The Framers Forum

Just a quick question - I've been asked to frame a 'sampler' of a friends mothers cross stitch they did in school back in 1882!

I have also remembered an article from the October edition of Art Business Today, here Chris A Paschke mounted a rug on a felt backing, and was wanting to do a similar idea for the sampler as the colours are quite faded, so I was wanting to add a bit of colour, matching what is left on the cross stitch.

Obviously, I want to make sure that it's done 'conservation style', but as I've not done this before, are there any particular types of felt/cloth I can use? I've had a quick scout about on Lion, but can only find Brushed Nylon loop cloth - which won't do, I assume.

I'm planning on attending a conservation course this year, but just want to make sure I'm going down the right path with this one.

Any recommendations?

What some fabrics are finished/dyed with can be a concern, I'd go for good conservation board like artcare, but if fabric was the way I'd wash it first and my choice, in order of preference would be cotton, linen and polyester.

The key to conservation mounting any textile to a backing made from a textile is that the backing textile has to be washed to remove all sizing and other contamination from the manufacturing process.

Second, always use a "ball end" needle to to the sewing so that you do not cut the threads of the item being framed. Have a gap between the art and the glazing at all times and keep the framed piece out of direct light even with UV filtering glazing.

Thanks guys,

I've always been interested in conservation framing, so I'll take a look at your suggestions and see how it goes. I think I might also invest in one of the books from the FineArt website to assist.

It's all very interesting - many thanks once again...

Chris.