Mounting Fabric with exposed edge

[GinnyWill]

Hi all-
I am trying to figure out a way to mount an irregular-shaped decorative fabric. I am looking for a substrate--a small border of which will be visible due to the shape of the piece--that looks like a natural product--ie wood, not foamcore or matboard. The piece is large so I think plywood would be too heavy. Is chipboard an option? Kraft Gator Board? Thoughts? TIA.

 

[Nikodeumus]

Here's an example of Direct Contact Overlay. (DCO)
Thread 'DCO of cotton T-shirt remnant' https://www.thegrumble.com/threads/dco-of-cotton-t-shirt-remnant.92370/ DCO of cotton T-shirt remnant
Use the search function here on the G to learn more about that technique.

 

[Nikodeumus]

Regarding the mounting board the item will be ontop of...
Any wood material would not be good.
Nor Kraft paper, or anything containing lignin and other harmful "natural" components.
Just because something is "natural", that doesn't mean it's it harmless in the context of display/framing.

Archival mats or linen/fabric covered mats would be far wiser for the long term protection of the fabric item being displayed.

There are many kinds of specialty mats that have a "natural" appearance, but are made of appropriate materials.

 

[GinnyWill]

Thank you. I generally do DCO but the client doesn’t want it behind glazing. I will go the matboard route. Appreciate it!

 

[MunnFrameworks]

What I have done in the past is, Stitch it to a nice piece of fabric ( I usually use burlap).
Then stretch it over foamcore. East Lightweight, and beautiful.

 

[Rick Hennen]

I'm not sure what large means here but if weight is a consideration and depending on your conservation requirements, UltraLight MDF could be an option. It's the same material as standard MDF but about 38% lighter. It's usually available in specialized lumber yards and since it's imported, it is sold in metric thicknesses of , 12MM (1/2") , 15MM (5/8") , 18MM (3/4").

 

[Ylva]

Thank you. I generally do DCO but the client doesn’t want it behind glazing. I will go the matboard route. Appreciate it!

I would not use a paper based item without glass. I second the stitch to fabric and stretch ( I would use stretcher bars)

 

[GinnyWill]

I would not use a paper based item without glass. I second the stitch to fabric and stretch ( I would use stretcher bars)

Thank you-because we want an exposed edge I can't do stretcher bars but that would certainly be easier!

 

[Ylva]

Thank you-because we want an exposed edge I can't do stretcher bars but that would certainly be easier!

You can when you stitch it to fabric which is larger than the item and serves as the 'mat'/background. Then stretch over stretcher bars.