Is it proper to use a mat when framing fabric art?

Question

ie. quilts or appliqued pictures

Answer 1

If you don't use matting, do use some kind of spacer to keep the glass away from the fabric. I have a professionally-framed antique silk scarf. they sewed it to fabric and then used little cardboard chips, acid-free, to hold the glass away. You can't see the chips.
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Answer 2

It is really a very good idea to use a mat. Of course it can be used for decorative purposes, but for the most part it is especially useful for keeping the glass off the fabric. Fabric pressed against the glass tends to trap moisture and over time begin to decay. If you have done any sort of needlework, it will get flattened, and the dyes in the yarns can begin to spread or the paint that might have been used can begin to run together. I've had several things framed, and each time matting was really stressed by the framers. Since it didn't change the cost of the framing, it wasn't a profit thing.

Answer 3

I've seen it done either way.

It's recommended that any matting be "archival" (acid-free, etc.) for any sort of nice needlework.

The mat can also separate the needlework from the glass or whatever covering. The covering should *not* touch the needlework.

Small pieces may be mounted by thread-tacking to plain fabric attached to stretcher bars. Then shims would be needed at the edges to maintain a distance between the fabric and the covering.

Answer 4

mats are fine, just make sure it doesn't take away from the fabric art. use a color that compliments the art. Try to match one of the main colors. Like for instance, if you have a quilt with lavender between the squares, use a lavender or slightly darker mat. Or, for a lighter colored fabric, use a dark mat; or for a dark color fabric, use a light mat, a color that will make the fabric pop. these are just some ideas, be sure to put the fabric next to the color to see how they look together.
Good luck!!