thank you Thank You THANK YOU! I am one of "those" stitchers who has a box full of finished pieces that are just waiting to be framed. Your tubetorial has helped me so much. I can't wait to watch the next one. ❤
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us! Your cats totally cracked me up! It looked like they were having a little meeting on the chair behind you :) looking forward to part 2
Thank you so much for the wealth of information you are willing to share! I will have to go back and make lots of notes. You are taking the fear out of framing. Looking forward to the next video to watch how to complete the process! You are a blessing!!!
Thank you so much for this very informative tutorial!!! I am so happy that you said you hardly ever use glass because I do not have glass put on my framed cross stitch pieces. So when I take my pieces in to be framed and I say no glass they always try to put me on this guilt trip, your piece will fad over time and get very dusty the glass will protect your piece. I tell them I can see the stitching better without glass and I like that and if they do not want to frame the piece that way I will take it some where else. Well, they always end up framing it for me. Now I am so excited for part 2 of the tutorial so I can learn how to do it myself. Thank you Theresa for sharing all of your professional framing experience with us. Lynn
You bet -- glad I helped in some little way. Like I said in the video, everyone's preferences are different. Yes, glass will protect your piece from dust (and cat hair!), but moisture can get trapped in there, and it just doesn't LOOK as amazing as needlework in the "raw." Sometimes I do take a piece apart, wash it, and re-stretch it, but often a gentle wipe with a soft cloth, paper towel (or lint roller!) will pull off the particulates. Happy stitching -- I'll be filming more tomorrow. - T
Great video- I really enjoyed it and will definitely watch the next one. I started framing in 1986, too! I still miss that job sometimes. Can't wait to catch the next video!
I worked in at least half a dozen different frame shops -- loved every one. It's fun to have a job where you're continually finishing pretty projects. Every one was different. Super fun! Happy stitching!!! - T
No problem -- it was fun to share some of what I know. I'll be filming more tomorrow about how to stretch, and I know people are going to be framing like crazy after that!!! Happy stitching, sweetie! - T
Very informative video thank you. Framing has always been a bit of a mystery to me. I’ve always just used my local frame shop, but never really understood exactly what they were doing to get it into the frame. Looking forward to the next video on stretching, something I really need to learn. Have a great week and Happy Stitching!!
Great! Framing isn't rocket science, and learning to do at least some of it yourself is extremely liberating (and saves money!) Take care, sweetie! - T
Thanks for doing these tube torials. I am looking forward to part 2. Framing seems so intimidating to me. I did frame 1 piece of needlework in a craft store frame by masking taping it to mat board. It looks good from the front though. Maybe I will re do it correctly after part 2.
First of all...thank you so very much, Theresa, for taking the time to make these tube-torials. Make sure you allow yourself a little more stitching time! I learn so much from you!
Thank so very much for teaching/sharing. I feel so fortunate that you decided to make this video. I appreciate all that you shared. Very educational and worthy of our time. Looking forward to your next installment. Thanks again for sharing such goodness. Daleen
Thank you so much for the framing tubetorial! Professional framing is scary, and you’ve given me the confidence to approach the framing counter! I’m so looking forward to your next installment!
I am thinking of turning God Save the Queen into a long pillow for my guest room. Everyone can use a history lesson.:) Thanks for sharing all your expertise. I seldom frame things now as there are so many options.
Theresa, really appreciate you making this tutorial. So much useful information, advice and examples make framing our pieces not so intimidating. Loved seeing all of your cats in the background too.
Theresa, this was a great tube-torial, full of great advice and helpful tips. I am definitely going to try your techniques. I have many stitched pieces that need to be framed, and I think I can do it, thanks to you. I appreciate the time you took to show us what we need to frame our own pieces. Pam
Thank you this was great. Interesting to hear you speak about something that is still a process with our stitching hobby. Just a little thought can make such a big difference to how the pieces look. Looking forward to next video
Thanks for a great, informative video - and for the entertaining twitchy tails and kitty pow wows - I found myself listening to you but looking beyond you at the cats!
Thanks so much for doing this tutorial. It was so informative and very helpful and I really appreciated you sharing your knowledge. Plus, I just like spending some stitching time with you! Have a wonderful Easter weekend and happy stitching!
