Backing Needleart

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MerpsMom

MerpsMom

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
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Jul 30, 1997
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Leawood, Kansas USA
I've run the Search on needleart just as a refresher, but didn't find reference to my question. When I do needleart, I use Artcare f/c and pins, spacers, and glazing. When matted, I use the f/c frame "smoosh" trick. (That's where you blank a piece of Artcare two inches larger than the finished size, center a cut out window one inch larger than the image size, place the artwork on the fallout, and "smoosh" the f/c frame down around it. Uh-huh...be rich and beautiful, too. Lay the prepared mat down and size the overblanked f/c from it.)

Anyhow, once it's all nice and straight---another uh-huh---how do you finish the back? Tapes are supposedly out of the question so you can't discipline the turned-to-the-back extra fabric with them. I hate those flying flaps on the back. Lace, prayer, dust cover and ignore them, what?
 
Just pin the flaps MM. I got that hint from Bossy Ellen. Also,you can slide a pin into the F/C at a very shallow angle so that it doesn't punch through the front. You can also stabilize the stretched n/work in the F/C opening with pins. Just stick them in from the back edge of the stretched needlework into the F/C that serves as filler, and from the filler to the stretched n/work. It only takes 2 in each direction on each side to stabilize it. Use a thimble or something hard to push the pin with.

I know it sounds confusing, but it works great with no messy adhesives.
 
Doncha wonder sometimes why you don't think of stuff like that? Shallow pinning: of course. Bossy Ellen does usually know, doesn't she?
 
Yes, MM I do wonder why!....I had to wait 20 years, get a computer & get on the HH'er's to find that out how to use pins for the backs in addition to the sides...it was a DUH moment for me. So simple, and always there in front of me. That was worth PPFA dues for several years. There is always something to learn in this business.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MerpsMom:
When I do needleart, I use Artcare f/c and pins, spacers, and glazing. When matted, I use the f/c frame "smoosh" trick. (That's where you blank a piece of Artcare two inches larger than the finished size, center a cut out window one inch larger than the image size, place the artwork on the fallout, and "smoosh" the f/c frame down around it. Uh-huh...be rich and beautiful, too. Lay the prepared mat down and size the overblanked f/c from it.)

Anyhow, once it's all nice and straight---another uh-huh---how do you finish the back? Tapes are supposedly out of the question so you can't discipline the turned-to-the-back extra fabric with them. I hate those flying flaps on the back. Lace, prayer, dust cover and ignore them, what? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I just love that word 'smoosh'! Is it in common use up there?

I don't like any types of foamboard as a backing for needleart. I mostly use several layers of Alphamat because I have lots of offcuts and it is conservation quality. I then lace the needlework onto the backing whether it has mats or not. I sew calico around the edge first so my lacing is quite short and is always in one continuous length of linen thread. I'm quite sure I can get the lines in the needlework straighter than in other methods and faster too!

If you use pins, it is advisable to use stainless steel pins, but I am not too sure of the grade of stainless in them. Thats why I don't use them!


*** I'm so poor I can't even pay attention. ***
 
It is true, Osgood, that lacing is no more time consuming than pinning. Lacing on a sheet of rag sure makes the frame contents a lot less bulky. Framers just need to give it a chance. The rows still line up perfectly. Framers seem to have a phobia about it. I did for years. Then one day I just decided to try it, and viola, perfection!

[This message has been edited by jframe (edited March 31, 2001).]
 
jframe, I'm going to try the lacing thing just because it's annoying to admit I can't perform a technique. However, in your above post, you say pinning to ragboard makes the package less bulky, which makes sense. But...what's holding the pins? Are you gluing the rag boards together and slipping the pins inbetween? Does that hold? At least with f/c you have at least 1/8" of "stuff" into which the pin goes. To which method are you referring when you say "Perfection"? (Inquiring minds...?)
 
Sorry MM, I meant lacing on a piece of rag board. I need to go and figure out how to edit that post. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
 
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