The Framers Forum

Hello everyone, I’m fairly new to framing and have a customer who has asked me to frame a large sentimental needlework. See pictures. It measures approx 133cm x 15cm, and she doesn’t want a mount. It has ornate metal hangers at each end sewn securely into the fabric. Customer doesn’t want the hangers on show so suggested tucking them behind out of sight. I’ve attached a few pictures for reference. What would your approach be to this? What methods do you think Would be best to secure it for framing. At this aspect glass or acrylic ? Would be grateful for your thoughts. Thank you

Can you post the pictures?

Here are some pictures, thank you.

There are a lot of ways to skin a cat, but here are my initial thoughts.

1) You are longer than standard sheet size, so bear that in mind when pricing.
2) You'll need a moulding that is substantial enough over a 1.33m length (I would favour a deep rebate moulding, then I could fit a cross-brace in the back to stabilise it).
3) I would encourage the customer to keep the metal hangers on display, as this will be easier, and to me they are part of the appeal.

I think I would start by making a firm base about 20mm bigger than the item in each dimension by glueing Foam Core to the back of conservation mountboard. If you choose a neutral colour similar to the needlework that will be hardly noticeable when it's in the frame. If this is not substantial enough with the weight of the metal hangers, it could be glued to the backing board after sewing the needlework on.

I would then float and sew the needlework onto the board, and use Mylar strips to fix the metal hangers in place.

I would then use wooden fillets deep enough to hold the glass or acrylic off the artwork

Many thanks for your thoughts Jim, much appreciated.