Cross-Stitching

Questions and discussions related to cross-stitching. Want to know how to get creases out of fabric? This is where to ask. To locate past posts on a specific topic, simply enter the word or words in the field below and click the Search button.
Note: Any discussions regarding the distribution of any copy-written materials will be removed. No advertisements, sales-related, or social media postings allowed.
Back
cross stitch against glass??
Mon, Oct 2, 2006 10:23 AM
Posted by Peggy
I've finished five cross stitch projects (all footprints in the sand) and need advice on framing them. Is it OK to let the cross stitch lay right against the glass with nonething between them? The lady at Hobby Lobby's framing shop said it isn't necessary to have something between them, but I've read that there is something called spacers that should be used. The lady at the framing shop said she could order them but they would be expensive (didn't ask the cost)and really didn't need them. So, I've come to the real experts - you!! I've already framed one and it is against the glass, the frame wasn't deep enough to use spacers if I had to. I was also thinking maybe I could use the small clear adhesive dots they use for scrapbooking to use between the glass and cross stitch. Sorry so long. TIA Peggy
  • Hide Replies
    Reply from Marisa
    Monday, October 2, 2006 10:51 AM
    Spacers are usually not that expensive. You can try the website framing4yourself.com to see what they have to offer. I don't know if the adhesive dots would provide enough overall "lift" to keep the glass off of the stitches. I would think that over time, the glass would "flatten" the stitches and the piece would look squashed.

    Good luck! Go to top

    • Reply from pam
      Monday, October 2, 2006 2:23 PM
      I don't use the glass in the frames unless I am giving it to someone I know that has smokers in the house. The spacers give you space so the design doesn't look flatten.
      I would try a different store.Some stores are more knowledgable on how to mount stitchings. If you don't have a LNS I would try just a regular framing store. I had one frame there once and the price wasn't much different. Go to top
  • Reply from Maria S.
    Monday, October 2, 2006 6:09 PM
    The spacers good framers use when framing work that will go under glass is a very very tiny square plastic "tube" that can be easily cut. One side has adhesive and this adhesive is put on the glass at the edges all around. It is NOT expensive. Your stitched piece needs to breath so you need spacers to help this and prevent fabric rot. Go to top
  • Reply from Maria S.
    Monday, October 2, 2006 6:10 PM
    Forgot to mention this spacing material is no more than about 1/16" Go to top
  • Reply from Rose
    Monday, October 2, 2006 7:20 PM
    I have never heard of spacers. I have framed a lot of stitching with and without glass and have had no problems. Go to top
  • Reply from Kathy
    Wednesday, October 4, 2006 11:23 AM
    I have always used spacers on all my cross stitching. I have it done professionally. My angels are usually 17x24, and (4) spacers cost $15.00.

    Kathy Go to top

  • Hide Replies
    Reply from Donna
    Tuesday, October 24, 2006 10:50 PM
    I'm new to this site but I've been stitching for years. I would never put any fabric against glass without a spacer or matt board. I told this to a friend several years ago and she didn't believe me. She framed a section of a 100 year old saddle blanket that had belong to her great grand father. Her "expert" framer told her that spacers weren't necessary. Ten years latter the piece began to fall apart. The section that her sister still had and had never framed was still in perfect condition. Go to top
    • Reply from mkm1
      Sunday, December 3, 2006 3:22 PM
      Donna and Maria are both so right - Another thing that happens when you don't use a mat or spacers is that the design is flattened against the glass, ruining the effect of the cross-stitching. If a mat is used, please check with your framer to make sure it is an acid-free mat. If he/she is an expert on needlework/fabric framing, it would never be framed without an acid-free mat or spacers.

      Mary Go to top