Spring-time Eggstravaganza: How to frame needlework





Alligator stitched using a pattern by Andwabisabi.

  

Today I am going to show you my method for framing needlework inside of a wooden embroidery hoop.  It is cheap, easy, and cute ....what more could you ask for? 

First, I would like to start off telling you that the method I am about to show you is not appropriate for needlework that you would consider to be "heirloom quality", because this method involves glue.  A lot of glue. I don't want to worry about you putting Great-Great-Aunt Betty's embroidered linen handkerchief that her mother gave to her on her wedding day back in 1890 in a hoop using my method and "ruining" it.

Okay, so now that we got that out of the way, let's get started.

Supplies:

finished piece of needlework (I used my free pattern HERE)

a wooden embroidery hoop that fits your finished work

hot glue gun or permanent fabric adhesive (such as fabri-tac)

a piece of  cotton batting the same size as your finished work

a piece of cardstock at least as large as your wooden hoop

scissors

a pen or a pencil

garden twine or ribbon for hanging (size is up to you, but I would say at least 24")

A note to my international friends: 1"= 2.54 cm.

Instructions:

1. Before you do anything else, you need to think about if you like your hoop bare just the way it is.  I do, and often leave my hoops completely unfinished.  But you have other options.

For example, you can stain the hoop:



This butterfly was stitched using my free pattern.  The hoop is stained walnut brown.


Or you can paint the hoop:





I stitched up this cute cactus using a cross stitch pattern by Andwabisabi.  I spray painted the hoop navy blue to match my son's room.

  When I decide that I want to either stain or paint, the first thing I do is get out a piece of fine grit sandpaper and lightly sand the outer part of the wood hoop.  I do this not only to smooth it out, but also, some hoops have a  finish on them that makes them not accept stain or paint as well.  Make sure to wipe all of the dust off your hoop.

Next, if you are going to paint the hoop, spray a coat of primer on the hoop first.  You can find primer at larger craft stores as well as hardware stores, it is usually right by the spray paint.  Once your primer has dried, you can paint your hoop.  I prefer to use spray paint because it is quick, easy and cheap.  Once your paint is completely dry, you can add a coat of some type of sealant.  I usually don't, but you may be fancy like that,so I thought I would mention it.

If you decide you want to stain the hoop, and after you have sanded/wiped the dust off of the hoop, the next step  is to apply a  pre-stain wood conditioner.  It helps the wood accept the stain, and provides a more even coverage.  Then I stain it .... simple as that.

Okay, so now that you have your hoop ready, let's put it to use.

2.  Get your cardstock, hoop, pencil and scissors.  Trace the inner part of the hoop with the pencil onto the cardstock.

3. Now cut out the circle, by cutting 1/4" inside of your traced line.  Once cut, set the circle aside.

4. Take your needlework and batting, and put into the hoop.  This can be sort of a tight squeeze, just be careful and take your time.  (You can skip the batting if you want, but I like the way that it makes your fnished work sort of pop up out of the hoop.)

5. Once your needlework and batting are hooped, and you have tightened the screw, trim the batting down to where it is level with the hoop.

6. Trim  the fabric that is hanging out past the hoop down to about 1.5" beyond the hoop.

7. Now it is time to glue.  I suggested that you use either a hot glue gun or a permanent fabric adhesive, but any  strong glue will work fine.  I like the hot glue gun because it forms a bond very quickly. But, of course it is hot , so if you are not careful you can hurt yourself. The permanent fabric adhesive will not burn you, but it does not form a bond as quickly, so you have to sit there and press it for a while. 

With either glue that you choose, you will apply it to the inside of the inner hoop as shown below.  I like to do small sections at a time.

8. Fold the fabric over the inner hoop and onto the glue.  Use your fingers to really press it in there to form a tight bond (if you are using a hot glue gun, I suggest letting it cool briefly first).

9. Continue applying the glue to the inner part of the hoop, and pressing the fabric down into the glue until you have glued down all of the fabric.



Done gluing and pressing the fabric down!



10. Grab your cardstock circle from steps #2-3, and if so desired, write a message on there (i.e. your name, the date, etc.). 

We are going to put the cardstock circle onto the back of your hoop to make it look nice, if the circle does not look like it is going to fit inside the back of the hoop, now would be the time to trim it down a bit.

Now that you know your circle is going to fit, place a thin line of glue on top of your pressed down fabric/batting all the way around your hoop.

11. Place the cardstock circle over the glue.



Looks nice, doesn't it?  It is fun to use patterned paper too, and if you are really fancy writing your message in calligraphy can also add a special touch.



12.  The last step is to feed some type of twine, ribbon, string, etc. through the opening underneath the screw for hanging.  If you are worried that the ends of the twine (or whatever else you use), may fray over time, then apply a bit of fray-check to the ends.  I would tell you how much twine (or whatever) to cut, but really how long you make it is a matter of personal preference ... just experiment with it and see what works for you. 

That's it.  Really is easy, isn't it?  If you use this tutorial to frame some of your needlework, why don't you show me HERE. 

Enjoy!

Hugs, Sara :)