Framing the MSE way

mountainofdebt

Hi Guys - need some help here about framing cross stitch projects.

As some of you know I've just finished a piece for a gift and went to have it framed yesterday and almost fell on the floor when I was told the price of doing it!

I know this is going to sound awful but whilst I don't mind paying it for this piece as its a special gift I was thinking of doing the piece again as a raffle prize for a charity but obviously the price of framing it has made me think twice.

So how can I frame future pieces in a MSE way - I've never done my own framing so am very nervous of spending time sewing the piece and then potentially ruining it trying to save a few ££££ framing it.

rosalie-lavender

I buy a ready made frame and frame my own. I have sometimes had to resort to using picture frames with pictures already in and removing the picture. I have picked up frames in a number of places but Wilkinsons is worth a look but look carefully at the frame before you buy it, some are better made than others. I have also bought frames in shops that do framing or photographic shops. Our local one sells surplus frames. It is more difficult though, if the cross stitch is an awkward shape or size.

The frames I have bought have had a hardboard piece that goes behind the picture. I press the cross stitch and stretch it over the board and either tape it down or stitch it at the back. Be careful you dont cut it too close though, it is better to leave a good margin of fabric and trim more if necessary than to cut it too close and have it fray.

If you want a cardboard mount inside it that is more difficult but I think I have seen some mounts sold seperately possibly in Wilkinsons or an Art shop might cut you one. I know our local art shop sells the thick cardboard that is used for the mounts.

craftysarah

You can also buy sticky backed board from craft shops that you can cut to size and it helps keep it in place whilst you're putting it back in the frame (that's when mine always slip and end up wonky!), it's easy to cut to size with a craft or stanley knife. I think I've seen it in The Range too. HTH.

mountainofdebt

thanks for the pieces of advice.

Do you stretch your works and if how do you do it - as you can tell I'm a complete novice at this!

Also with previous peices of work I've asked for a thin piece of wadding (which I've provided) to be put between the sewing and the board; yesterday the guy looked at me as if I was mad - does anyone else do this and if does do you think it makes any difference (I do!) and if so does this make a difference to the way you frame it?

CurlyTop

Hi, back in the day when I had the money, we knew someone who was in the framing business and he used to give us a discount, but to be honest, it was still a bit dear. In the last couple of years, I've been doing my own cross stitch framing. Depending on who the project is for, sets the price. I've picked up some bargains from photography shops. Years ago, I bought 1 metre of wadding from John Lewis and its lasted me yonks. Am just on the last of it now. It makes all the difference. I don't stretch the work as such, but I do make sure it is pulled tight. I wash and iron the work and then I place a piece of wadding behind the work and then pull it tight around a piece of card and then using double sided tape, I stick the edges down. Pop it in the glass and put the back board on and the jobs a good 'un. HTH

rosalie-lavender

CurlyTop wrote: »

Hi, back in the day when I had the money, we knew someone who was in the framing business and he used to give us a discount, but to be honest, it was still a bit dear. In the last couple of years, I've been doing my own cross stitch framing. Depending on who the project is for, sets the price. I've picked up some bargains from photography shops. Years ago, I bought 1 metre of wadding from John Lewis and its lasted me yonks. Am just on the last of it now. It makes all the difference. I don't stretch the work as such, but I do make sure it is pulled tight. I wash and iron the work and then I place a piece of wadding behind the work and then pull it tight around a piece of card and then using double sided tape, I stick the edges down. Pop it in the glass and put the back board on and the jobs a good 'un. HTH

I do mine more or less the same way but I have never used wadding. I might try next time though. I very rarely put glass in front of mine either. I think it spoils the look of the picture when you can't see the texture. I think if I was doing it for someone or somewhere that it would end up handled a lot though, I would.