Thank you for doing the diy framing series! It's going to help me a ton. I have several pieces I want to try and frame myself. I actually sent a few pieces out to a framer who was highly recommended in the cross stitch community and it wasn't cheap! I recieved them and they really aren't that straight in the frame. I was a bit confused and very unhappy because she was so highly recommended. I guess I learned my lesson. Can't wait for the next video!
OK, well, I hope that I can help you! :) I'm always happy with how straight my stitching comes out, and I've got some tricks up my sleeves to show you all how to make yours straight, too! I think people who do needlework notice things in a different way than non-needleworkers, especially when it comes to framing. :) Take care! - T
Great video with lots of information. Thanks a lot. I wanna ask what do you cut your mat board with or foam core? Looking forward to the next tubetorial!
Now-a-days, I just have the frame shop cut my foam core/mat board. But you can cut foam core with an X-Acto knife. It's hard to get really straight edges, though. :) - T
Thanks for the tips. I'm looking forward to the next one on mounting because I really want to mount myself. I have done two and they look fine but I still don't have confidence. My framer always encourages me to look at his left over framing he ordered for large jobs and will give me a great deal on the price of framing if I find something I like. It works really well for seasonal pieces because they are smaller and he usually has enough scrap to make a frame.
Thank you so much! That was very informative and interesting. I just took apart two small x stitch pieces that were framed back in the early 80’s and they were on a padded foam board and the x stitch was stapled to it! Probably not the best idea for framing because in some places the staples caught on my fabric as I was taking them out! Oh and yes they were professionally framed!!!
Yeah. I've seen a lot of things framed with staples. In the past, people framed samplers by NAILING them to wooden boards! Oh what a long way we've come! I think I've probably seen it all when it comes to needlework being framed. One person brought in a piece that she had taken to another shop, and they had set a cup of coffee on her needlework and left a ring!!! ACK! Doing it yourself is so nice! - T
Very informative! Thanks for the video. I often do the labor myself and just buy the custom frame and/or mat. Sometimes, on challenging pieces or items with special frames, I've brought the frame with me and had the framer do the labor for an hourly rate.
Yep -- sounds like you do things just right. Sometimes it's good to know when something is outside your skill set (or tools, or desire!) and just let someone else do the work. Have fun, sweetie! - T
Having framed many of my own needlework there is always something new to learn. I’m glad to hear you say that one does not have to use glass. I never have for some of the reasons you mentioned. The glass flattens the texture of the piece, especially if there are specialty stitches. I’ve run into framers who got nasty because I didn’t want glass. Great information, Theresa. Now onto you next tutorial............
Great -- glad you enjoyed it and maybe learned a little something-something. When it comes to crafts and hobbies, I feel like people should do what they WANT to do, and nothing that they HAVE to do. We all have different preferences. Those are our decisions to make, don't you think? Happy stitching! - T
Thanks so much Theresa. This was great!! I've framed a couple (seriously like2) of my own but the problem I ran into was figuring the size to order. One framer at the big box craft store said that the opening is the size to order. Another at the same store said that it's the inside measurement. For example on an 8x10 is that the opening measure or the inside measure. Other than that I did ok not great but ok. Looking forward to the stretching tutorial.
Good for you! Typically, the measurement of the frame is the very inside measurement (including what is hidden under the rabbet.) Most frame shops will add 1/8" or so to the frame size to accommodate the matting, glass, and backing materials. But every frame shop is different! The stretching tutorial is up -- hope it's helpful! - T
I’ll be interested to see how you do your framing. I framed 2 of my own pieces myself with very little knowledge of how to do it. Probably should’ve used spacers 😰 but I’m going to give myself some credit for doing the lacing and centering without prior knowledge of how. Good tip about the windex. I didn’t use matte board but definitely will be cleaning with a damp cloth and not directly like they show maids in the movies doing xD
KittenStitcher thank you I’m not a professional by any means and that’s not to say I don’t appreciate framers. I’m not a rich person and must live within my means. Part of that means doing things for myself that may cost a small fortune to get done by someone else.
The framer I used in the 90s would always leave a slightly larger margin on the bottom. Is there a reason for that? I don't like glass on pieces, either, but when you heat with a woodstove (or keep your windows open with no AC) the dust and pollen gets everywhere so I don't have much of a choice. Going to have to find spacers when we get settled because I've never used them! Thanks for that tip.
