How To Frame Embroidery Artwork

Framing your finished embroidery is a great way to add a more finished look to your art instead of leaving it in the hoop. It may seem like a headache, but there are actually some products that you can use to make this process super easy. This post will walk you through how to frame embroidery artwork that takes little to no time at all!

Disclaimer: This post has some affiliate links in it. I receive a small commission from purchases at no additional cost to the buyer. I only recommend products I would use and love and that are of good quality. All opinions are my own!

What You’ll Need

• Finished embroidery art
• Scissors
• Frame
• Self Stick Mounting Board
• hot glue or acid free tape

First, before you get started, you’ll want to make sure that you have left enough excess fabric around the embroidery to fit the frame you’d like to put it in.

The easiest way to frame embroidery is with self stick mounting board. They come in standard frame sizes and are available at most craft stores, so you’ll want to choose whichever size corresponds with the frame you are using. The mounting board from Hobby Lobby is what I’ve personally used. It is acid free, and it makes framing your embroidery super easy because the fabric easily sticks and smooths out over the board. You can even readjust the fabric as needed and it doesn’t lose it’s stickiness very easily.

This mounting board should fit in most frames, but it may not fit in all of them. If you have a frame that has an extra layer of cardboard in it, you’ll most likely not have to use it due to the thickness of the embroidery and mounting board. Take a close look at whatever frame you purchase to see if it will accommodate a thicker board inside of it.

How To Frame Embroidery

1. Remove the paper on the mounting board so the adhesive is exposed.
2. Place the back of the embroidery on the sticky side and reposition as needed until the art is centered on the board.
3. Be sure to smooth out the fabric on the front and make sure there are no wrinkles or warping of the fabric / embroidery.

4. Flip the board and embroidery face down and trim the fabric until there is about 3/4 of an inch of excess fabric left.

5. Cut squares out of the corners. This way you won’t have excess fabric in the corners, which could get in the way when framing.

6. Fold over the edges and secure with hot glue or tape.

7. Now place it in the frame!

I hope you enjoyed this quick tutorial. It should only take about 5 – 10 minutes to frame embroidery artwork. You can, of course go and get the pieced framed professionally, but I love to find vintage frames to frame embroidery in and do it myself. This method of framing is a super budget friendly way to still make your embroidery look amazing!

Next, learn how to frame round embroidery pieces.

Amanda

Amanda is a hand embroidery teacher and artist. With over 15 years of experience in the craft industry and embroidery, she owns and runs Crewel Ghoul, sharing accessible tutorials and patterns to help inspire fellow crafters to get creative. In addition to running this website, she teaches on Skillshare and Youtube.