How to Mount & Frame Needlepoint

Your needlepoint looks nicer framed.

Your needlepoint took you hours upon hours to complete. Just because it was a labor of love doesn't mean that you don't value all your work. Make your needlepoint creations last by properly mounting and framing them. An unframed bit of needlepoint is more likely to get wrinkled or dirty, or worse, to unravel. Plus, once you learn how to mount and frame your needlepoint, your projects will look much nicer. You'll be able to give them to your friends and loved ones as thoughtful gifts.

Things You'll Need

• Needlepoint
• Sprayable fabric protector
• Padded mounting board
• Repositionable fabric adhesive spray
• Frame
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Masking tape
• Iron and ironing board

Instructions

1. Gently iron your completed needlepoint picture to remove any wrinkles before you begin. You won't be able to mount your picture straight if it is even a little bit wrinkled.

2. Spray your needlepoint thoroughly with sprayable fabric protector, and allow it to dry completely. This will help to keep your work from staining or collecting dust.

3. Place your dry needlepoint face down on a flat surface, like a table. Place the padded mounting board face down on top of the needlepoint. Use your ruler to make sure you have the picture centered on the mounting board.

4. Pick up the mounting board, and spray the face with repositionable fabric adhesive. Replace the mounting board in the exact position it was in. You can adjust the board until it is perfectly centered again. The adhesive spray will keep your needlepoint from sagging over time.

5. Trim the edges of your needlepoint if you have more than 1 inch of excess fabric.

6. Fold the edges of the needlepoint back over the mounting board. Tape them snugly into place with the masking tape. This tape will keep the edges from fraying and help to hold your work in place.

7. Remove the back from the frame. Insert the needlepoint and mounting board facing forward into the frame. Replace the back. Your needlepoint is now ready to hang.

Tips & Warnings

• You can pick up cheap frames at yard sales.

• Only use acid-free boards when mounting your needlepoint.

References

• All Free Crafts: Mounting and Framing Your Needlepoint