That's called "weighting." The thinking is that a frame can create an optical illusion of a piece being top-heavy (meaning, the piece looks heavier/larger on the top than on the bottom.) Putting a little more space on the mat at the bottom can counteract this illusion. Great question! You're going to be shocked when you pull your pieces apart to see how much fogging is on your glass. You can ask your frame shop if you can just buy spacers, or maybe you can find them somewhere online. Happy stitching sweetie! - T
Thank you for doing these tutorials. I have an amazing framer. But it’s expensive. Quality costs. I get it. I do a. Teeny bit of my own framing. My sister taught me years ago. So I do the pin and lace. She taught me to use brown kraft paper for the backing. It gets glued to the frame and after the glue drys your trim. Then you lightly spray with a water spray bottle. As it dries it shrinks and is tight as a drum. Works great. I didn’t know about the spacers though. Most of the stitching I have framed has mats or a large bead which both I hope provides space. The last four I framed however have no spacer. They each have a charm but I don’t think that’s enough. I do use glass. Too many animals and too much fur and dust. I do like AR glass but don’t know where to find this glass when I frame myself. I’m so looking forward to your next tutorial. My framing weakness is getting it centred onto the foam core and stretching it evenly on all four sides. Must be a method. Hmmm....
I do believe in life a lot of times that you get what you pay for! :) So glad to hear you have a framer you trust. Mats work great to keep the glass off of your needlework, so you should be fine. You can just find glass at your local frame shop, but there are often businesses that specialize in cutting glass and mirrors, too, so you could try them as well. Make sure to look for my stretching tutorial (posted today) on how to do your stretching. :) - T
Thanks so much! I was hoping I could stretch my own pieces to save money, but was afraid to ask my framer. Can’t wait to see how my finished pieces turn out. Do you know where I can buy stainless steel pins?
I find them sometimes at the local craft/hobby stores. You can order them online, too (it looks like Amazon has got them!) I'm just getting ready to upload my stretching video! - T
We have the exact same style on so many levels I don't mat my pieces and try to frame right up to the side. I don't frame myself. I have tried I am just not accurate enough. I get things framed. I wait for sales use alot of ready made I went to work at Ben Franklin to pay for my framing. I also have added fabric to sides. Another thing I add 2 to 2 1/2 inches. I don't use glass except if I am giving it away. No mats for m e. I love listening to you . And I love cats. How many do you have? Where I have my pieces framed it usually about $12 to stretch it. It worth it to me I would rather stitch.
I have seven cats: Ruby, Dottie, Briar, Grumpy are our girls -- Zero, Ty and Fitz are our boys. We love them all -- they were all rescues, and all but one were foster kittens of ours! We actually only named Dottie and Ruby! The rest came from the shelter with names. Yes, it does sound like we share a really similar framing style! I have put glass on gifts, too -- it depends on the recipient. I worked at a Ben Franklin frame shop one summer! It was fun -- but pretty slow, because summer is usually slow at the frame shop. Take care, sweetie! - T
Hi Theresa :) Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us! I have a question about the framing. Does it matter for the needlework piece if it`ll be framed into a plastic or wooden frame? What deference between these two materials?
An all-plastic frame? Hm. There are frames with laminate over wood -- kind of like Formica countertops. Really, a lot of frames now-a-days are made very well. Much better than "back in the day." It used to be that the laminated frames would sometimes peel/get wavy. But really, anything you buy at a frame shop is going to probably be pretty good quality. Plastic versus wood as far as preserving your needlework? I don't know that it's going to make a heck of a lot of difference. Some people talk about the chemicals that leech off of plastics. But any frame that's wood is probably going to have stain, varnish, paint...is any of it worse than anything else? I wouldn't worry about it! But that's just me! :) - T
Thank you for your tutorials. I have enjoyed both of your framing videos. What is the name of your funky bird pattern? If you shared the name of the chart, I missed it.
Bet you have you never heard of this? My Mom use iron on peillon on hers...do not know why. She cut grocery paper bags for the back after she put it in the frame. Wish I could get the pellion off the back of her cross stitch!
Yeah, I actually have seen that. I wonder if some people think it makes their needlework more "stable," in that it won't move? Too bad. :( I don't know of any way to reverse that process. Cool, though, that you have her needlework! - T
Hi Theresa! Thank you for making these awesome videos! I have a framing question that I would love your advice about. I would like to stitch 3 separate, smallish pieces in one frame, with a simple mat separating them. The 3 pieces would be on varying levels and not stitched in a side by side fashion. Is it easier for a farmer to work with one piece of fabric and have to cut the matting around each design or can all three be more easily framed in one frame if the 3 designs are on 3 separate pieces of fabric? Did that make sense?
