Monday, August 27, 2012

Framing your needlework in a hoop

This tutorial will show you how to secure your finished needlework in a hoop frame using double sided tape.  Double sided tape is more forgiving than glue, so if you need to remove your work later, you will be able to do so without damaging the fabric or hoop.

I recommend using acid free double sided tape.  You can find some great options in the scrapbook section of the craft store.  The tape I used costs around $3 and will provide you plenty of tape for multiple projects.

If your needlework is wrinkled, I really recommend that you iron it first on the back side of the fabric.  It just looks so much neater than a wrinkled piece, in my opinion.  If it only needs a little touch up, you can iron it dry, face down  on a low setting, but if it is really wrinkly, you may need to wet the entire piece and then iron it face down on a low setting until dry.  Again, please be sure that you iron the back side of the fabric and not the front! 


Step 1 - position your work in the frame according to your liking, and carefully stretch the fabric and tighten the screw of the hoop.





Step 2 - trim off the excess fabric to leave a 3/8 inch - 1/2 inch allowance


Step 3 - run double sided tape along the inside of the hoop, pressing firmly to be sure the tape adheres.  Work your way around and finish at the point where you started. (It doesn't matter at what point of the hoop you begin.)




Step 4 - If you are using double sided tape that has a backer strip, remove it completely.


Step 5 - Begin wrapping the excess fabric over the hoop, working your way around while pressing firmly.




You now have a securely wrapped hoop!



For an extra finishing touch, you can cover the back with felt, fabric, or paper, if you like.


3 comments:

  1. Yay thanks for posting this. I have been looking at framing my cross stitches in hoops but was not quite sure how to do it. Your method looks easy so hopefully even I can manage it!

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  2. You're welcome! It really is easy, so I'm sure you will be able to do it!

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  3. Thank you so much for this! I've been having a hard time with keeping the fabric tight - double sided tape! Thank you! :) Love your patterns too....bought a few this weekend to do for some friends.

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