How to frame your project
the finishing touch for your work of art
Finishing your project
There are a few different options that you can use to finish your project.
Before you do anything though, give your project a gentle steam with an iron. Keep it on a low heat so you don’t melt the fabric! Test the heat on a part of the fabric that will be hidden.
The Hoop Method
One of the easiest ways is to simply keep the embroidery in the hoop and finish off the back with felt. You can even paint or stain your hoop.
It’s easy, you don’t need a frame and while felt finishes the back off nicely, really, you don’t even need that. Here is a good tutorial.
The Canvas Method
Another way is to mount it on a canvas. This is a good tutorial.
The Frame Method
I like to put it into a frame. Since the main fabric is 12″ x 12″, I look for a similarly sized frame but it can be any size that fits the bird. Try IKEA or Dollarama. Or look for cool frames in vintage stores. If it’s just the frame you have, you will need to have a bit of backing board that you will stretch the fabric onto that fits into the frame, as well as some wire or ribbon with which to hang it.
Carefully remove the backing board and glass/plastic from the frame. Recycle any glass or plastic that came with the frame (if available in your area). You don’t need it: your hard work shouldn’t be squashed behind glass!
Framing Steps
Click the image to see it larger.
Step 1
Put two-sided tape onto the back of the board, top and bottom. 1.5″ two-sided carpet tape is good (hardware stores have this).
Step 2
If your frame is smaller than 12″ x 12″, determine where you want your Bird Stitch to be placed in the frame (the frame in the photo has an opening of 7.5″ x 9.5″).
Step 3
Lay your embroidery right side down onto the table, then place the backing board on top of the wrong side. Pull the edges of the fabric over tightly and stick to the tape.
Step 4
Now, put the tape along the sides on the back of the board and over the edges of the folded over top/bottom fabric. Cut the fabric to about a 1/8″ from the edge so that only one layer of fabric gets stuck down. If the hanger is in the way of the tape (like it is in this photo), just cut a couple pieces of tape that will fit around the hanger. Pull the sides of the fabric around the board and stick it to the tape.
Step 5
Cut off any excess fabric.
Step 6
Close up of the corner with excess fabric cut away.
Step 7
Ensure that the Bird Stitch is laying flat, with no wrinkles. If it isn’t, then pull fabric away from the tape and re-stretch it into place. Do this until the piece is wrinkle free.
Step 8
Cut four strips of ribbon to fit over the raw edges of the fabric. If applicable, use a lighter to gently heat the ends of the ribbon so they don’t fray.
Step 9
Use some hot glue to seal the edges of the folded over fabric to the board. While still hot, quickly (and carefully) place the ribbon centered on top of the glue.
Step 10
Ribbon glued in place.
Step 11
Set your Bird Stitch into the frame and secure it in place.
Step 12
Finished! Now find the perfect place to hang it and enjoy 🙂