AboutHenry Babcock Expertise I learned needlepoint from my grandmother over 30 years ago. I can answer most questions on the subject. I know about producing needlepoint as well as cleaning, repairing and restoring.
I have been given an unframed 13x20 needlepoint sampler worked by my grandmother and dated 1940. It came to me folded and in a plastic bag. (!) I removed it and rolled it up loosely around white paper towels.(seemed better than how it was.) My question is -how should this be framed? A thin worked border runs right to the edges which have only a few small frayed areas, and actually add interest to the piece. I would like to frame it with this border and small fraying showing. Under UV glass? What backing? What about 'breathability' of the piece under glass? I want it preserved for my grandchildren. Thank you so much for your help.
Karyl
Answer Karyl,
Hey, that's the first time I've seen someone send a pic of the piece they are referring to! Great idea!
From what I can see in the pic, I have to recommend that the piece be cleaned and reblocked before any framing.
If you are the do-it-yourself type, there are some very good instructions for cleaning and blocking needlepoint at the website for the American Needlepoint Guild:
If you prefer to have the job done professionally, try searching on the web for "needlepoint rug cleaning" or "needlepoint cleaning". You should find several services that can do the job at a fair price.
After it is cleaned, you can move on to framing. Because of the situation with the border and your desire to keep that visible, you will have to affix the piece to some framing mat somehow. You should consult with a framing professional for ideas on how this should be done.
Of course, all the materials used should be acid-free, archival quality. Yes, you will want to use UV treated glass, and the frame should not be sealed on the back, this allows the entire piece to breath, and moisture can't get trapped inside the framing.
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