Stretching needlework, what do you charge?

artisteric

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
Joined
Jul 20, 2005
Posts
170
Loc
Michigan
What is your stretching fee for a 10 X 12? and how long does it usually take you?

I just did two with an Attach-EZ, took me 30 minutes.
 
I have never used an attach-EZ to stretch needle art. I usually use pins or lacing method. The time spent depends on what shape the piece is in. Is it terribly out of square and needs blocked as well or is it perfectly straight and looks as good on the back as the front(I love the customers).

But to give you an approximate answer to your question, given that size and about a half an hour, the charge is $16.80.

Lori
 
I came up with $15.89 here.

I prefer pins as well.
 
If you are spending a half hour (not counting cost of materials) and charging $16.80, you are only getting $33.60/hr. for your shop time and labor. Are you sure this is covering your overhead?
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Rick
 
I charged $35 per piece for a total or $70. The customer mentioned this was "very reasonable"
The Attach-EZ works well for me and I wouldn't ever use any other method. Saves my hands from cramping
 
$18.30 for Crescent Needleboard and staple/latching cross stitch. My fee is based on it taking 18 minutes to stretch.
 
pinning on AF foamcore, about 10 minutes $30
Time and Materials......
The stainless steel pins and foamcore are not free.
 
If I use Needlepoint Board it is $.45/UI

Needleart mount via sewing = $10.00 first point and $7.00 for each additional.

Needleart mount via Attach EZ = $10.00 first point and $3.00 for each additional.

Needleart stretch via lacing method is priced differently.
 
I cannot see how you could get a nice tight stretch on needlework using the attach Ez - There is too much play in them to allow it to hold it tightly........... plus, if you put them in nice and tight - is there not a chance they will just pull through?

I must be missing something........ someone enlighten me!! LOL!!
 
10 x 12 = $27.75 ea (time and materials) using stainless steel pins and A/F board. That's based on a $44/hr shop rate.
 
Sandra,

If you read the instructions on attach EZ you'll see how to do it propery.
I stretch the work tighter than I would with the lacing method and they've never pulled through, just make sure you have the exact thickness for the attachment you're using.

Attach EZ is a god send! just ask anyone using it.

Also if you buy it now they come with special instructions for stretching needlework.
 
we do have one - and yes, it is the best! we use it for doilies to hockey jerseys and everything in between - but not needlework so far.

I didnt' see the instructions for needlwork - I'll have to have another look and see if they are there.

thanks!

Handy
 
Sandra, They must have just started putting the needlework instructions with the package. If you can't find it i'll scan it and send you copy.
 
Thanks - I'll check it out and let you know!
 
Originally posted by Handy:
I cannot see how you could get a nice tight stretch on needlework using the attach Ez - There is too much play in them to allow it to hold it tightly........... plus, if you put them in nice and tight - is there not a chance they will just pull through?

I must be missing something........ someone enlighten me!! LOL!!
The instructions say to install the nylon fasteners through the fabric and into the board. That works nicely for broad-weave fabrics such as Aida cloth, but I recommend a different method.

Install the largest-size fasteners about 1" in from the edges and 1" apart all around the perimeter of the fabric.

Next, lay the work face down on a clean-papered tabletop and place the inverted mount board on it. Then, using your usual cotton lacing thread, lace across the back from one side to the other, looping the thread over the fasteners as you go. Repeat for the top-to-bottom lacing. This procedure is like using the "speed-lacing" hooks commonly found on boots. Reposition the work if needed, then pull the laces slightly tight and tie off the ends.

The nylon fasteners have a larger area of contact with the weave, so they impose less stress than simply lacing through the fabric with thread, or pinning. The nylon of the fasteners is chemically stable and will last at least as long as cotton thread on the back of the mount board. (which would be in the dark; light exposure weakens nylon).

This method is faster than pinning and allows repositioning of the work until the laces are tensioned.

But for fine-woven fabrics and valuable works, I still lace the old fashioned way, as the 1/16" diameter needle on the tagging gun might injure the fabric by cutting threads instead of separating the weave.
 
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