Mounting with Padding, for Framing
Padded mounting by Sue Hawkins
Professional framing can be very expensive, but we all feel that our larger projects deserve the professional touch. However, why not have a go at mounting smaller projects yourself? By following the method explained below for padded mounting, you will be able to produce a very good result and have the pleasure of knowing that you completed the whole project on your own. Take time to make sure that you have centred the work carefully and that the edges are really straight - otherwise, it will show when you put the frame on!
Needlework generally looks better framed without glass. If you prefer to use glass with this method, you must ensure that the embroidery does not touch the underside of the glass. Insert very narrow strips of board (‘spacers’), into the edges of the frame, between the glass and the mounted embroidery to hold them apart, before you assemble the frame.
The advantage of a padded mounting for embroidery is that any slightly ‘lumpy bits’ on the back of your work will be pushed into the padding rather than appear as raised areas on the front of the embroidery. Also, the padding raises the embroidery, which displays it to better effect.
The key to this method is the use of foamcore board which consists of two layers of thin card with a layer of polystyrene between. This construction makes it easy to cut the board and to pin into the edge - the pins are actually inserted into the polystyrene.
NB You will probably have to buy foamcore board at an artists’ supply shop rather than your needlework shop.
You will need:
- 3mm foamcore board, or acid-free mounting board
- Double-sided tape, or strong thread for lacing
- Polyester wadding for padding
- Pins
- Using a sharp craft knife, cut a piece of foamcore to fit your frame. (An easy way to do this is to cut round the piece of glass that fits the frame.)
- Attach a piece of wadding to the foamcore board using two or three strips of double-sided tape, then trim the wadding to exactly the same size as the foamcore (see Fig 1).
- Position your embroidery on top of the padding and centre it carefully in relation to the padded board. Fix the embroidery in position by pinning through the fabric into the edges of the foamcore board (see Fig 2). Start in the middle of each side and pin towards the corners. Make sure your pins follow a line of aida holes or a thread of linen so that your edges will be really straight. Take plenty of time at this stage, and, if necessary, adjust the fabric’s position until you are completely confident that it is centred and straight. Only then should you proceed.
Turn the work over, leaving the pins in place, trim the excess fabric to about 5cm (2in) all round and fold it to the back. Fix the edges of fabric in place using either double-sided tape (see Fig 3) or by lacing across the back using strong thread (see Fig 4).
As the pins remain in place, it is still possible at this stage to adjust the position of the fabric and replace the tape or tighten the lacing. When you are completely satisfied with the result, remove the pins and assemble the frame.
Making your own padded mounting for framing
Fig 1: Attach wadding to foamcore board;
Fig 2: Position embroidery on the wadding, centre carefully and pin into the edges of the foamcore board;
Fig 3: Turn to the back, trim the fabric, fold over the edges and stick in place using double-sided tape;
Fig 4: Alternatively, lace across the back using strong thread
