Framed Textiles: What You Should Know and Design Ideas

Textiles enjoy a long and colorful history in mankind’s journey to elevate the standard of living. Textiles educated illiterate masses, provided warmth and insulation, identified families, denoted status, and provided stability for families and communities worldwide. And while the technology behind textiles has changed immensely since the time of Egyptian and Roman civilizations, textiles remain firmly rooted in mankind’s endeavors to enhance the daily living experience. Many textiles we take for granted, but a few become treasured family heirlooms or favorite adornments. Framing these legacy textiles can preserve them for generations to come.

“Framing textiles” runs the gamut from jerseys and flags to hand-embroidered pieces and heirloom quilt squares. This month we are going to look at framing handiwork. If you are interested in learning about framing jerseys and flags, check out these previous posts. After over 28 years in business, Grant’s Frames has seen nearly every textile scenario you can imagine- from elaborate over-sized shadow boxes holding full-sized dresses to simple counted-cross stitch phrases!

Framing your textile in an archival manner is our first priority. We attach your textile to a backer board with needle and thread - never adhesive. This ensures you can remove the textile at a later date without damaging it. We use archival mats to prevent acid migration. Glazing with UV protection will help prevent fading from sunlight and will keep dust and moisture from your fabric. Using archival materials and techniques are ways we can control the quality of the finished piece, but there are two factors we cannot control and we like to remind our customers of these considerations.

1. There must be adequate fabric surrounding the image of your textile art to allow for securing it.

2. By its very nature, textiles do not have straight lines. No amount of fussing will result in straight lines, and therefore this should be considered when making design decisions such as how much space to permit between the image and the matboard.

Now that we have the technical details out of the way, the fun can begin! The possibilities for custom framing are endless. Frame choices come in a huge array of colors, styles, and finishes. Likewise, mats come in a rainbow of colors and finishes such as paper, linen, silk, metallic, and suede. Mats serve as more than just window dressing, they help create a breathing space between the fabric and the glass. If you feel overwhelmed, no worries! We are here to help you throughout the design process.

Look through the gallery of images here for a selection of textile examples and framing designs. Then bring in your special textile and let’s create a timeless masterpiece for your home!

Antique Quilt Square

This family heirloom quilt square has been ravaged by dry rot. It is now preserved in a natural wood frame with linen mats and an engraved plate for context.

Family Legacy

This embroidery is hand-stitched on a piece of legacy linen brought to America by the owner’s ancestors. A silver frame and fillet and satin mat create a beautiful heirloom.

Ethnic Tapestry

The primitive art form of this painted textile is echoed in the strong texture and lines of the frame and the suede mat.

Ethnic Art - Detail Image

A closer look at this large textile.

Elegant Cross Stitch

This elegant counted cross stitch art is framed in a gold frame and matching gold fillet. A suede mat accents the art.

Whimsical Counted Cross Stitch

This small counted cross stitch piece makes a BIG impact with its glossy red frame and rounded corners on the mat.

Painted Pumi – Silk

This unusual example features painted silk accented with stacked mats with color cores.

Tassels and All!

This beautiful example showcases how small rugs and tapestries with tassels or other decorative trims can be showcased.

Patriotic Counted Cross Stitch

The large counted cross stitch artwork is framed with a gold frame and uses a linen liner to provide a stately border.

Shadow Boxed Dress

Enclosed in this shadow box is a woman’s dance costume. The final shadow box is nearly 6 feet tall. The dress has been strategically stitched to the base surface.