Finishing Needlepoint

[Cali]

I love to do needlepoint and have been taking the pieces to the shop I deal
with to get them finished. I have to say the work is lovely but the
finishing cost as much as the canvas, sometimes more. Does anyone out there
know of a source I can deal with directly with out the shop adding on their
percentage?

Does anyone know a any book or technique that works well for bloking and
finishing pieces ? I am an experienced weaver, knitter, sewing person, yet
finishing a needlepoint project seems to be a mistery to me.

Any help, input would be appreciated.

Oh, while I am asking, are there any national groups I can join or any
periodicals I can subscribe to?

Thanks again

Lil

[mark]

Cali,
There's lots to cover on this topic!! One of the first things I did about 5
years ago when I REALLY started stitching like crazy was to get myself a mat
cutter and learn to cut mats. I also mail-order my frames from a place called
Graphik Dimensions (no affiliation with myself, of course). I can get
beautiful wooden frames, lovely linen mats, glass (from Home Depot) and frame it
all up for $40 MAX. Of course metal frames are cheaper.
To block and finish the work, I wash it in baby clothes soap, rinse thoroughly
with distilled water (to avoid chemicals) and then iron it with a cloth over
it. Then I let it air-dry.
To mount the piece, I buy 1/4" foam-core at the craft store, and cut it to the
inner measurements of the frame (minus maybe 1/8" to allow for the fabric around
the foam-core). Then, I mark the center of each edge of the foam-core with
pencil and mark the center of each side of the x-stitch piece by making a
running stitch about 3" long at the center of each edge. (does this make
sense?) Maybe this picture will help. The lines in the center of each edge are
my running stitch (in a good constrasting color to the fabric.

------|------
| |
| |
--- ---
| |
| |
------|------

OK, so then I place the fabric on the foam-core with the pencil marks on the
back. I pull the fabric over the edges, lining up center marks. To hold the
fabric on, push straight pins into the edges of the foam core, down into the
foam. Push them in straight so that the pin doesn't poke up through the front
or back. Do this all around each side, pulling firmly but gently so that the
piece is taut. Sometimes I have to go back around a time or two to make sure
that I've got it all straight and even, but it works really well and I've had no
long-term problems with it loosening or anything. When I put it in the frame,
I just neatly fold any excess fabric and place a piece of carboard on top to
protect everything.

The layers, from front to back, in my frames are: glass, mat, piece on
foam-core, cardboard.

So, hope that helps. If you need more details I can be emailed at
el...@astrosfan.net (this email is going away because we are moving to
England!!)

~Laura

[Elizabeth O'Rourke]

We have an illustrated guide to blocking and mounting on our website.
Go into the Stitching Zone and then under Know how you will find step by
step guides, click on that and then blocking and mounting and all will
be revealed.
Liz http;//www.classicstitches.com
> ----------
> From: Cali[SMTP:l...@spm.vpconsulting.com]
> Posted At: 12 November 1998 02:09
> Posted To: needlework
> Conversation: Finishing Needlepoint
> Subject: Finishing Needlepoint

[EGNeedler]

I don't believe that it is recommended to wash needlepoint when blocking but
simply to dampen it after you have stretched it on a board or piece of
masonite. It remains stretched until it dries thoroughly then taken off the
board and framed or made into a pillow or a bellpull, etc.

What you have described is washing and blocking a piece of fabric such as
linen, cotton, etc. but not canvas which is used in needlepoint.

Eleanor