It is really difficult to mat around several motifs all stitched on the same thing (with matting in-between.) The fabric is going to stretch a little, and it's hard to estimate that ahead of time. I have framed things like this a good number of times, and the best way is to stitch them separately, stretch them separately, and then build up around them on the mat board on the back with trimmed pieces of mat board. It's definitely do-able, and it turns out really cool! - T
Thanks so much for this video! I know someone who used to have a lot of pieces framed and she said that they waxed her stitching to protect it. I had never heard of that and don't think I would want mine to be waxed lol. Do you know anything about this? I think she could be delusional haha. She is my husbands ex so she probably is lol. All kidding aside, was just wondering if that was ever a thing. This was probably in the 1980's and 1990's.
That's crazy! I have never heard of waxing needlework. I looked online to see if I could find any information about it, and I could not. But hey, anything is possible, so maybe she had some weird crazy frame shop that did that for some reason. I don't know! (I wouldn't recommend rubbing your needlework with candles!) :) Take care! - T
thank you Thank You THANK YOU! I am one of "those" stitchers who has a box full of finished pieces that are just waiting to be framed. Your tubetorial has helped me so much. I can't wait to watch the next one. ❤
Refresher watching 😁 thanks for keeping it available
Thank you for sharing! This was very informative, and I can’t wait for the stretching tube-torial!
Thank you for such great information. This was a very educational video and I enjoyed learning so much about framing.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share!
You're welcome -- thanks for your comments. :) - T
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us! Your cats totally cracked me up! It looked like they were having a little meeting on the chair behind you :) looking forward to part 2
Oh, they're always having little meetings -- silly cats! :) - T
Totally enjoyed this video. Can't wait for part 2.
I'll be working on it tomorrow! - T
Loved this one. Anxious to see the next tutorial. Thanks.
Thanks so much! :) - T
Very informative. Thank you! Look forward to Part 2!
Glad you liked it -- happy stitching! - T
Thank you so much for the wealth of information you are willing to share! I will have to go back and make lots of notes. You are taking the fear out of framing. Looking forward to the next video to watch how to complete the process! You are a blessing!!!
Aw, thanks! :) I'll be filming more tomorrow. :) - T
Thanks for the info/tutorial. I'm looking forward to part 2.
You betcha - thanks! :) - T
Thanks for another great video! Thanks for taking time to share your expertise! Lots of great tips!
No problem -- happy stitching! - T
Such great information! Thanks so much for sharing and helping those timid and inexperienced finishers (like me)! Looking forward to your next one!
I'll be filming tomorrow. Thanks for watching! - T
Thank you, thank you!! What a wealth of information you just gave everyone! Am looking forward to the next video.
Great! Hope it helps you next time you need to frame something. :) - T
Thank you so much for this very informative tutorial!!! I am so happy that you said you hardly ever use glass because I do not have glass put on my framed cross stitch pieces. So when I take my pieces in to be framed and I say no glass they always try to put me on this guilt trip, your piece will fad over time and get very dusty the glass will protect your piece. I tell them I can see the stitching better without glass and I like that and if they do not want to frame the piece that way I will take it some where else. Well, they always end up framing it for me. Now I am so excited for part 2 of the tutorial so I can learn how to do it myself. Thank you Theresa for sharing all of your professional framing experience with us. Lynn
You bet -- glad I helped in some little way. Like I said in the video, everyone's preferences are different. Yes, glass will protect your piece from dust (and cat hair!), but moisture can get trapped in there, and it just doesn't LOOK as amazing as needlework in the "raw." Sometimes I do take a piece apart, wash it, and re-stretch it, but often a gentle wipe with a soft cloth, paper towel (or lint roller!) will pull off the particulates. Happy stitching -- I'll be filming more tomorrow. - T
Great video- I really enjoyed it and will definitely watch the next one. I started framing in 1986, too! I still miss that job sometimes. Can't wait to catch the next video!
I worked in at least half a dozen different frame shops -- loved every one. It's fun to have a job where you're continually finishing pretty projects. Every one was different. Super fun! Happy stitching!!! - T
Thank you for explaining everything. Have A Happy Easter. Looking forward to your next video.
