Should Needlepoint Be Framed Under Glass
Needlepoint also known as canvas work is a type of embroidery, which started way back during the time of ancient Egypt. It’s originally done by sewing wool yarn or fabric within a stiff, even weave canvas.
But in this modern realm, people use different threads from cotton and silk yarns to metallic cords and ribbons. Needlepoint comes with a diverse range of stitches.
You can use different stitches but it will depend on how durable the piece will be and the coverage required. On the other hand, you can complete your needlepoint work and frame it under a glass.
Speaking of glass, there are several things you first need to know before you think of placing your needlepoint work under a glass frame. Here’s all the information you would need:
Should Needlepoint Be Framed Under Glass?
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Yes, you should frame the needlepoint under the glass. It will protect the needlepoint work from wearing or tearing off.
Apart from that, the glass will act as a barrier from the outdoor elements. The glass will help preserve the needlepoint work and make it look good as new in the years to come.
Also, when you frame the needlepoint, you can use it for decorating your home. On the other hand, you can wrap it up in a beautiful gift wrapper and present it in the form of a birthday, anniversary or congratulatory gift.
Using the glass over the needlepoint work will also prevent the stitches from coming off and stop people from touching it. You can learn more about framing the needlepoint through this article in detail.
Why Do I Need To Frame Needlepoint Beneath The Glass?
If you think framing your needlepoint work under the glass is only for preserving the artwork, well, you’re wrong.
There are several other reasons, and to know what these reasons are, check out the information given below.
Protection From Insects
Insects are something that can be found in almost every household. So, when you do your needlepoint work with wool or silk fabric, it will easily attract plenty of insects.
Also, the insects will find their way towards the needlepoint and cause many damages while staying hidden.
That is why covering the stitching work with glass will stop them from gaining access.
Protection From UltraViolet Light
The ultraviolet or UV light stands out as one of the most damaging parts of the spectrum.
Using a glass over the needlepoint will provide 99% protection from the UV light with no hassle.
This means, all the shades or hues will remain vibrant and will not fade away for many years.
But remember, light can reflect, so it will be an excellent idea to not hang the needlepoint work near the window. Otherwise, it will be at risk.
Protecting It From Dirt
No matter how clean the house is, there will be pollutants floating in the air. It can be dust from the interiors or the exteriors of the home.
Even though it might not look that apparent at first, as days go by, it will not take much time for the dirt to pile up on your needlework.
You might try to clean it, but it will be of no use. That is why you must cover the needlepoint with a glass right before you hang it on the wall or place it on a hard surface.
How To Frame The Needlepoint?
Now, you are well aware of why you must cover up the needlepoint with glass. Let’s take a look at how you can frame the needlepoint work.
The process is pretty easy, and you do not require any extra skill or knowledge for the job. Check the steps below!
Step 1: Gather All The Essential Items
Before you begin the framing work for the needlepoint, you need several items to get the job done quickly and efficiently. These things are:
- A pencil. [Go for the one that comes with an extra dark lead]
- A ruler. [ A wooden or a simple plastic one will do]
- Card Stock. [Opt for the one that has a 5mm thickness]
- Scissors.
- A glue-gun. [Other types of glue that will also do]
- Silicon finger shields. [It’s a good choice for handling hot glue]
Once you gather all these items, you are free to start your framing work. Also, if you do not have one or two things, make sure to get them from a craftsman store.
Step 2: Cut Out The Canvas
You must first trim or cut out the canvas around ? inch to 1 inch. Doing so will provide you with extra canvas on all sides.
After that, you need to trim a bit around the corners and make sure you don’t cut the needlepoint work.
Step 3: Wrap The Canvas Around The Card Stock
Once you have completed the trimming part, you have to wrap the needlepoint canvas right around the card stock.
To do so, you need to cut the card stock a bit to appear slightly smaller stitched canvas’s dimensions.
For instance, if your canvas is around 5 inches x 5 inches, you need to cut out the card stock piece to 4.75 inches x 4.75 inches.
After that, you need to centre the piece at the wrong side of the needlepoint stitching.
Step 4: Apply The Glue With The Glue Gun
After you have placed the card stock, it’s time for you to glue it up. You need to heat your glue gun and apply the glue on one side and secure it well.
Now, apply the glue on the other side and gently press on it to stick correctly. Repeat the process on the last two flaps and secure them well.
You have to taunt the canvas a little and make sure to do so without bending the card over. While securing the flaps around the card stock, you will find tiny loose pieces of the canvas right at the corners.
To get rid of them, don’t try to trim it, instead take a dab of glue and apply it to those loose pieces. It will secure the corners, making them lie down flat.
Step 5: Mounting The Needlepoint Canvas
Now, it’s time to do the mounting work for the needlepoint canvas. You will mount it at the backing mat of the frame.
You need to place the canvas on the centre and, for that, take the help of a ruler to make sure the white spaces are even on both sides.
Once you have placed the canvas on the centre, use light-shaded pencils and mark the corners. These marked corners will act as a guide and will know where you need to place the tapestry.
Now, flip over the canvas and add some glue through the glue gun. After that, you can glue up the canvas right on the mat board by using the marked corners as your guide.
Before mounting it, you can write down something beneath the canvas or add a bit of design.
Even though this part is optional it’s pretty easy to do so when you move the needlepoint canvas away.
Types Of Glasses To Use For Needlepoint Framing
It’s a good thing that you have decided to cover up your needlepoint canvas with glass right after framing it. But you need to realize that all glasses are not the same.
You have to choose a glass that is ideal for needlepoint framing. Here are several of the glass that you can use over your framed work.
Conservative Glass
Conservative glass is a much better option when compared with clear glass. It still comes with a glare and protects from the ultraviolet or UV rays of the sun.
It can stuff about 99% of the UV rays and will keep your needlepoint in excellent conditions. It’s slightly more expensive than the transparent glass, but it’s worth the money.
When you have covered the framed needlepoint with this glass, place it far away from the window.
It’s because the light from the outside will reflect on the glass, and the artwork will not be visible.
Anti-Reflective or AR Glass
Now, this is the glass you need. The AR or Anti-Reflective Glass will prevent reflections from occurring on the surface.
It carries a coating, which makes the glass look as if there is no glass at all. But the AR glass doesn’t come with the UV ray protection feature. So, even if you are using this glass, place the needlepoint somewhere that has no sunlight.
Optimum Acrylic Glass
The optimum acrylic glass comes with a high level of anti-static protection and anti-reflection features. These types of glass are also ideal for covering the framed needlepoint.
It will deliver visibility of contrast and shades and stands out as an excellent choice for works that come with fine details.
The entire glass is shatter-resistance and provides around 93% of UV protection. In other words, the glass is ideal for surroundings, where the sunlight exposure is pretty low.
Can I Use Clear Glass To Cover The Framed Needlepoint?
In short, no. Using clear glass will not provide you with the results you need. This particular glass comes with an awful glare and will make it impossible for you to see the artwork.
Also, the clear glass will start to fade almost instantly. If you cover your artwork with this unique glass, it will disappear like the sunset once there is no light.
You can only get to see the framed needlepoint when there is light, and during the nighttime, it will look like a black-framed canvas.
What About The Museum Glass? Can I Use That?
Yes, you can go for the museum glass, and it’s glass, which you need for your framed needlepoint.
The glass comes with a 99% UV-ray protection feature and Anti-Reflective coating on its surface. This means you will not get to protect your needlepoint work but also get to see it both day and night.
You can easily clean the glass with liquid soap or a damp cloth. Please don’t rub it too hard but clean the glass surface gently and slowly.
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
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