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.
The next step after choosing the mat that you like most is cutting the backing to be the same size as the mats you have chosen. You can make the backing from foam-core or possibly matboard. You'll want to cut a square window in the backing you have chosen, making it about a quarter inch larger on every side of the mat window. Adhere double sided stitchery tape along every edge of the piece that is cut out; eventually this will be the back side.
Mount the backing - the piece with the window cut out - on the mat by using 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 tries to get the stitchery centered properly in the very center.
Select a corner that looks the closest to the way you want the finished piece to appear, and start pulling the fabric through the backing and adhere it onto the stitchery tape on the back. Start at that first corner and make your way all the way around. You will probably have to make some readjustments by pulling on certain parts once again or even numerous times until it is correct. Whenever you are finished you can use some framing tape to adhere the piece of backing to the window. Cut out a section of scrap mat that you can 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 great deal to do with coming up with the decision as to whether or not you want to use glass, commonly known as glazing in the framing circle. You ought to use glass if you are living in a very dry climate. If your piece is unglazed then the dust that accumulates can badly affect the material of your piece.
If the cross-stitch will be placed in a kitchen or restroom, where it would be exposed to humid conditions, it's always best to glaze it and make sure it is sealed tightly. Your fabric may often be horribly damaged when the humidity is quite high in the area it is hung in. If it's not properly sealed, then condensation will form on the glass and that can cause mildew and mold problems.
If you are living in a humid climate 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 will not have moisture problems. Professional framers actually build humidity controlled rooms for this very purpose. So if your normal climate is like this, you really should take your cross-stitch to a framework professional so that they can seal it, or else simply leave it unglazed. If you do choose not to glaze it, you should probably not hang it up in the kitchen, as the 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.
The next step after choosing the mat that you like most is cutting the backing to be the same size as the mats you have chosen. You can make the backing from foam-core or possibly matboard. You'll want to cut a square window in the backing you have chosen, making it about a quarter inch larger on every side of the mat window. Adhere double sided stitchery tape along every edge of the piece that is cut out; eventually this will be the back side.
Mount the backing - the piece with the window cut out - on the mat by using 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 tries to get the stitchery centered properly in the very center.
Select a corner that looks the closest to the way you want the finished piece to appear, and start pulling the fabric through the backing and adhere it onto the stitchery tape on the back. Start at that first corner and make your way all the way around. You will probably have to make some readjustments by pulling on certain parts once again or even numerous times until it is correct. Whenever you are finished you can use some framing tape to adhere the piece of backing to the window. Cut out a section of scrap mat that you can 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 great deal to do with coming up with the decision as to whether or not you want to use glass, commonly known as glazing in the framing circle. You ought to use glass if you are living in a very dry climate. If your piece is unglazed then the dust that accumulates can badly affect the material of your piece.
If the cross-stitch will be placed in a kitchen or restroom, where it would be exposed to humid conditions, it's always best to glaze it and make sure it is sealed tightly. Your fabric may often be horribly damaged when the humidity is quite high in the area it is hung in. If it's not properly sealed, then condensation will form on the glass and that can cause mildew and mold problems.
If you are living in a humid climate 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 will not have moisture problems. Professional framers actually build humidity controlled rooms for this very purpose. So if your normal climate is like this, you really should take your cross-stitch to a framework professional so that they can seal it, or else simply leave it unglazed. If you do choose not to glaze it, you should probably not hang it up in the kitchen, as the 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 writes for Your Picture Frames. Choose one of our gold vintage picture frames or assorted other frames to display your favorite photos and artwork. Visit us online and see our white photo frames and colored photo frames now or call us at 800-780-0699.
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