How to Frame Quilts

After all your work, frame your quilt so others can appreciate it.

Some quilts are simple, machine-made pieces that are best used to warm your bed and bring a charming look to the bedroom. Others, however, are so intricate and painstakingly made that they are more art than bedding. If you have a quilt that is especially beautiful -- whether you made it yourself or it is an antique or cherished heirloom -- display it more publicly. Framing your quilt helps preserve its condition and gives you a way to show it off.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Mat
• Sturdy needle
• Strong thread
• Glass
• Deep frame
• Spacers
• Foam

Instructions

1. Measure your quilt, and then measure your mat. The mat should be the appropriate size to fit in your frame. Draw a square or rectangle on the mat that is 1/8 inch closer to the center than the edges of the quilt. If your quilt would be 2 inches from each edge of the mat, for example, draw a square or rectangle that is 2 1/8 inches from the mat on each side.

2. Pierce the mat along the line you drew at approximately 1-inch intervals, using the needle to poke all the way through. The intervals do not need to be precise, so you do not have to measure.

3. Thread the needle with sturdy thread and make a thick knot. Place the quilt on the mat. Poke your needle through one of the corner holes in the square you drew, pulling it from the back to the front of the mat.

4. Snag the back of the quilt with the needle and sew through it, then put the needle back through the same hole you used previously. The corner of the quilt should now be sewn to one of the corner holes in the mat. Poke your needle up through the next hole in the mat, snag the back of the quilt again, and push the needle back through the same hole. Repeat this process all the way around the quilt and mat.

5. Place the glass into the deep frame you wish to use for your quilt, and then insert spacers. These keep the quilt from coming into direct contact with the glass. Put the mat and quilt into the frame, and then insert the foam or other backing provided with the frame.

6. Seal the quilt, glass, mat and foam into the frame with framing nails or other objects provided for the purpose. You can now hang your quilt if you wish.

Tips & Warnings

• Your glass should offer UV protection to help preserve your quilt. The mat should be archival quality.

• Do not hang or store the framed quilt in a place where it will be exposed to direct sunlight.

References

• Blue Moon River: How to Frame Fiber Art
• Hedge Stuff: How to Frame Your Quilt
• Country Living: Preserving and Framing a Quilt Block

Resources

• LE Quilts: Quilt Care