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

A How-To-Frame Guide For A Punch Needle Design:  Step-by-Step, Single-Mount, and Double-Mount Framing Instructions.

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 single-mount and double-mount framing techniques, helping you beautifully frame your textile art easily and cost-effectively.


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

Would you like a printed version of this framing guide?
This comprehensive guide to framing your punch needle artwork includes detailed step-by-step instructions, photographs, and helpful tips to ensure a professional finish.
To make this learning process even more convenient, I’ve created a 7-page PDF guide that can be easily downloaded and printed at home. Making the instructions easier to follow as you frame your design.
  • FREE with Purchase: This PDF guide is free with any purchase of $10 or more. Use the code FramePDF at checkout, and you will receive an email link to print out the How-To-Frame (7-pg) Guide.  
    • * Please use your computer to download the file and print—using iPads, iPhones, and tablets can cause issues.

 

  • Stand-Alone Purchase: Prefer to purchase it separately? The 7-page digital file is available for $10. Check it out under Punch Needle Supplies on our website.
    • * Please use your computer to download the file and print—using iPads, iPhones, and tablets can cause issues.

     

Now, let's begin!

There are many ways to finish your punch needle designs, but here, I'll explain how I mount and frame my finished designs professionally. These steps can be used with a custom frame, an off-the-shelf frame, or even a canvas float frame. (I prefer wooden frames because attaching the design to wood is easier). 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(s)
  • Pins
  • Fabric for backing (e.g., upholstery velvet, wool or fabric of choice)
  • Optional: cording or decorative trim
  • Hot glue gun
  • Tacky glue
  • Wooden Frame-(no glass)
  • Ruler
  • Knife/blade (cutting foam core board)
  • Brown paper (frame backing)
  • 3/8 screws
  • Frame hanging hardware & tools needed to attach to the frame.

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 to the 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.

    Note:  I have chosen to use natural linen fabric for my backing fabric for this design.

    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, 3/8 screws, tape, or additional glue to hold the design in place. Sometimes, it fits so tightly that you don't need anything extra to keep it in place.

    *I like to use these small 3/8-inch screws to hold my finished design in place. I attach four of them to the wooden frame, one in the center on the top, bottom, and sides.

    • 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!

    How-To-Double Mount Frame Your Design

    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

    Double-Mount Process

    1. The process is basically the same as above; you use two foam core board pieces instead of one.
    2. Cut one board to the size to fit into the frame, and one will be cut smaller.
    3. I like to leave at least half an inch to one inch of border showing. So, consider the frame size needed to double-mount your design. You want to ensure a large enough frame to accommodate this process.
    4. Hint: If you use a regular frame, check how much the frame covers the foam core board. A canvas float frame will not cover any sides, so consider these variables when deciding the border size.
    5. You can add a trim or attach the design directly to the first backing fabric and then attach it to the foam core board, as we did above.
    6. Once you have finished mounting your design on the first smaller board, you will cover the large board with another piece of fabric. Follow the same steps: pin and stitch the corners, then glue down the fabric.
    7. Now that both pieces are finished and mounted on the boards, you must attach them. I have found that hot glue is the best way.
    8. Hint: I center my design on the larger board using four pins. Then, I lift off the design, leaving the pins in place, and add hot glue to the backside, but not too close to the edge that it leaks and shows on the front of the design. Carefully place it between the pins, press, and hold until it is secure.
    9. Next, follow the finishing steps above.

    Your professionally single-mount or double-mount framed punch needle design is now ready to display!

    "I hope you found this framing guide helpful and feel inspired to try framing your designs yourself!"

    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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