How to Frame Crochet Pieces

Crocheted doilies are used as family keepsakes.

Crocheted doilies can be utilitarian, but these delicate pieces, often worked in very thin thread, verge on works of art. Consider framing doilies as family keepsakes or just attractive wall hangings. Frame doilies made of very thin thread with the glass front still in the picture frame, offering extra protection for the doily. For doilies made with slightly thicker thread, take the glass out of the frame.

Things You'll Need

• Picture frame with cardboard backing
• T-pins
• Sharp needle
• Clear thread
• Thimble

Instructions

1. Select a picture frame that’s wide and tall enough to showcase the entire doily, without folding or wrinkling it. If the doily only fills part of the frame, add a second doily to fill the empty space.

2. Spread the doily out on the frame’s cardboard backing. Pin the doily in place with T-pins. Stretch the doily just taught enough that it lays completely flat, but not tightly enough to stretch it out of shape.

3. Thread a sharp needle with clear thread. Stitch the doily to the cardboard frame backing; space your stitches evenly around the edges of the doily. Use a thimble to push the needle through the cardboard backing with each stitch. Remove the T-pins once the doily is secure.

4. Assemble the frame. Depending on what sort of frame you have, this may mean sliding the backing into the body of the frame, or centering the backing on the glass front of the frame, then placing both glass and backing into the frame from the back. Another common type of frame requires you to align the backing, doily and glass together, then apply the detachable sides of the frame around the backing-doily-glass sandwich you made.

Tips & Warnings

• Stitch the doily to the cardboard backing to easily remove the doily at a later date -- just snip the clear threads holding it in place. For a faster but more permanent solution, coat the backing with adhesive spray, then press the doily into place. Let the adhesive dry completely before assembling the frame.