The Best Way to Frame a Cross-Stitched Creation
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by: Autumn Lockwood
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Word Count: 679
Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 Time: 5:22 AM
The primary thing you should do to frame a cross-stitch is to think about the art itself and then select a frame and mat design that will go with it. Selecting the correct frame can transform a normal cross-stitch into an heirloom cherished for many years to come. Does it need a simple picture frame, or might a jeweled ornate picture frame be better? Personal preference definitely figures into things, as well as the design of the room where it will be hung.
When 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 window in the backing you have selected, making it about a quarter inch bigger on every edge of the mat window. Stick double sided stitchery tape all along every edge of the portion that is cut out; in the end this will become the back side.
Attach the backing which has the window cut out of it to the chosen mat using the double sided tape.
Center the cross-stitch in the window, then press the cutout into the opening (the side that doesn't have the stitchery should be facing the back of the cross-stitched piece.) It might take a few attempts to get the piece centered properly in the very center.
Decide on a corner that looks just about the way you would like your completed piece to look, and then start to pull the fabric through the back and stick it to the stitchery tape which is on the back. Begin at that very first corner and make your way all the way around. It is likely that you'll have to keep shifting certain parts of the stitchery, pulling on each spot multiple times until it is exactly the way you want it. Whenever you are finished you can use framing tape to adhere the backing to the window. Make a sheet of scrap mat to fit over the whole back of the piece.
At long last, put the completed package into the picture frame you've chosen and make sure it is secure. Use craft paper to put on the back of the frame and then attach your choice of hanger, either a sawtooth hanger or eyehooks with picture wire.
Using Glass or Not Using Glass
You'll have to make up your mind about whether you will use glass or not, which is referred to as glazing in framing terminology, and the climate you live in and the spot you will hang your piece will help you to make that decision. You ought to use glass if you are living in a pretty dry climate. If the piece is unglazed then the dust that accumulates may badly affect the fabric of your piece.
If you are going to hang your piece where conditions may be humid, such as in a bathroom or perhaps your kitchen, you should always glaze the cross-stitch and seal it up securely. The high humidity in these particular areas can result in severe damages to the fabric. When a cross-stitch is not sealed well this can result in condensation building up on the glass and this can eventually lead to problems with mold and mildew.
When the weather you live in is wet and the average humidity does not ever really go below 20%, you are basically guaranteed to have issues with sealing your cross-stitch well enough that moisture won't be a issues. In fact for this reason, framing professionals build rooms in which the humidity is controlled. So if you live in such an area, take your cross-stitch piece to a professional framer to seal it up or leave it unglazed. If you do choose not to glaze it, you should most likely not hang it up in the kitchen, as your fabric is likely to get damaged by grease and other oils in the air.
So bear these tips in mind, and you're sure to end up with a beautifully framed cross-stitch that you'll always treasure.
About the Author
Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Our ornate decorative picture frames are perfect for showing off your cross stitch pieces, family photos or artwork. Call 800-780-0699 or visit our website to see our matted picture frames today.
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