How to frame your embroidery in a square frame
For most of my projects I use the hoop to frame the finished embroidery. Sometimes, however, a finished piece is square or rectangular. How do you finish off one of these projects and create a sturdy beautiful frame? For my 12-month project I stitched all the months together on one large piece of fabric and wanted to create a minimalist finished object that pulled the fabric taut and created crisp and beautifully finished lines. I might yet add a wooden frame around the outside edge, but for now I like the clean look of the finished project. Here's a tutorial for an easy and cheap way to do this!
What you'll need:
A square wooden canvas stretcher frame (available from most art supply shops)
A staple gun or strong stapler
Your finished embroidery piece
A pair of scissors
Step 1
Centre your embroidery face-down on a flat surface and place the frame on top. To find the middle, create a small crease in the fabric. Double-check that the placement is where you want it, even when pulling the fabric taut. Pull the fabric taut on one side and staple it to the back of the frame, working from the centre outward.
Step 2
Move to the opposite side, pull firmly (but not so tight it distorts your stitching) and staple again. Repeat for the remaining two sides, keeping the tension even as you go. I used a stapler that can open quite wide and staples that are a little longer than normal. If you find your staples come out easily, try a staple gun.
Step 3
Fold the corners neatly, just like wrapping a present, and staple them down.
Step 4
The finished project will have beautifully clean lines and a crisp finish.
