Five Ways Needlework Framing Preserves Your Stitching

If you're framing a piece of needlework, you're probably not doing it for casual display. You've put your time and effort into making something beautiful — something you want to keep and enjoy for years to come. To make sure that happens, here are five specific ways that needlework framing helps preserve your stitching.

1. Needlework Framing Protects Stitch Sizes

If you stitch on Aida cloth, needlework display framing is a great option, as the glass keeps the holes from being accidentally enlarged. Have you ever noticed how many people like to poke at things? Not only will they poke at your needlework — but they'll also grab at it, potentially enlarging the holes in your fabric. But if you frame your work and put glass over it, then people won't be able to do this anymore.

Without framing, over time, your stitching will become distorted because of gravity pulling on the material it is stitched to. Framing and matting will correct this distortion and keep the piece looking the way it was intended to look for many years to come.

2. Needlework Framing Allows Deep Thick Materials To Be Preserved

Needlework frames are deep enough to allow for stitching with thick threads or wool (without having to fold them over). Most other types of frames aren't deep enough for this type of material. With needlework display framing, the fabric is stretched out in the frame and the stitching remains flat and taut. If you choose to fold them over, there would be a crease in the fabric that can distort the appearance of the stitches. But with framing, you can allow your stitching to be more visible and make it easier to display and enjoy your work. 

3. Needlework Framing Can Prevent Damage From Sunlight And Temperature Changes

Sunlight can fade anything made of colour — including thread. And temperature changes can cause the thread to contract or expand in ways that might warp the fabric or distort the design of the pattern itself. By keeping these elements away from your needlework using a frame, you can prevent this kind of damage altogether.

High-quality needlework frames use acid-free materials including fabric and backing board that won't yellow with age. This means your beautiful stitching will still look great for years to come.

4. Needlework Framing Means Your Needlework Will Be Protected From Dirt and Dust

Dirt and dust can collect on your needlework over time when it's left unprotected. You may not notice a small amount of dust at first, but over time, this dust will build up, making it harder to clean off without potentially damaging the fabric or thread used in your piece. With a frame on your needlework, you'll be sealing out dust before it starts collecting on your project.

5. Needlework Frames Keep Stitching From Being Crushed When You Use a Frame That's Too Small

It's all too easy when you're just starting out to use a frame that's too small for your project because you don't want to spend extra money on a larger frame. But if you do that, your stitches will be crushed against the sides of the frame and they will look sloppy when they're finished. Your stitches should always be taut with no give.

You can also purchase a custom "stitch-ready" mat for your project, which allows you to finish stitching right up to the edge of the fabric with no problem.

A needlework frame keeps your stitched pieces safe from punctures and tears by providing a layer of protection around the edges of your fabric. Chat to a friendly member of the team for more information about needlework display framing.