If you frame or finish your own items you may have run into times when the sze you thought the frame was is not the size it is. I have had this happen to me all too often.
Sometimes, as was the case with the poppy above, the piece is too small. What makes it worse is that I have already cut the canvas so I can’t go back and add some stitching. Sometimes, it’s too big. I ruined the fleur de lis pictured below cutting it down to fit a round.
In these cases it’s only a little bit, usually 1/4 inch or less. Not enough to mat, but enough so bare canvas will show. And these pieces languish, just because I did not measure.
Items for framing & finishing are not always the exact size marked. Nor is your stitching the size it was when you started.
To avoid these messes before they end up sitting in your UFO pile (where the poppy languishes), remember the renovators maxim Measure twice, cut once.
Measure:
- your stitching
- the item opening
- the outside of your frame
If you have cardboard, a paper insert, or a template of some kind, use it to find the finished size your needlepoint should be.
Do this consistently and you won’t end up with mismatches as I have all too often.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Marilyn Conway-Shepherd says
How about turning the poppy piece into a telephone pouch by putting a frame in upholstery silk or similar fabric? Spectacle case? Don’t know the size of the poppy piece is but it is too pretty to waste! I am sure a finisher like Marlene in San Francisco could come up with a great idea.
Barbara Legac says
Hi,
Glad you are still with us. I googled your name and of course here you are.
Would love to chat or share a pot of tea.
Your old neighbor from 1200 Pine
Barbara