The Fine Points of Framing Needlework Art

Framing needlework is an area of framing that we take very seriously.  Why? Is it because each piece of needlework represents hours and hours of work? Or maybe it’s because many pieces of needlework have a story and even a history behind them? Or is it because when needlework is properly framed it shows off the work and the beauty of the piece for years to come.

Yes, to all the above. At Gilded River we want you to realize how much we appreciate the time, expense, sentiment and love that go into creating a piece of needlework art.

Needle Art Forms
There are many forms of needlework that we get to frame.  The most common forms are cross stitch, needlepoint, embroidery and crewel embroidery. In each case the stitches are used in the same way artists use brushes or pencils to make their images.  We believe that it is important for us to understand how to recognize the various forms of needle art and how to best handle them. 

Cross stitch is known as counted cross stitch or stamped cross stitch. This needle art is made with embroidery thread on evenly woven material such as Aida or linen. The stitches are rows of “X” shapes. Counted cross stitch is made by counting the stitches and changing color accordingly, while following a printed grid. Stamped cross stitch involves making the stitches over a colored design that is stamped on the stitching material.  You might even hear the term “petit point” used. In petit point the weave of the fabric is finer and the X stitches are much smaller. In both cases, some patterns call for beads to be added to define details.

Needlepoint usually involves wool threads and a canvas with a larger and stiffer weave than the fabric used for cross stitch. This canvas usually has the image printed on it to help place the correct colors. The canvas is an even mesh of threads reminiscent of the backing of a carpet. The spaces are typically between 1/8” to 3/16” square.  There are several different stitches in the “needlepoint world.” The basic stitch is called a “tent stitch.” While cross stitch uses an X, the tent stitch is a diagonal stitch. A row of tent stitches makes up the basic “basketweave stitch.”  Many patterns only use this stitch. (Commonly seen in our shop.) There are many more stitches, and the more that a pattern employs, the less likely it will be that the completed piece will look like a leaning rectangle. (A stitching frame is also an invaluable tool for keeping the shape of the needlepoint intact.) Finished needlepoints look like tapestries when they are completed.

Embroidery and Crewel Embroidery are more intricate forms of needlework art. They utilize both wool and thread, knots, and a wide variety of stitches. While cross stitch and needlepoint us a canvas that has a weave based on squares, embroidery can be done on any fabric – from cotton to silk. The level of difficulty is what sets embroidery apart from the other forms of needlework art. 

How We Allow Your Work to Take Center Stage
When you walk into our frame shop with your cherished needlework, don’t be surprised if we ooh and ahh over how beautiful the piece is. We appreciate the amount of work that goes into this art form.  Framing a piece of needlework is how we help you both protect it and show it off. We want it to look its best for years to come, so we take steps to ensure that it will look professionally finished.

​Blocking needlework is something we do to help keep your piece’s lines straight in its frame, while also giving it a polished and finished look. You won’t hear us mention blocking because to us it’s what goes into framing a work of art on fabric. It’s part of the framing process.  Most stitchers use either a hoop or a needlepoint frame when stitching. This makes our process easier, but we still block the needlework as part of the framing process. Blocking helps to relax unevenly tense stitches. It also helps ease out any  wrinkles in the fabric.
Pro tip: do not keep your work in an embroidery hoop when you are not stitching. That practice can lead to stains on the canvas that will need to be professionally cleaned.

Stretching the needlework can be done in a variety of ways. We choose either using silk pins or lacing. 

The pins we choose do not rust and do not tear the canvas. We pin the needle art to an acid-free backing. Sometimes we add a layer of cotton batting to help even out the threads on the back of the art.

Lacing involves using thread to secure the fabric that is wrapped around an acid-free board. Lacing takes more time and isn’t quite as precise, so we tend to use it for older works of art that need to be more delicately handled.

Museum Glass is our recommendation for framing needle art or any fabric.  This allows the work to be seen with the most clarity and the least amount of glare while keeping dust and pollution from damaging and soiling the fabric of the art.

Mats or spacers keep the glass from touching the fabric. Temperature changes can cause condensation to build up inside of any frame. When the glass touches the art that moisture can cause mold and discoloration. Mats also allow visual space around the piece. This can bring more focus on your needlework.
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Come see how we can frame your needle art.
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