Once I have finished a cross stitch piece, do I use glass when framing it?

1. 60

   Caerleonposted 14 years ago

   Once I have finished a cross stitch piece, do I use glass when framing it?
   
   I have gotten serveral different answers for this.  Some say you should never use glass unless it is to hang in a kitchen.  Something about condentation between your work and the glass rotting the threads.  Others would never think about framing a piece with out glass.

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2. 61

   stealthystitcherposted 14 years ago

   You may use glass over any stitching piece BUT...don't ever let the glass touch the stitches.   You can use a matte or put in something to add a space between the glass and stitching.

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3. 60

   EtselecMikposted 14 years ago

   I have several cross stitch pieces that are matted and framed.  All of them have glass.  My pieces have been framed in this manner for over 6 years and there has never been any condensation. My sister has pieces framed in this manner for at least 15 years with no condensation. 
   
   If you have taken the time to complete a nice stitched piece then you would want to protect it while showing it off.  Glass will keep your piece from getting dusty, dirty and protect it from any further damage from the oils in our hands or household smells.  As indicated by Caerleon, pieces should be matted so that the glass never touches the stitches.  I usually double mat my pieces, but one would do the job just fine. Also most pieces are mounted onto a foam board and then popped into the frame snuggly and then covered by brown paper on the backside.  I believe all of these materials to be "breathable" and help prevent  condensation. 
   
   If you wash your piece before framing it then make sure that you only hand wash in very mild soap without rubbing.  All stitched pieces should be blocked and air dried flat. Make certain that it is absolutely bone dry before framing, if it is the slightest bit damp it will form condensation.  And if you accidentally get your piece wet while it is in the frame (i.e. cleaning the glass) then you should try to remove it from the frame carefully so that it can dry and then place back in frame.  To avoid getting your piece wet once it is in the frame NEVER spray cleaner directly on the glass.  Glass cleaner should always be lightly sprayed on a cleaning cloth and then applied to the glass by wiping with the cloth.

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4. 61

   beebee17posted 14 years ago

   I have done many cross stitch pieces and have used glass for them all.  I felt that it was better protection to keep the dirt out.  You said that you had various answers and I would guess that it is a personal preference.  You do have to remember to make sure that any matting is non acidic.

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5. 57

   mjctposted 14 years ago

   I don't use glass because many of my cross stitch pieces have beads, buttons and/or specality stitches. I like people to see and, yes feel the work I've done. I recently borrowed a piece I made 25 years ago for a stitchery show and it's still as clean/fresh as it was when I completed.

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6. 76

   KoffeeKlatch Galsposted 14 years ago

   It is generally up to the individual as to weather you cover your stitched piece or not.  I have done it both ways.  However, I perfer to cover them with glass.  If you do not they collect dust and you run the risk of smudging the stitched picture.  They are are much easier to keep clean when covered with glass.  If you do decided to go with the glass make sure it does not lay on the stitched piece.  It is best to double mat your piece.

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7. 60

   elizabethartistposted 14 years ago

   Yes I would defintely use glass when framing your cross stitch piece. The reason being, that dust can settle in the piece and make it dirty. I would also recommend that you consider using treated glass because your work can fade. There is a glass on the market that is glareproof and also treated to not let in light that can fade the beautiful colors you have used. That does not mean you have to always use a professional framer. You can buy a frame of your choice ,and then go to a store that sells glass and have them cut a piece of glass for you to insert. It is fairly inexpensive. I hope this helps.
   
   Blogger Elizabethartist or Elizabeth Boles

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8. 54

   stitchindivaposted 14 years ago

   It is acceptable to cover your textile with glass, but you should create a space between your piece and the glass.  That way moisture cannot build up between the piece and the glass.  Your textiles need to breathe.  A good source for textile preservation is Textilemuseum.org. Hope this helps.

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9. 60

   Ball Bay 59posted 13 years ago

   I have put most of my cross stitch behind glass and it hasn't harm the work.

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10. 82

    peachpurpleposted 9 years ago

    i did frame it with glass but turn out with patches on top after years. Then, i don't frame it anymore, kept in a plastic bag, still looks good as new, no patches

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