Needlepoint is something that is seemingly becoming more and more popular. This is no doubt in part due to the increase in the cost of living as people choose to make their own pillows, wall hangings, chair covers, eyeglass cases, and Christmas stockings, to name but a few. The lockdowns during Covid saw a lot of people start up new hobbies as they found themselves with a lot more time on their hands than would normally be the case, and one such hobby that was taken up was that of needlepoint. The lockdowns are long since behind us, but the love of needlepoint has continued.
So, what is needlepoint?
No doubt most of the people who read this blog post will know exactly what needlepoint is, but for those that don't, and to describe it in basic terms, it's a type of embroidery that involves stitching yarn or thread through a stiff open-weave canvas to create decorative things.
It has, at times, been confused with cross-stitch which uses X-shaped stitches on fabric with a visible background. This differs from needlepoint as in needlepoint almost all of the canvas is covered with stitches. The similarity comes mainly from the design as both can be hand-drawn, printed on the canvas or counted from a chart.
Types of frames suited to needlepoint
Once the needlepoint has been completed some people like to frame their pieces in a similar way to what you would do with art.
Traditional wooden frames
These work well with the majority of needlepoint designs such as floral and heirloom pieces. If you are looking for a classic and timeless finish, then this could well be the way to go.
These types of frames are one of the most popular among our customers. Your needlepoint is mounted on a backing and appears "to float" within the frame.
Shadow boxes
The fact that needlepoint has texture is the reason shadow boxes are so sought after as they enable the piece to shine! They are especially of benefit for those people that would like to add extra elements such as a story card or a nameplate, and they are ideal for thicker yarns.
Acrylic box frames
These are similar to box frames but are fully clear enabling you to fully protect your finished work and to be able to see it from all sides.
Custom vs Ready-Made
For those on a budget and have a little creativity about them you can certainly DIY with a standard frame and some clever mounting. For the perfect fit, additional protection and longevity, then custom framing is the way to go.
Mounting needlepoint
It is important to remember that the needlepoint should be stretched and mounted properly, often on acid-free foam board or laced around a mounting board. This is something that can be done professionally but for those who are confident in their own ability and who have the skills required or for those on a budget, the DIY option is always available.