Flosstube Extra: Let's Talk Framing Part One (Measuring & Supplies)

This is part one of a tutorial on how to frame your finished cross stitch pieces. In this video I'll talk about the supplies that I use and offer suggestions on different things you can use that may work better for you. Part two will cover pinning your piece as well as closing up your frame.

Framing tips to know:
*RABBET:* The Rabbet is the measurement of the depth of the frame. Keep this in mind when you're picking out a frame. If you're going to be using glass, mats or spacers you'll need a deeper rabbet so you can fit everything in the frame.

*FRAME LIP:* All frames have a lip that covers up part of the opening of your frame. It's typically 1/4 of an inch. That means that the visible space of an 8x10 frame is actually closer to 7 1/2 x 9 1/2. Keep that in mind when ordering a frame.

*SUPPLIES:*
Acid Free Foam Core (I prefer 1/8 inch)
Acid Free Mat Board (comic book boards would also work if they're big enough)
Stainless Steel Pins (I use Dritz Bridal & Lace Pins)
Logan Duel Duty Point Driver
Logan Flexible Points
*_*Other closing alternatives: Spring Clips or Offset Framing Clips 1/4 or 1/8 inch*_*
D Rings or Sawtooth Hangers
Hanging Wire
Spacers (Econospace 125 clear 1/8 inch)
Scor Tape (1/2 wide)
Bumper Pads
Strong thread for lacing

[MarleneBush]

Helen you are a wonderful teacher - you speak clearly, you explain thoroughly, and you make it easy to understand. Thank you so much. Be blessed, Marlene

[renepainter]

Fabulous tutuorial- you take the scary out of framing and explain and show things slowly which is so very helpful. Thank you so much for taking time to do this.
I watch you often and always love your common sense tips and tricks. It’s interesting how much I still don’t know and I’ve been cross stitching since 1985.

[judywing]

Excellent video! My award winning framer retired and I have been reluctant to try anyone else. I’m thinking of framing myself and your video was very helpful. Thank you!

[stitchinginhighheels]

Thanks Helen, I've always shied away from purchasing frames online because of the measuring challenges. Your explanation is perfect.

[sugarplumstitcher]

Oh my gosh Helen. This is wonderful. I am so intimidated about framing that I will not even walk through the section of frames at my Michael's store. Thank you so much for this video. I am off to watch part two now.

[carlenehall]

Thank you Helen, so nice of you to do this video!

[KayeTaylorE]

The off set clips can be used with the low side screwed into the frame and the high side of the clip against the backing. This is helpful when your rabbitt is too shallow and everything is sticking above the back of the frame.

[vickiinkansas]

The d rings brought back a childhood memory. My mom would have my dad poke a hole in the bottom of a pop can tab and nail it to the back of the frame as a hanger. We make-do with what we have. I still have a crewel piece I stitched in my teens with a pop tab hanger.

[StitchetyDoodah]

Rabbet- is a type of cut - normally on the end or edge of a board. 💚

[theresachucle]

Thank you for sharing all your great information. Have a wonderful week 😊🧵🪡🤗🤩

[jenniferdyer]

Thanks a million for this video and the Part 2! You gave me the knowledge and confidence to successfully redo a “big box” framing job and exponentially improve my satisfaction with my little project! (Wish I could send you pictures.) Thank you, thank you!

[barbarahaynes-bihk]

Very clear tutorial, looking forward to part 2, especially where to put the sticky part of the spacer

[stitchybeach]

Helen!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I learned SO much. Excellent video!

[SueBHelm]

I have a stack of pieces that need framing including a birth sampler that is long overdue. I think that the last piece that I actually framed was my parents's 50th anniversary sampler which needs reframing in 1986. It has cardboard on the back with tiny brads to hold it in. I want to take it apart and redo it. With your great help, inow feel more confident to actually get these pieces done. Thank you so much for an excellent tutorial!

[judyfitzpatrick]

Thanks so much Helen! Have my list written down for the future. Look forward to part 2.

[obragg]

Thanks for this! For spacers, I use a thin slice of mat board. Maybe not archival, but my stitching will never be in a museum.

[maureenlopez]

Thanks, Helen! You explain things so well!

[kathyadams]

Wonderful help! I feel a little more confident in ordering a frame now. Thank you so much.

[lynettedavies]

Thank you so much, Helen, for such a useful video (saved for future reference!). It has given me the confidence to have a go once again at framing a cross stitch piece. I tried once before a couple of years ago and the lovely frame I ordered was covering the edges of my cross stitched piece. Yes, I hadn’t thought about the ‘rabbit’. In fact I had never even heard of it!!.. Now I am a little wiser I will try again! Looking forward to part 2!

[stefaniestaniak]

Saved this video to my library. Very helpful information, thank you, I learned a lot today.