No problem -- have fun stitching! - T
Thank you for sharing your tips about framing...
You're welcome - thank you! :) - T
Thanks so much for the oodles of great information. This was immensely helpful for newbies like me!
No problem -- it was fun to share some of what I know. I'll be filming more tomorrow about how to stretch, and I know people are going to be framing like crazy after that!!! Happy stitching, sweetie! - T
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Happy Easter.🌻🌻🌻
You're welcome -- have a great week! :) - T
Great video look forward to the next one,Love the cats x
Thank you, and I love them, too! - T
Very informative video thank you. Framing has always been a bit of a mystery to me. I’ve always just used my local frame shop, but never really understood exactly what they were doing to get it into the frame. Looking forward to the next video on stretching, something I really need to learn. Have a great week and Happy Stitching!!
Great! Framing isn't rocket science, and learning to do at least some of it yourself is extremely liberating (and saves money!) Take care, sweetie! - T
Thanks for doing these tube torials. I am looking forward to part 2. Framing seems so intimidating to me. I did frame 1 piece of needlework in a craft store frame by masking taping it to mat board. It looks good from the front though. Maybe I will re do it correctly after part 2.
I think people will be shocked to see how simple stretching can be! Happy stitching! - T
First of all...thank you so very much, Theresa, for taking the time to make these tube-torials. Make sure you allow yourself a little more stitching time! I learn so much from you!
Thanks so much -- happy stitching! - T
I look forward to part 2 of this tutorial. I've learned a lot from watching your channel!
Thank you so much -- that's very nice of you! :) - T
Thank so very much for teaching/sharing. I feel so fortunate that you decided to make this video. I appreciate all that you shared. Very educational and worthy of our time. Looking forward to your next installment. Thanks again for sharing such goodness. Daleen
Well great! I am just finishing shooting my stretching tutorial. Hope to have it posted yet later today. We'll see how editing goes... :) - T
Awesome! Thanks so much for doing this, Theresa! It’s wonderful knowledge to have!
Great! I'm glad you enjoyed it -- have fun! - T
Thank you so much for the framing tubetorial! Professional framing is scary, and you’ve given me the confidence to approach the framing counter! I’m so looking forward to your next installment!
Great! That was my goal! When in doubt, just ask questions. :) Thanks for your kindness. :) - T
I am thinking of turning God Save the Queen into a long pillow for my guest room. Everyone can use a history lesson.:) Thanks for sharing all your expertise. I seldom frame things now as there are so many options.
What a great idea!!! Happy stitching, sweetie! - T
Such an informative video. I look forward to the next installment. It was nice seeing all the cats in the background too.
Thanks, Susan! How nice of you! - T
Great video. I learned so much.
Thank you kindly. :) - T
Theresa, really appreciate you making this tutorial. So much useful information, advice and examples make framing our pieces not so intimidating. Loved seeing all of your cats in the background too.
You can do it!!! And my cats say, "Thank you...meow!" - T
This is a great Tube-torial. Thank you. Have a nice stitching time.
Thanks so much - have a great week! - T
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I always learn so much from your videos (and not just the tutorials)!
Well thank you so much! How kind of you! - T
That black cat is playing Alpha behind you!!!
That's Ruby -- she is kind of the Queen Mother. :) - T
Theresa, this was a great tube-torial, full of great advice and helpful tips. I am definitely going to try your techniques. I have many stitched pieces that need to be framed, and I think I can do it, thanks to you. I appreciate the time you took to show us what we need to frame our own pieces. Pam
You can totally do this! We need to get all of the beautiful finished needlework out of dressers and closets and onto the walls!!! - T
Thank you this was great. Interesting to hear you speak about something that is still a process with our stitching hobby. Just a little thought can make such a big difference to how the pieces look. Looking forward to next video
Thanks so much for your kind comments -- how nice of you! I'm happy to share what I know. :) - T
Thanks for the info! I love watching the cats in the background, too!
You're not the only one -- ha ha! :) - T
Thanks for a great, informative video - and for the entertaining twitchy tails and kitty pow wows - I found myself listening to you but looking beyond you at the cats!
I always try to sit in such a way that people can see the cats. ;) - T
Thank you for taking the time to do this very informative video. I appreciate it. Happy stitching.
You're so welcome -- happy stitching!- T
Great Video I just found you today
Excellent information, thank you so much!
