Needlework Framing
We can frame many types of needlework
and offer a Stretching and Blocking service for items,
such as embroidery, crewel work, cross stitch or tapestries.
Stretching and Lacing
To show off your piece of needlework to its best advantage and to avoid the piece looking crumpled, we need to carefully stretch the item over a piece of board or foam board, and secure it in place by lacing with thread.
For those items which have less sentimental or are of a lower monetary value we can secure the item using T Pins.
Blocking
Sometimes an item brought to us is rather out of shape and obviously out-of-square.
Ordinary stretching and lacing, will make little difference, so a more intense solution is required which is known as - blocking. This involves lightly moistening the item and gently easing it back into shape using supports. This is a time consuming job and may take more than one attempt, and sometimes, even with the best of efforts we cannot get it fully back into shape - but usually it is enough and with sympathetic framing, the final result is perfectly satisfactory.
To show off your piece of needlework to its best advantage and to avoid the piece looking crumpled, we need to carefully stretch the item over a piece of board or foam board, and secure it in place by lacing with thread.
For those items which have less sentimental or are of a lower monetary value we can secure the item using T Pins.
Blocking
Sometimes an item brought to us is rather out of shape and obviously out-of-square.
Ordinary stretching and lacing, will make little difference, so a more intense solution is required which is known as - blocking. This involves lightly moistening the item and gently easing it back into shape using supports. This is a time consuming job and may take more than one attempt, and sometimes, even with the best of efforts we cannot get it fully back into shape - but usually it is enough and with sympathetic framing, the final result is perfectly satisfactory.
First Stage:
The tapestry as it was brought to us by the customer, showing how the canvas had become distorted. 
Third Stage:
After blocking, the tapestry was stretched and laced over a board, ready for framing. |
Second Stage:
Blocking the canvas to gently ease it back into shape. Nearly there - this time the canvas decided to ping back a little, after removing from the support - so had to try again. 
Fourth Stage:
The tapestry framed. Without the blocking we would have had to crop the picture down with a mount, loosing some of the image from view. |
Stains
Sometimes through working on an item, stains, and oils from your skin may transfer onto the material. It is up to the customer to try and remove any stains if they wish to - before bringing it to us for framing - but you must follow the manufacturers guidelines, regarding colour fastness etc.
Please be aware that any stains on the canvas or cloth, that are already present when brought in to us, will still be visible in the finished framed piece.
Sometimes through working on an item, stains, and oils from your skin may transfer onto the material. It is up to the customer to try and remove any stains if they wish to - before bringing it to us for framing - but you must follow the manufacturers guidelines, regarding colour fastness etc.
Please be aware that any stains on the canvas or cloth, that are already present when brought in to us, will still be visible in the finished framed piece.
