Needlecraft

We have a great deal of experience stretching and framing needlecraft work - wool tapestries, cross stitches, stump work, crewel wool work and embroideries of various kinds.

The cost of stretching by 'lacing' is so prohibitive, because of the time factor, that we use the method whereby work is stretched over a board - either ph neutral or conservation quality, which has a heavy duty double sided adhesive tape around the edge on the reverse side. If the tension in the work is fairly uniform this allows very precise stretching which is vital if there are any straight lines in the work. This is a comparatively quick process, thus keeping the labour cost to a realistic level.

1. The embroidery is stretched over a board.	2. Reverse showing the edge of the fabric, which has been stuck on to the edge of the board.	3. The stretched work with the undermount fitted.
4. The stretched work with the top mount fitted over the undermount.	5. The finished effect - placed in the frame.	6. Detail showing a 3D effect with a 4mm spacer fitted between the two mounts.

Wool tapestries, especially those that are out of square are generally stretched over a thicker board using a latex adhesive rather than tape.

Whatever method is used adhesives or adhesive tape never comes in contact with the worked area, it is only the surrounding 'excess' fabric that is stuck.