You are welcome - thank you for your kind comments! :) - T
I prefer to finish and frame my own pieces. I find it extremely rewarding to have just what my "mind's eye" ordered. Thank you for the great tip.
Wonderful! It is really fun to have a hand (or two) in the process! :) - T
Hi Theresa, thank you so much for this awesome video! Look forward to your next one!
Thanks, Misty! How kind of you! - T
Thanks so much for doing this tutorial. It was so informative and very helpful and I really appreciated you sharing your knowledge. Plus, I just like spending some stitching time with you! Have a wonderful Easter weekend and happy stitching!
Aw, that's sweet Frankie! Happy stitching right on back to you! :) - T
Thank you so much for making this video. I didn't know anything about framing and it was so informative. I am looking forward to the next one!
Well great! Happy stitching/framing! - T
Thank you for doing the diy framing series! It's going to help me a ton. I have several pieces I want to try and frame myself. I actually sent a few pieces out to a framer who was highly recommended in the cross stitch community and it wasn't cheap! I recieved them and they really aren't that straight in the frame. I was a bit confused and very unhappy because she was so highly recommended. I guess I learned my lesson. Can't wait for the next video!
OK, well, I hope that I can help you! :) I'm always happy with how straight my stitching comes out, and I've got some tricks up my sleeves to show you all how to make yours straight, too! I think people who do needlework notice things in a different way than non-needleworkers, especially when it comes to framing. :) Take care! - T
Great video with lots of information. Thanks a lot. I wanna ask what do you cut your mat board with or foam core? Looking forward to the next tubetorial!
Now-a-days, I just have the frame shop cut my foam core/mat board. But you can cut foam core with an X-Acto knife. It's hard to get really straight edges, though. :) - T
Thank you for your time and sharing your experience!
You bet! Thanks for stopping by. :) - T
Thanks so much for this tutorial. It was very informative and helpful!
You are so welcome -- happy stitching and happy FRAMING! - T
Thank you, lots of great information and looking forward to the next video.
Thanks so much -- I'm just getting ready to shoot part two! - T
Thanks for the tips. I'm looking forward to the next one on mounting because I really want to mount myself. I have done two and they look fine but I still don't have confidence. My framer always encourages me to look at his left over framing he ordered for large jobs and will give me a great deal on the price of framing if I find something I like. It works really well for seasonal pieces because they are smaller and he usually has enough scrap to make a frame.
Sounds like you have a nice local framer -- you are lucky! :) I'm just getting ready to upload the stretching video. It's long, but very thorough! - T
Flannel Jammies Farm has a good video on Ironing fabric.
Oh great! I'll check that out!!! - T
2 years later and this is still a great tutorial! Thank you! 🥰
Thank you! Great video! I always enjoy watching your channel.
Thanks so much -- that's very kind of you. :) - T
Thanks for all the info! I never planned to frame my own pieces but my framer is retiring this year so all your info may be needed this year 😩😩
OK, well, I hope that my videos help you! :) You can do it!!! - T
Thank you so much! That was very informative and interesting. I just took apart two small x stitch pieces that were framed back in the early 80’s and they were on a padded foam board and the x stitch was stapled to it! Probably not the best idea for framing because in some places the staples caught on my fabric as I was taking them out! Oh and yes they were professionally framed!!!
Yeah. I've seen a lot of things framed with staples. In the past, people framed samplers by NAILING them to wooden boards! Oh what a long way we've come! I think I've probably seen it all when it comes to needlework being framed. One person brought in a piece that she had taken to another shop, and they had set a cup of coffee on her needlework and left a ring!!! ACK! Doing it yourself is so nice! - T
So happy I found you today. You answered every question I had for framing my cross stitch project!! Thank you so much! Love all your kitties!!
Good info....thank you!
You're most welcome! - T
Very informative! Thanks for the video. I often do the labor myself and just buy the custom frame and/or mat. Sometimes, on challenging pieces or items with special frames, I've brought the frame with me and had the framer do the labor for an hourly rate.
Yep -- sounds like you do things just right. Sometimes it's good to know when something is outside your skill set (or tools, or desire!) and just let someone else do the work. Have fun, sweetie! - T
Having framed many of my own needlework there is always something new to learn. I’m glad to hear you say that one does not have to use glass. I never have for some of the reasons you mentioned. The glass flattens the texture of the piece, especially if there are specialty stitches. I’ve run into framers who got nasty because I didn’t want glass. Great information, Theresa. Now onto you next tutorial............
