Needlework artists use a needle and thread instead of a paint and brush to create their art. This time consuming art produces family treasures that may be passed on from generation to generation. To protect needleart and mount it correctly requires instruction, which is readily available in books on how to frame needleart. This article describes two of the simplest mounting methods: quick mount board and pinning.

Quick Mount
The easiest mounting method is an acid-free quick mount board for needleart.

The edges of the needleart are attached to the back of the board, which has a self-sticking, pressure sensitive adhesive. Some quick mount boards claim the fabric may be lifted and re-applied indefinitely. Remember, if the adhesive becomes permanent over time, this mounting method is not reversible, and your piece may be ruined if you disassemble it. For valuable antique needleart be careful of this method, as the results of using acid-free pressure sensitive adhesives is still in question.* Some of these boards come with batting attached to the board. Be sure the batting is heat bonded. Batting that isn't heat bonded will migrate and cause a "beard" through the surface of the needleart.

Pinning
One of the simplest methods, that is also reversible and includes a variety of needleart, is pinning.

Use acid-free foam-core or rag matboard and stainless steel ballpoint pins.**
1) Cut board to 1/2" larger on each side than the mat window.

2) Find the center of each side. Start at the top and stick a pin through the fabric into the edge of the foam-core or rag board. Leave the pin sticking out.

3) Go to the bottom side and stretch the needleart and pin.

4) Pin the other two sides.

5) Work from the center to the corners. Keep the grain of the fabric straight (or the design, if the grain and design differ).

6) When the needleart is stretched and straight, push pins all the way into the foam-core or rag board.

7) Pull loose corner fabric toward the center of the board and pin at an angle, being careful not to go through to the front. (Staples are not a good alternative because they may cut and tear the fabric threads.)

As with paper art, textile art needs to be protected from acid-burn which will yellow the fabric over time. It is important to always use acid-free boards and adhesives. Rag board, which is madefrom cotton fibers, is best for fabric art. If the needleart is heavy, to prevent the board from warping, adhere two acid-free boards together with a pH neutral glue, adhesive transfer tape, or double-sided tape.

Ask your local art store to show you the several brands of quality matboard available.
For a more detailed explanation and other needleart mounting methods read: Needlework Framing Volume 3 by Vivian C. Kistler, CPF, Columbia Publishing Company.

Do not mount needleart on the following boards: Unsealed wood, masonite, upson board, corrugated kraft cardboard, recycled boards, chipboard, newsboard, sponge-covered board. They are acidic. In time they will deteriorate and discolor fabrics that come in contact with them.

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*See Adhesives and Tapes, Cut-by-Cut June 1994
**Use stainless steel to prevent rust. Use ball point to prevent piercing the fabric threads. Ballpoint will push the fabric threads aside rather than piercing through them, which weakens the threads.