How to Wash and Frame Your Finished Piece

You've made the last stitch. After weeks of work, your piece is in front of you and you get a little emotional (it's normal, it happens to all of us). Now comes the finishing — the step that turns your work into a real picture for the wall. Take your time and it'll look twice as good.

First, the wash

Even with clean hands, the fabric picks up oils and marks from all the handling. A gentle wash brings back its freshness:

• Lukewarm water and a little mild soap or gentle shampoo. No bleach or harsh detergents.
• Don't scrub: swish the fabric gently in the water and let the soap do the work.
• Rinse well until no soap remains, and don't wring it out: press it between two towels to remove excess water.

Drying and pressing

Lay the fabric on a dry towel until it's just damp. To press it without flattening the stitches, place it face down on a fluffy towel and iron from the back with gentle steam. That way the stitches sink into the towel and keep their relief.

Mounting the piece

For tension that lasts for years, mount it on foam board or a rigid base:

• Centre the fabric on the base, leaving a margin on all sides.
• Fold the edges to the back and hold them with pins while you adjust the tension.
• Secure the fabric at the back by lacing from side to side, or with strong double-sided tape.
• Check from the front that the design is straight before closing the frame.

Choosing the frame

A simple frame lets your work take centre stage; one with a mount (that card border between the fabric and the frame) gives it a gallery feel. If the piece will get a lot of light, ask for UV-filter glass so the colours don't fade over the years.

In short

Wash with care, press face down, mount it taut on a rigid base, and choose a frame that respects your work. Your piece deserves to shine on the wall, not sit in a drawer. Ready to start the next one? We're waiting for you with our needlepoint kits.