TEXTILE, EMBROIDERY & NEEDLEWORK FRAMING
Often very fragile, embroidery and needle art need to be handled carefully, and framed correctly using preventative conservation materials and techniques (non-invasive and reversible).
Read the article - Things You Need to Know About Framing Your Needlework & Questions to Ask Your Framer
Instructions on How to Stretch Your Needlework - Lacing Method
Instructions on How to Stretch Your Needlework - Pinning Method
Our Needlework Framing Services Include:
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Lacing and pinning
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Instructions on How to Stretch Your Needlework - Lacing Method
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Instructions on How to Stretch Your Needlework - Pinning Method
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Colourfast testing of threads (if steam blocking is required)
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Steam blocking
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Dry blocking
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Read the article - "Things You Need to Know About Framing Your Needlework & Questions to Ask Your Framer"
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 The 2009 Triennial Award Winner Category: Group SA Branch Australian Lace Guild |  |  |
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Correct Stretching of Needlework
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Correct techniques which are reversible and inert (won’t harm or discolour threads, fabric or ribbons) are -
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Lacing
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Pinning - with stainless steel, pearl head pins
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Spacers or matboards should also be used to create an “air-space” in between the items inside the frame and the glazing, so they don’t touch
Incorrect Stretching of Needlework
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 2024 and this is still going on. These two were glued down onto sticky board by an Adelaide framer who "has been a tradesman (carpenter) since before I was born". Another reason why carpenters should not be framers. They are not equipped with information on caring for art. |  |  |
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Incorrect materials and techniques which should never be used for needlework framing -
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MDF or masonite should not be used anywhere inside a conservation framing package - it is highly acidic. If your frame feels unusually heavy, it might be an indication that your needlework is mounted onto MDF or masonite.
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Stapling - can damage and break fibres in fabrics and ribbons and become rusty
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Hot glue and epoxy glue - extremely difficult to remove when set, especially in fabric fibres. Only a qualified conservator can remove glue like this, which is a very expensive exercise.
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Tapes – strong double-sided tape contains acid, which can discolour items and leave adhesive residue.
STEAM BLOCKING
Some needlework comes in to our studio very warped and “parallelogram” shaped. This is quite normal for needlepoint, and is easily rectified.
The first step is to colourfast test the fibres. If the fibres pass the colourfast test and don’t run, then we proceed to steam block the needlepoint. This can take several days, depending on how warped the needlepoint is. The process involves steaming, stretching and drying, and then repeating, until the needlepoint is perfectly straight and dry.
The end result is well worth the wait!
If the fibres are not colourfast, then dry-blocking is the best option.
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