Thread to Art: HOW TO FRAME PUNCH NEEDLE ARTWORK- Issue Three

A How-To-Guide For Framing A Punch Needle Design: 

By Kelly Kanyok - Artist & Founder of Orphaned Wool

You've just completed a stunning design and want to frame it, but you're unsure where to start. You're not alone. I've received many requests for a framing tutorial that shares my step-by-step process. So, here it is! This guide will walk you through my framing basics, helping you easily and cost-effectively frame your textile art beautifully.


White-Eyed Vireo Bird- Framed
Pattern: White-Eyed Vireo Bird- Single Mount with Trim

Want a Printed Version?
If you want the printed version of this step-by-step guide to framing your punch needle artwork, I've got you covered!

  • FREE with Purchase: This How-To-Frame Instruction Guide's PDF digital download is free with any $10.00 purchase. Use Code: FramePDF at checkout.

or

  • Available for Purchase: If you prefer to purchase the guide separately, you can download it as a 6-page digital file for $10.00. -See Punch Needle Supplies for this PDF guide.
Now, Let's Begin!

There are many ways to finish your punch needle designs, but here, I'll explain the method I use to mount and frame a finished design professionally. These steps can be used with a custom frame, an off-the-shelf frame, or even a canvas float frame. If you have a frame with glass, remove the glass carefully; you will not be using it. I recommend using an open wooden frame.

Supplies List:
  • Needle & thread
  • Iron
  • Scissors
  • Foam core board
  • Pins
  • Fabric for backing (e.g., upholstery velvet, wool or fabric of choice)
  • Optional: cording or decorative trim
  • Hot glue gun
  • Tacky glue
  • Frame- open frame (no glass)
  • Ruler
  • Knife/blade (cutting foam core board)
  • Brown paper (frame backing)
  • Frame hanging hardware & tools needed to attach

Preparing the Design

Step 1: Clean up the loops

  • After completing your design, inspect it for loops that have overlapped or leaned into other colors. I use my punch needle tip and scissors tip to nudge apart and straighten the loops.
  • Hint: Clean up the loops off the frame or hoop. This will make it easier to fold or bend the fabric to access the loops.

Step 2: Trim excess fabric

  • Cut off the excess weaver's cloth, leaving about 1 inch or more of fabric around the design.

Step 3: Iron the design

  • Iron both the front and back of the design. To protect the threads, you can use an ironing cloth. However, I ironed my designs without a cloth and haven’t had problems.

Step 4: Fold and press edges

  • Use the iron to fold and press each corner of the fabric toward the back of the design. Then, fold and press the sides. The goal is to ensure that the weaver's cloth does not show from the front of the design.

Step 5: Secure the folded corners

  • Hand-stitch the folded corners using a needle and thread, ensuring the cloth stays neatly tucked behind the design.

Adding Cording or Trim (Optional)

Step 1: Choose your trim

  • Decorative trim or cording can enhance the design. You can use store-bought cording or create your own from backing fabric.

    Step 2: Attach the trim

    • Using thread that matches the design or trim, hand-stitch the cording around the folded edges of the design. Please start at the bottom and carefully stitch between the loops to avoid pulling or flattening them.

    Mounting the Design on Backing Fabric

    Step 1: Prepare the backing fabric

    • Choose upholstery velvet, wool, or a coordinating color fabric. Velvet pairs well with floss threads for its sheen, while the wool complements wool threads.
    • Hint: Don't cut the backing fabric to the exact size of the foam core board. A larger piece makes it easier to adjust the design's placement.

    Step 2: Attach the design

    • Center, pin, and then hand-stitch the design to the backing fabric, stitching between the loops and trim. The pins help hold the design in place while stitching, ensuring it remains flat and centered.

    Attaching the Design to the Foam Core Board

    Step 1: Cut the foam core board

    • Measure and cut the foam core to fit inside your frame. Make it slightly smaller than the frame opening to account for fabric thickness. Test the fit before proceeding.

    Step 2: Center the design

    • Place the design with the attached backing fabric over the foam core. Center and secure the design using T-pins or regular pins. Place the pins into the foam core center, starting from the top center to the bottom, and work side-to-side. Pull the fabric tightly as you go.

    Step 3: Secure the corners

    • Fold and stitch the fabric corners together on the back of the foam core. This creates clean, tight corners and holds the design nicely in place.

    Step 4: Attach the backing fabric

    • Hot glue the backing fabric to the back of the foam core board, then remove the pins.

    Final Steps: Framing the Design

    Step 1: Insert the design

    • Place the mounted design into your frame. It should fit snugly but not bend the foam board.

    Step 2: Secure the design in the frame

    • You can use framing points, trim nails, tape, or additional glue to hold the design in place. Sometimes, it fits so tightly that you don't need anything else.
    • Cut a piece of brown backing paper to cover the back of the frame. Apply a bead of tacky glue to the back of the frame and attach the brown paper.
    • Once the paper is dry, use a damp paper towel to wipe the brown paper down and let it dry. This will tighten the backing paper and help eliminate wrinkles. Then, trim the excess brown paper.
    • Next, attach your hanging hardware and add your label!

    Your professionally mounted and framed punch needle design is now ready to display! 

    *Double-Mount Option

    • Note: You can also double-mount your designs by using a larger frame, adding another foam core board, and attaching one design to the center of the larger board. I hot glue the smaller foam core board to the center of the larger board.
    •  Double-mount framing is another excellent way to frame and accent more of the design's colors.

     

    Introducing The Bullseye Moth- Needle Punch Pattern with a custom DMC thread kit. This mesmerizing and elegant design was inspired by the intricate patterns found in nature. This needle punch pattern features a stunning depiction of a moth with wide wings, showcasing the delicate bullseye markings that give this moth its unique name. Pattern by Orphaned Wool Copyright 2023 Kelly Kanyok

    Example of a Double-Mount in a canvas float frame without trim.- Pattern: Bullseye Moth

    "I hope you found this framing guide helpful and feel inspired to try it!"

    Copyright Notice
    : All content in this booklet, including text, images, and designs, is protected under copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or sale of this material in any form, including electronic, photocopying, or other methods, is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from the copyright owner.- Personal Use Only

    © [2025 Kelly Kanyok/ Orphaned Wool. All rights reserved.

     

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