to as glazing in the framing world. You should use glass if you are living in a pretty dry climate. If your piece is unglazed then the dust that accumulates may badly affect the fabric of your piece.
If the piece will be hung in a kitchen or restroom, where it would be exposed to humid conditions, it's always best to glaze it and be sure it's sealed tightly. Your fabric may often be horribly damaged when the humidity is quite high in the area it is hung in. When a piece is not sealed well this can result in condensation building up on the glass which can eventually lead to troubles with mold and mildew.
If you live in a humid area and never get a dry day where relative humidity is less than 20%, it can be difficult if not impossible to make a sealed frame package that won't have moisture issues. In fact because of this, framing professionals create rooms in which the humidity is controlled. So if your climate is like this, you really should take your cross-stitch to a framing professional so that they will be able to seal it, or else just leave it unglazed. If you do decide not to glaze the piece, you should probably not hang it up in the kitchen, as your fabric is likely to get damaged by grease and any other oils in the air.
So do not forget to make use of these tips and you will surely treasure your wonderfully preserved cross-stitch for many years to come.
Once you've selected your mat or mats, you'll need to cut a backing the same dimensions as your mats. Backing may be made out of matboard or foam-core. You will want to cut a square window in the backing you have selected, making it about a quarter inch larger on every side of the mat window. Stick double sided stitchery tape all along every edge of the piece that is cut out; eventually this will become the back side.
Position the backing - the section with the window cut out - on the mat with double sided tape.
Center the cross-stitch in the opening, then press the cutout into the opening (the side which doesn't have the stitchery should be facing the back of the cross-stitched piece.) It may take a few attempts to get the piece centered properly in the middle.
Choose a corner that looks the closest to the way you want the completed piece to appear, and begin pulling the fabric through the backing and adhere it onto the stitchery tape on the back. Begin at that very first corner and make your way all the way around. It's likely that you will have to keep adjusting certain parts of the piece, pulling on each spot multiple times until it is just the way you want it. When you are done you can use framing tape to adhere the backing to the window. Make a sheet of scrap mat which will fit over the whole back of the piece.
In the end, put the finished package into the picture frame you have chosen and ensure that it is secure. Select some craft paper to use on the back of the frame and then all you have to do is select the kind of hanger you would like, whether you choose a sawtooth hanger or both picture wire and some eyehooks.
Glass or no Glass
The weather and the place in your house in which this piece is going to be hung have a lot to do with coming up with the decision as to whether or not you should use glass, commonly referred to as glazing in the framing world. You should use glass if you are living in a pretty dry climate. If your piece is unglazed then the dust that accumulates may badly affect the fabric of your piece.
If the piece will be hung in a kitchen or restroom, where it would be exposed to humid conditions, it's always best to glaze it and be sure it's sealed tightly. Your fabric may often be horribly damaged when the humidity is quite high in the area it is hung in. When a piece is not sealed well this can result in condensation building up on the glass which can eventually lead to troubles with mold and mildew.
If you live in a humid area and never get a dry day where relative humidity is less than 20%, it can be difficult if not impossible to make a sealed frame package that won't have moisture issues. In fact because of this, framing professionals create rooms in which the humidity is controlled. So if your climate is like this, you really should take your cross-stitch to a framing professional so that they will be able to seal it, or else just leave it unglazed. If you do decide not to glaze the piece, you should probably not hang it up in the kitchen, as your fabric is likely to get damaged by grease and any other oils in the air.
So do not forget to make use of these tips and you will surely treasure your wonderfully preserved cross-stitch for many years to come.
About the Author:
Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. When you are looking for the perfect frames for your cherished photos or other framed artwork, shop online and see our assortment of gold vintage picture frames and other frames in various styles. Visit our website to take a look at our white photo frames and colored photo frames now or call 800-780-0699.
