Why not save some money on framing and stretch your own needlework?
Here are some simple instructions to show you how.
How to Stretch Your Needle Art
1) Cut a piece of acid free fomecore (we use Bainbridge Alphamat Artcare) or matboard to stretch the needle art onto. The size of this board should be approximately 25mm or 1″ bigger than the opening in the matboard. For example, if the needle art you want to see is 20cm x 15cm (8″ x 6″) this is the size of the opening in the matboard. Cut the board to stretch the needle art onto 22.5cm x 17.5cm (9″ x 7″).
2) Centre your needle art onto the board.
Turn the work over, and work from the back. Fold the two longest edges over the board. Using a needle with a continuous thread (preferably 100% cotton thread) insert the needle 15mm from the edge of the fabric. Lace from one edge to the other, trying to keep the stitches parallel, approximately 1cm apart. When you get to the end, tie the thread with a knot, leaving the other end still attached to the reel of cotton.
3) Check the front of the work to make sure that it is still centred. Tension the threads at the back, working from the knot backwards, being careful not to pull them too tightly, otherwise the thread might break. In case the thread does break, just re-join it with a small knot and continue. Check the front of the work once again, and when you are happy with the position, cut the thread attached to the reel of cotton and firmly tie with a knot to the needle art. Adjust the front again if necessary.
4) Fold the two short ends over, and using the same process, continue to complete the stretching of your needle art.
