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Framing Needlework
by Liz Hartley

Supplies
Glass cleaner 
Canned air 
Carpet/Button thread           
Scissors
Acid-free foam core
Acid-free matte		 Paper towels
Lint roller
Needle
Appliqué/Sequin pins
100% cotton batting
Clean white towels

Frame with glass
 

  1. Remove glass from frame. Clean both sides with glass cleaner. Place glass back into frame. Use canned air to remove any lint that may remain on glass.

  2. Cut foam core slightly smaller (1/16") than frame. Cut batting to exact size of foam core.

  3. Needlework should be clean and blocked. If needlework cannot be washed or dry cleaned, use a lint roller lightly to remove any "mystery" threads, fuzz, etc, from front and back. (I like to use the lint roller first on clean white muslin so it isn't quite so tacky.)

  4. If needlework is smaller than foam core, add sufficient fabric to all sides so it will wrap around to the back with approximately 2-3" of excess fabric.

  5. Press all seams away from the needlework.

  6. Place matte over needlework to be sure that seams do not show. If seams show, it may be necessary to add a smaller matte to the inside or use a smaller frame.

  7. Turn all raw edges of fabric under 1/4" and stitch to secure.

  8. Place batting on foam core. All threads or "mystery" flecks must be removed as this may show through your needlework.

  9. Center fabric on top of batting, smoothing out any wrinkles or "bumps". Be sure that the needlework is centered in the opening of the matte board. This may require repositioning several times.

  10. Once the needlework is centered, carefully remove the matte without moving the needlework.

  11. Pin the edges of the fabric to the foam core with appliqué/sequin pins. This will temporary secure the work to the foam core while you stitch the back.

  12. Turn the needlework over placing it on a clean white towel.

  13. Evenly pull the excess fabric to the back. Thread a needle with carpet/button thread and knot. Starting at the center, stitch opposite sides of the excess fabric together, spacing stitches approximately 1" apart. (Your stitching will have a zigzag effect.) Stitch to one edge, being sure to evenly pull fabric taunt. Tie off thread.

  14. Start at center and repeat to the other edge.

  15. Next, pull the remaining two sides of fabric to the center of the back and repeat the same process. It is important to pull these stitches evenly tight to prevent the work from shifting or puckering.

  16. Once the piece is completely stitched on the back, remove the pins from the front side.

  17. Place matte and needlework in frame. Cover back of needlework with acid-free matte board. Attach hanger.