For anyone learning to weave, the first piece you are likely to create is a classic wall tapestry hung from a dowel or rod. I believe it is the best way to learn a broad range of skills and is exactly what I teach in my Weaving Basics Video Course. But did you know that there are other ways to display a weaving? In today’s tutorial, I want to show you how to frame a weaving (or any textile), giving you more options for creating beauty and interest at home.
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SUPPLIES NEEDED
– WEAVING (or textile of choice)
– FRAME – The best frame to use is one that has a gap between the glass front and mat. This will prevent your weaving from being crushed by the glass (see below).
If you can’t find one with that gap, a lovely alternative is to simply use any of these regular picture frames and remove the glass front.
(NOTE: You can also try using a shadow box for this project).
Tip: When looking online, find paper that says it is both primed and textured OR, like mine, which says that it is ‘Primed Cotton Canvas.’
– NEEDLE & THREAD: If you need these, you can find plenty of kits online. Choose threads that colour match your weaving.
– SCISSORS
– PENCIL & ERASER
STEPS
Step 1: Take Apart Picture Frame
Flip your picture frame over and remove the backing and picture frame mat.
Step 2: Prepare the Canvas Paper
Whether you’ve purchased a shadow box or are using a traditional picture frame, both will require that you attach your weaving to some sort of interior mat or backing.
For this project, I will show you how to do this using paper canvas.
Taking your paper canvas, trace and cut it to fit inside your picture frame.
Using a pencil, lightly mark the paper where you’d like your weaving or textile to be attached.
In my case, I decided to make my weaving the same size as the interior frame of the mat so I could use it as a guide, by:
1) placing it directly over the paper and 2) lightly marking the corners with a pencil.
Step 3: Attach Weaving to Paper Canvas
Next, 1) I placed the paper canvas over the original picture mat and 2) positioned the weaving (or textile) on the paper canvas, accordingly.
Snip off a long piece of thread. Depending on how thin your thread is, double or triple knot the end.
Thread the needle on the other end.
Next 1) Carefully pick up your weaving and canvas paper (or backing of choice) and 2) turn over.
Push the tip of your needle through the back of the canvas paper and towards the front.
Make sure that the tip of your needle is catching the corner of the weaving on the front.
TIP: Slowly pull the needle and thread through until the knot catches the paper, but do not tug.
Otherwise the knot may pull through the paper.
This is what mine looked like on the woven side.
Next, push the tip of your needle down towards the back, making sure the thread catches a portion of the textile.
TIP for Weavers: To better secure the weaving, it’s best to lay your stitches over the (vertical) warp strings holding the weaving together. I secured every second or third warp string, but was not too precise about it. If you are using any other textile, you won’t need to worry about that.
Continue the stitching process, gently pushing the needle up and down, all the way across until you reach the other side.
Double or trip knot the back to secure your stitched row.
Repeat along the bottom of the weaving.
When the second row is complete, this is what it will look like along the back.
You can leave your weaving as is and move onto framing, but just know you will have slight gaps along the sides.
To remedy that, you can add a couple of small stitches on either side.
Step 4: Frame Your Weaving or Textile
Place the attached weaving and original picture mat together.
Place into the picture frame with the woven piece facing the glass.
Reattach the backing.
Display and enjoy!
I hope this tutorial on how to frame a weaving has you excited about the variety of ways to display your woven or textile pieces. Fiber art is a great way to add organic interest into your home. And if you can make it yourself, it becomes all that much more meaningful.
Still want to learn how to weave? Check out my ‘Weaving Basics’ Video Course for Absolute Beginners HERE –> Weaving Basics
No kit? No problem! My Etsy shop carries Award-Winning Weaving Starter Kits HERE–>Weaving Starter Kits.
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