Guide to Framing and Preserving Needlework

After spending countless hours doing needlework it's time to enjoy you priceless work of art. Whether it's a beautiful poem about mothers, a birth plaque, or a beautiful butterfly, you want it to preserve it. Most needlework pieces turn into family heirlooms if they have properly been preserved. Framing your needlework is the best way to display it while preserving it at the same time.

The first step in framing your needlework is to determine the size of your piece. Needlework can easily be preserved and displayed in a normal picture frame with glass. They very from wallet size photos up to 11 x 14. Anything over that and you will most likely have to have a custom built frame.

When choosing your frame keep in mind the size, color and whether or not you would like a matte. Mattes are great for adding color, boarder and helps to prevent expose areas. For example, if you had a piece of needle work that was a 7 x 9 inches you are not likely to find a frame that size. However, if you were to get and 8 x 10 frame with a 1 inch matte it would fit perfectly. When choosing your frame consider woods and metals that are durable. Stay away from plastic as they may not hold up as long depending on how the frame was glued. When choosing your frame it is very important to also look for it's method of hanging. If your frame does not have a hook mounted on the frame to hang it, make sure that you add one. You can still use the frame of your choice but be sure to get a mounting device from the hardware section. Using the punch out holes is not recommended since your needlework will be exposed.

Once you have chosen your frame and matte (if needed), clean the frame. Remove all stickers and wash the glass thoroughly and allow it to dry. Make sure that your needle work is wrinkle free. You may iron your piece according to the directions of the cloth and the thread. Usually, covering the piece with a thin cloth and then ironing on a low setting.

Once you have prepared your frame and needlework, place the needle work on the glass on the inside of the frame like you would if you were inserting a picture. Check to see that the frame is indeed the correct size. If you have any over lapping areas of cloth then you may fold the cloth back so that there is none hanging over the edges. Be sure to fold it as straight as possible and so that it is flat and will leave a flat, pleasurable look on your needlework. If done correctly you will not be able to tell that there are any edges folded in once your framing is complete.

Once you have you needlework in place, lay the back of the picture frame in place being sure not to move the needlework. Hold the back firmly in place while once again, checking the appearance from the front side. If it is correctly positioned the secure the bag using the tabs or bars provided to hold the back in place. Now that you needlework has been framed insure that there are no exposed pieces or open spaces in your finished piece.

Your framed needlework is not ready to be hung. Be sure to dust it as with other pictures and keep it out of moist and dusty areas. Also avoid direct sunlight as it can damage the threads and fade them out. Enjoy your new piece of art for many years to come.