Great -- glad you enjoyed it and maybe learned a little something-something. When it comes to crafts and hobbies, I feel like people should do what they WANT to do, and nothing that they HAVE to do. We all have different preferences. Those are our decisions to make, don't you think? Happy stitching! - T
Thanks so much Theresa. This was great!! I've framed a couple (seriously like2) of my own but the problem I ran into was figuring the size to order. One framer at the big box craft store said that the opening is the size to order. Another at the same store said that it's the inside measurement. For example on an 8x10 is that the opening measure or the inside measure. Other than that I did ok not great but ok. Looking forward to the stretching tutorial.
Good for you! Typically, the measurement of the frame is the very inside measurement (including what is hidden under the rabbet.) Most frame shops will add 1/8" or so to the frame size to accommodate the matting, glass, and backing materials. But every frame shop is different! The stretching tutorial is up -- hope it's helpful! - T
As a newish stitcher, this advice is gold! Thanks for sharing.
So well done! Thank you so much
Thank you kindly. :) - T
Brilliant! Thank you.
Thanks so much! - T
I’ll be interested to see how you do your framing. I framed 2 of my own pieces myself with very little knowledge of how to do it. Probably should’ve used spacers 😰 but I’m going to give myself some credit for doing the lacing and centering without prior knowledge of how. Good tip about the windex. I didn’t use matte board but definitely will be cleaning with a damp cloth and not directly like they show maids in the movies doing xD
Good for you for doing it yourself! I hope I can share some of my tricks and techniques to help you with your future projects!!! :) Take care! - T
KittenStitcher thank you I’m not a professional by any means and that’s not to say I don’t appreciate framers. I’m not a rich person and must live within my means. Part of that means doing things for myself that may cost a small fortune to get done by someone else.
The framer I used in the 90s would always leave a slightly larger margin on the bottom. Is there a reason for that? I don't like glass on pieces, either, but when you heat with a woodstove (or keep your windows open with no AC) the dust and pollen gets everywhere so I don't have much of a choice. Going to have to find spacers when we get settled because I've never used them! Thanks for that tip.
That's called "weighting." The thinking is that a frame can create an optical illusion of a piece being top-heavy (meaning, the piece looks heavier/larger on the top than on the bottom.) Putting a little more space on the mat at the bottom can counteract this illusion. Great question! You're going to be shocked when you pull your pieces apart to see how much fogging is on your glass. You can ask your frame shop if you can just buy spacers, or maybe you can find them somewhere online. Happy stitching sweetie! - T
Hello Theresa
I don't know how I missed this video.
Great video. Thanks for sharing .your gifts with us all.
Inez Arnetta
Thanks so much -- I'm glad you enjoyed it. Have a great, stitchy week! - T
Thank you for doing these tutorials. I have an amazing framer. But it’s expensive. Quality costs. I get it. I do a. Teeny bit of my own framing. My sister taught me years ago. So I do the pin and lace. She taught me to use brown kraft paper for the backing. It gets glued to the frame and after the glue drys your trim. Then you lightly spray with a water spray bottle. As it dries it shrinks and is tight as a drum. Works great. I didn’t know about the spacers though. Most of the stitching I have framed has mats or a large bead which both I hope provides space. The last four I framed however have no spacer. They each have a charm but I don’t think that’s enough. I do use glass. Too many animals and too much fur and dust. I do like AR glass but don’t know where to find this glass when I frame myself. I’m so looking forward to your next tutorial. My framing weakness is getting it centred onto the foam core and stretching it evenly on all four sides. Must be a method. Hmmm....
I do believe in life a lot of times that you get what you pay for! :) So glad to hear you have a framer you trust. Mats work great to keep the glass off of your needlework, so you should be fine. You can just find glass at your local frame shop, but there are often businesses that specialize in cutting glass and mirrors, too, so you could try them as well. Make sure to look for my stretching tutorial (posted today) on how to do your stretching. :) - T
You are a treasure! I'm on to number 2...
Great! Happy stitching, and thank you for your kindness. :) - T
Thanks for the video...I learned to much...thanks for sharing...
