Archive for the ‘Finishing’ Category

Michael’s or Hobby Lobby

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Framing your needlepoint is easy and simple; you can do it yourself or have a little help from your local craft store like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby. All you need is a frame, an acid free foam core board, glazing points, nickel plated pins, masking tape, double sided tape, brown backing paper and Hanging hardware.

The easiest way to custom size your project is to buy a custom frame from your local craft store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby, they usually offer a 50% off coupon weekly on any custom framing. You do not necessarily need to have you’re project completely blocked, stretched or finished. But you will need to know the finished size of your canvas this way you are able to order the correct size frame. All you have to do is purchase the custom frame to use their coupon. The stores will go ahead and cut the foam core to size and add the framing points for you to fit the size of the frame. There may be a small fee if any for the acid free foam core board. If you decide to cover your framed piece with glass, be sure to ask for spacer tubes this way your piece will be able to breathe and any decorative embellishments will not be pressed against the glass. Once you take your custom frame home you can attached your needlepoint to the board with the pins and tape. Framing your canvases is a great way to display your projects and to preserve them as a family heirloom.

Additional materials

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Every needlepoint project that you do doesn’t always have to be a finished pillow. There are many more things that you can do to display your works of art. One of my most favorite ways to finish off a project is by making it into a zippered travel pouch or bag, this is a unique way to display your work and it is not difficult to do. The only additional materials that are needed are fabric, thread and a 10” zipper.

You can use two pieces of 11” X 11” fabric pieces and you can start by stitching the right side of the zipper along the top edge, be sure to us ½” seam for the zipper. Press the seam allowance and zipper tape towards the fabric. Top stitch along the fabric edge away from the zipper teeth, line the other side of the zipper and repeat for the other side, making sure to bar tack the end of the zipper before cutting off the excess zipper. Once the zipper has been attached turn it right side out and place the right sides of fabric together. Seam the remaining edges of the pouch. Use a seam to finish and strengthen the bag, using a double stitch to add extra durability. Once complete turn the bag right side out and press slightly, make sure not to use extreme heat on your needlepoint. You can make a personalized gift by making a monogram initial on one side of the bag or by embroidering a name or design. What a great one of a kind gift to give.

Blocking and Framing

Friday, June 11th, 2010

So you completed your last stitch and your finished project is better than you expected. Now your project is ready for blocking and framing. You don’t have to take your project to a professional; you can frame your own finished needlepoint piece using the appropriate materials and preservation techniques. A well done framing and blocking job will preserve your needlepoint for generations.

The first step to preserving your piece is to wash your needlepoint in a gentle quilt wash and rinse it off well. Then you want to block and pin the needlepoint piece in the desired finished size on soft wood boards or you can use a hollow core door. Be sure to square the corners neatly and smooth out any wrinkles. By pulling firmly you will get the desired shape, eliminating any distortion. Start by pinning the center of one side and working your way around. The canvas should be firmly secure then allow to fully dry. Determine the size of your finished frame by measuring the blocked needlepoint. Larger needlepoint pieces should be on a stretcher bars, smaller pieces on acid- free foam core board. Starting in the center of one side, work towards the center of the other side stapling your needlepoint to the stretcher bar working your way to the other sides. Lace the needlepoint around the foam core backing using heavy thread and needle to lace. Then place the foam core backed or stretched canvas into the frame and secure with glaziers points to finish framing then attach a hanger to the back of your frame.