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framing question
Tue, Nov 4, 2008 5:58 AM
Posted by Rose
Has anyone tried using rubber cement to stick their aida cloth on a board for framing? Is it safe?
  • Reply from mkm
    Tuesday, November 4, 2008 7:22 AM
    I don't know of any designer that would recommend gluing completed cross-stitch pieces to a board. If you expect to have this design preserved for many years to come, use ONLY acid-free products when framing -- Think of the time it took to stitch the piece. If it was worth stitching, it is worth framing with the proper supplies.

    mkm Go to top

  • Reply from Becky
    Friday, November 7, 2008 2:08 PM
    Although many rubber cements are acid-free, I wouldn't advise it. I don't see how, no matter how thin you spread it, some of it wouldn't seep through the holes in the aida. Plus, if it touches the stitching and your threads aren't colorfast, you will have a mess on your hands.

    When I do my framing, use the stainless steel T-pins, and then lace it using unwaxed dental floss. By using the pins and acid-free foam board (at Michael's), you can re-position your piece until you get it centered. Then I use the dental floss with a needle on each end, and lace it first side-to side just like you were lacing up a pair of shoes. After you do side-to-side, do the same thing top to bottom. Some people leave the pins in, but once it's laced I take mine out as they really aren't needed as long as you pull the lacing tight.

    Hope that helps, it's really easy and fast once you get the hang of it! Go to top

  • Reply from Linda
    Sunday, November 16, 2008 12:45 AM
    In the past I have used Elmer's Craft Bond Acid Free Multi-Purpose Spray Adhesive. There are instructions for temporary and permanent bonds. I have used the temporary instructions to prepare cross stitch for framing and it holds it in place long enough to frame. Then I have removed it several years later with no damage to the cross stitch! I think it would be what you're looking for, good luck. Go to top
  • Reply from Karyn
    Sunday, January 30, 2011 12:54 AM
    I just got internet again after along dry spell. We moved where it wasnot availableso this is in response to an old, old question about framing. Cut a piece of foam core mounting board available at art supply stores the size to fit your frame and pin it inyos the side with short 1" stainless steel (so they do not rust)adjust as needed to look even andlevel in frame then push them alltheway in, lay in frame and attach with framingtool ( inexpensive ones are available but invaluable check art supply again0. learned this from our local needlework store. she gives classes in framing. saved $$$ and they lok professional.any questions justask Go to top
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    Reply from Elizabeth
    Sunday, January 30, 2011 12:22 PM
    I have some of the peel and stick board (can't think of the exact name as I am not home), but they come in 5 x 8 and 9 x 12 sizes. Would they help you? Go to top
    • Reply from mkm
      Friday, February 4, 2011 10:24 AM
      I don't know of any professional designer/cross-stitcher who would ever recommend using these "peep and stick" boards. Even if
      they are listed as acid-free, I would never use them. If you do not treasure the designs you stitch, I guess it is OK. I have
      designing my own graphs and stitching for 30 years.

      mkm Go to top

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    Reply from Sherri
    Sunday, February 6, 2011 7:29 PM
    Having been a professional framer for almost 30 years, I would definitely NEVER use rubber cement. It will bleed through your needlework in the years to come (I know- I used to do just that when I was 7-8 years old, and have the ruined pieces to prove it.) Please, please, please take it to a framer and have them mount it- I've seen way too many botched home jobs. You spent so much time completing your project; frame it properly and it will definitely be worth the money. Go to top
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      Reply from mkm1
      Monday, February 7, 2011 9:18 AM
      Your advise regarding the use of rubber cement is correct; however,I do not think it takes a "professional" framer to do an excellant job of
      framing needlework. There is plenty of information available to learn to frame your needlework. It does take some research and "trial & error"
      experimentation. It is far too expensive to have a frame shop do the work that can be done by most stitchers. Go to top
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        Reply from Sherri
        Monday, February 7, 2011 9:46 AM
        Every one is entitled to their own opinion, and I definitely didn't say that only framers can mount needlework. However, I really don't think that it's "far too expensive" to mount a piece of needle work that can take hundreds of hours to complete- I don't know about your particular frame shop that you use, but we charge $10-15 to mount a medium size piece of needlework with acid free, archival materials, and that's not a whole lot more than your materials if you try to do it yourself. There are many misconceptions when it comes to custom picture framing, and this example is one of them. Just like finding the right vet, GP or bank, you have to find the right picture frame shop for you. Most are happy to help- just make sure they're well versed in needlearts if you choose to use them for that. Go to top
        • Reply from mkm1
          Thursday, February 10, 2011 5:59 AM
          Your example of the cost to mount a "medium size" piece of needlework sounds fair. I assume this means lacing the back. However, if a design takes "hundreds of hours to complete" it is not a medium size piece -- The cost to frame this type design would be hundreds of dollars. The most important thing for stitchers to remember is to always use acid-free archival materials that are readily available to anyone. There are many excellent instructions found in books as well as on the web.(There are many not-so-good instructions too, so beware) Framing your own work brings about a huge degree of satisfaction in what you have accomplished. Try It -- You'll Like It! Go to top