How do I frame Silk Embroidery Painting?

Question

I have hand embroidery arts that need to be stretch and frame. What is the best method of framing?

How do i stretch over a frame bar without having the silk to be wrinkle? Is there an illustration anywhere or a website that show an illustration?

Answer 1

There are different methods depending on the size and value. Since you did not put a size I will assume it is under 20x24

I would use a piece of foam core board covered with pelon (thin pelon) The board should be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch small that the fabric. Stretch the silk over the board and using silk pins or the "U" shaped jewlery display pins, pin the silk to the foamboard into the side of the board. Be sure pins are sharp if they feel like they are catching in the silk throw away that pin...the tip is bent.
Lay the silk on the board, line it up straignt and start with the center of each side. (top bottom, side side) Then work your way out from each center using the pins (you are pinning into the edge of the board. Watch for wrinkles as you go You are pulling snug to the outside and toward the corner.
The pins will stay in place unless you want to turn the whole item over and then sew from side to side and top to bottom with sewing thread very close together and then remove the pins. The thread will hold the fabric stretched. This is very time consuming and stitches should be very close together, but is the proper way.

You can mat it and frame with glass as long as the glass is not touching the silk. If it is, it could cause sweating and water deposits on the silk. If you lay the glass on the silk it will cause wrinkles. and if you leave off the glass it will get dirty from dust, smoke, cook fumes etc.

Your frame shop will know how to use "frame space" and be able to put glass on it and not have it touch.

If you have further questions let me know. [e-mail]

Large items should be done on foamcord but fastened to wood stretcher bars. Again cover the area with pelon first. It just looks better with a little padding (nothing thick)

Answer 2

Framing Silk Paintings

Answer 3

Lyn's answer was wonderful...
Custom Framing is very expensive...
If this piece does not hold/have special value to you, hand made by Grandma, or have a special $$ value, I would just take it in and have it heat mounted on a foam board the size of your frame. This option is the easiest and cheapest!

If your intent on doing it yourself, here ya go...
Make sure it's acid free foam core, you will want a board that won't let the threads in the back show through... possibly a darker foam board depending on the color of your art piece... If it is a larger piece go with a 3/8" board as it is stronger.

It is necessary to stretch such a piece, at frame shops we have specialized equipment for this, at home it will be a little harder for you. You will get the best results by sewing a small hem all the way around the piece to reinforce it for mounting. It will be necessary to dampen the item... when, you lay it over the foam core and stretch it around tucking it under the back... kind of like a flat bed sheet. You will then weave stitch from side to side gently pulling the art work tense/tight and straight. Your stitching (this will be on the back side of the foam core, and will not show once the piece is framed) will look like a big zigzag, you will have a lot of zigzags. Please note that it does look better if you put padding under your art work... keep the color in mind with this, and, the padding does not need to be wrapped over the edge of the foam core as the art work needs to be. Also... the material will shrink when it dries... a good thing as it will tighten it up a little more. When you have finished and your art work is tight and dry your ready for framing. If your not wanting the expense of having it custom framed your going to have to keep the size of this piece to the norms for pre-made frames.

I shouldn't say this but if you want to get really cheap just starch and iron from the back side... spray with adhesive and mount on board. Yuck ... I didn't just say that!!!

Answer 4

Whatever you do, don't use nails, screws or staples, it may tear the silk material. Try using a thin wood frame, stretch the silk painting over the frame bars, take another larger frame and fit it over that. It should stretch tight and hold so you can hang it.
Spartawo...

Answer 5

Stretch the fabric over a painting mount (you can find different sizes at your local art supply store) with tacks or staples then frame.