World Wide Quilting Page

Question of the Week

Question for the week of May 3, 1999:

Our question this week comes from T.J. Eller

What are the considerations when framing a piece of fabric, especially old blocks? Need glass? Need spacers? Best products for mounting?

Lois Rogers :
I pin my blocks onto old accoustical ceiling tile, centred, so that the edges look like frames. If you are using glass, don't use non-glare; we who do watercolours, have found this to be detrimental to the colour. Also, of course, if using glass, then use spacers to keep the fabric away from the glass. If the fabric is old, then definitely, an archivist should care for it.

Darel Flack :
Yes, you do need spacers to allow the fabric "breathing room". Also I would use a non-glare type of glass. Framing could be any type of frame that complements the piece itself. You could use a set of one or two mats to further showcase the piece.

Leslie :
The best thing to do when framing old blocks is to use a professional framer who deals with archival materials. It may cost a bit, but you'll get the job done right. If you need to do it on your own, use acid free matboard, adhesives, and spacers. The glass needs to filter UV "rays" and should not touch the fabric. You're also supposed to do something to prevent humidity from forming inside the framed piece and shouldn't hang the piece in direct sunlight.

World Wide Quilting Page * Question of the Week