You're so welcome -- have fun! - T
Great advice!!! And the cats are precious too. 😊
Thanks so much -- have a great week! - T
Thanks so much! I was hoping I could stretch my own pieces to save money, but was afraid to ask my framer. Can’t wait to see how my finished pieces turn out. Do you know where I can buy stainless steel pins?
I find them sometimes at the local craft/hobby stores. You can order them online, too (it looks like Amazon has got them!) I'm just getting ready to upload my stretching video! - T
I learned so much today....thank you 😊
Great! :) - T
We have the exact same style on so many levels
I don't mat my pieces and try to frame right up to the side. I don't frame myself. I have tried I am just not accurate enough. I get things framed. I wait for sales use alot of ready made
I went to work at Ben Franklin to pay for my framing. I also have added fabric to sides. Another thing I add 2 to 2 1/2 inches. I don't use glass except if I am giving it away. No mats for m e. I love listening to you . And I love cats. How many do you have? Where I have my pieces framed it usually about $12 to stretch it. It worth it to me I would rather stitch.
I have seven cats: Ruby, Dottie, Briar, Grumpy are our girls -- Zero, Ty and Fitz are our boys. We love them all -- they were all rescues, and all but one were foster kittens of ours! We actually only named Dottie and Ruby! The rest came from the shelter with names.
Yes, it does sound like we share a really similar framing style! I have put glass on gifts, too -- it depends on the recipient. I worked at a Ben Franklin frame shop one summer! It was fun -- but pretty slow, because summer is usually slow at the frame shop. Take care, sweetie! - T
Hi Theresa :) Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us! I have a question about the framing. Does it matter for the needlework piece if it`ll be framed into a plastic or wooden frame? What deference between these two materials?
An all-plastic frame? Hm. There are frames with laminate over wood -- kind of like Formica countertops. Really, a lot of frames now-a-days are made very well. Much better than "back in the day." It used to be that the laminated frames would sometimes peel/get wavy. But really, anything you buy at a frame shop is going to probably be pretty good quality. Plastic versus wood as far as preserving your needlework? I don't know that it's going to make a heck of a lot of difference. Some people talk about the chemicals that leech off of plastics. But any frame that's wood is probably going to have stain, varnish, paint...is any of it worse than anything else? I wouldn't worry about it! But that's just me! :) - T
Great information 💕💕
Thank you for your tutorials. I have enjoyed both of your framing videos. What is the name of your funky bird pattern? If you shared the name of the chart, I missed it.
Oops. I found the chart by relistening to your part one. 😊
Bet you have you never heard of this? My Mom use iron on peillon on hers...do not know why. She cut grocery paper bags for the back after she put it in the frame. Wish I could get the pellion off the back of her cross stitch!
Yeah, I actually have seen that. I wonder if some people think it makes their needlework more "stable," in that it won't move? Too bad. :( I don't know of any way to reverse that process. Cool, though, that you have her needlework! - T
Hi Theresa! Thank you for making these awesome videos! I have a framing question that I would love your advice about. I would like to stitch 3 separate, smallish pieces in one frame, with a simple mat separating them. The 3 pieces would be on varying levels and not stitched in a side by side fashion. Is it easier for a farmer to work with one piece of fabric and have to cut the matting around each design or can all three be more easily framed in one frame if the 3 designs are on 3 separate pieces of fabric? Did that make sense?
It is really difficult to mat around several motifs all stitched on the same thing (with matting in-between.) The fabric is going to stretch a little, and it's hard to estimate that ahead of time. I have framed things like this a good number of times, and the best way is to stitch them separately, stretch them separately, and then build up around them on the mat board on the back with trimmed pieces of mat board. It's definitely do-able, and it turns out really cool! - T
KittenStitcher Thank you so much! I so appreciate your feedback on this so I can go ahead with my memorial piece. You are wonderful!
Thanks so much for this video! I know someone who used to have a lot of pieces framed and she said that they waxed her stitching to protect it. I had never heard of that and don't think I would want mine to be waxed lol. Do you know anything about this? I think she could be delusional haha. She is my husbands ex so she probably is lol. All kidding aside, was just wondering if that was ever a thing. This was probably in the 1980's and 1990's.
That's crazy! I have never heard of waxing needlework. I looked online to see if I could find any information about it, and I could not. But hey, anything is possible, so maybe she had some weird crazy frame shop that did that for some reason. I don't know! (I wouldn't recommend rubbing your needlework with candles!) :) Take care! - T