Tips for Framing Embroidery

I’ve had a lot of questions lately about framing embroidery pieces.

Now that I have a studio space with a Big Wall, I’m more inclined to frame more of my sample pieces to hang as a kind of gallery on that wall. I wrote about the wall here, if you’d like to read about it and see how it has developed since we moved into this space last autumn. There’s still quite a ways to go on it! It’s just a matter of sorting stitched samples (I have about a gazillion) and finding the right frames for them.

I like framing embroidery! And I like doing it myself, because I’ve had too many problems when taking pieces to framers who don’t quite know how to handle needlework. This frame job was disaster, for example. Considering the cost of the job, in fact, it was a huge disaster.

And it was that disaster that convinced me once and for all that it’s just better to undertake framing on my own.

So, today, some quick framing tips for you, in a nutshell, with links that you can explore further if you’re interested in framing your own embroidery pieces.

First, for a thorough overview of the framing process, read the following two articles. In them, we work step-by-step through framing a piece of embroidery, and I talk all about the tools that I used and the methods for mounting the fabric on board, and so forth.

Reframing Embroidery Part 1: Preparation
Reframing Embroidery Part 2: Materials & Methods, step-by-step

Those articles will expel any myth that framing is out of reach for mere mortals. You’ll see that the process is not difficult – it’s perfectly manageable from home.

It’s true that I use some tools that are particular to framing, but you don’t have to use these tools. Once I began framing in earnest, I realized it was worth investing in a few tools, though.

For just the basics, you’ll want cutting tools – a craft knife, a straight edge, and a self-healing mat, for cutting mounting board.

You’ll need pins! I use glass-headed pins for most of the framing work, because they’re easier on the fingers when pushing them into board. I also keep stainless steel lace pins on hand, in case I need to pin into a mat board and leave the pins in place.

You’ll need a good quality, strong sewing thread for lacing and for mitering corners occasionally.

You’ll also want some backing paper and adhesive to finish the back of the frame neatly.

If you pursue framing in earnest, you can go from there and invest in specific framing tools.

One definite way to cut down on the expense of framing is to hunt down used frames. The best places I’ve found frames in good condition for practically nothing are thrift stores, Facebook marketplace, and garage sales.

Look at the frame – don’t look at what’s in it! Consider whether or not the frame will work for an embroidery piece, and if you think it will, pick it up! I’ve scored many excellent frames for less than $2, that otherwise would have cost a small fortune to have them custom made.

When you’re looking at a potential frame, check the depth of the frame and make sure that the “rabbet” – that’s the inside measurement where all the layers you intend to frame need to fit – is deep enough.

If you’re framing with glass (I normally do), you’ll want space for either a mat or a spacer (to keep the glass off your fabric), space for the glazing (the glass), space for the embroidery on a mounting board, and space for a backing board. If the embroidery can’t fit in the frame with a backing board, that’s ok. I don’t always use a backing board if the embroidery fits in snuggly enough that I know it won’t shift. I always cover the back of the frame job with brown paper that’s fixed on with adhesive along the back edge of the frame.

The Supplies Worth Paying For

While I’ve pretty much gotten past paying for custom frames (except on very special pieces), I think there are some parts of the frame that are worth paying for.

For example, it is often worth having a mat professionally cut, if you don’t have the equipment or wherewithal to cut it yourself. Plus, you have a much better range of mat options at a framing store. Give them very specific measurements – the measurement for the outside edge of the mat (where it fits in the frame) and the measurement of the “window.” Those two measurements will determine how wide your mat is, because the window will be centered inside the cut out piece of mat board.

In some cases, it may also be worth having a piece of glass cut for the frame – especially if the frame came without glass, or if you prefer to invest in museum-quality glass that cuts down on UV light penetration. Whenever I’m framing goldwork or silk or any piece that I’ve invested a lot of time into, I will normally order museum glass.

For smaller projects that weren’t time intensive and that don’t include pricey materials, I normally just go with regular glass. If the frame came with glass, I’m also set. If it didn’t, I will have a piece cut.

Sometimes, it’s worth tracking down specialty glass for a desired effect.

For example, on this hummingbird project, I wanted the birds mounted in a round frame with bubble glass (convex glass or domed glass) in the fame, because I thought the effect would be interesting.

More on Framing

Way back in some distant era, I wrote this article on framing a miniature embroidery piece.

And last year, the Autumn Fire stitch snippet was a framable piece, so we worked through the finishing on that together. You can check out the instructions for it here.

I hope these various and sundry tips help you in your framing endeavors!

The Goings-on at Needle ‘n Thread

Well, it seems like summer is already slipping by in a hasty blur – and it just started! We’re in full work mode in the studio! I’m tying up loose ends on my house and taking care of other outside-work life events (hopefully, all these loose ends will get tied up soon). I’ve had a lot of questions about the house – it is finished on the inside, but the outside is not, and the yard (oh my gosh) is one massive mud dump. So lots to do still! For those who have asked, yes, I will share some after photos, once the major outside work is finished.

Over the weekend, I insured that we will return to drought conditions in Kansas. I bought and installed silt socks around the sections of the yard where the mud from springs rains has been pouring onto walkways and sidewalks and into street gutters. Now that those are in place, the rain, which we need sorely, will probably cease. My apologies to the farmers.

I’m finishing up Sweet Marguerite, the next Stitch Snippet, in snatches. The first sample should be finished by the end of the week, and then we’ll be ready to talk about the kit launch! They’re almost ready!

We added floche packs to the shop last week.

Christine and Anna are preparing a whole inventory of ready-to-stitch towel sets. We’ll be adding two new ones this summer – Something Fishy and Gone Camping. I’ll share more on those with you soon.

What else are we working on? Well, right here in our little studio, we are manufacturing our very own line of a pretty little embroidery accessory! I will share that with you soon, too! I’ve sent out samples for feedback and once we work out the kinks, I will show you what we’ve been making – I’m really excited about them!

It’s a busy summer! I hope that June is off to a great start for you, too!