So, you’re looking into framing a quilt you just made for display. Maybe it’s for yourself or to give as a gift to somebody. All your dedication and extensive time resulted in a quilt that you now want others to enjoy. Every stitch you placed, every piece of fabric you chose with care forms a special story. Your quilt deserves a beautifully framed display after its completion. But where do you begin?

The process of framing a quilt can appear hard at first but you can do it with some guidance and proper materials. In this article we go through the steps, supplies, and offer some tips that will help you through the process. So let’s start right now to create that display for your masterpiece.

Why Do People Frame Quilts?

First and foremost, before you start with gathering your materials, let’s see why framing your quilt is worth the trouble. Although quilt making became popular in the US in the late 1600s, it wasn’t until the 1960s that it became known as a fine art. After this, framed quilts were done to protect and display this art form for all to see. With that being said, below are a few reasons you should consider spending the time and effort in framing your quilt:

To Protect and Preserve Your Hard Work
When framing your quilt, you’ll protect it from dust, fading, and wear. By using proper framing materials you can preserve the fabric and help it last for generations.
Visually Enhances the Fabric
The glass or Acrylic not only protects your quilt, it can also really bring out all the details. It makes colors more vibrant and textures more noticeable. This elevates the appearance and shows even more of the detailed work you put into it.
Creates a Unique Decor Piece
If done right, a tasteful frame can add the perfect final touch to your quilt. The frame increases depth and turns it into a focal point for any room that its displayed in.
Adds a Touch of Professionalism
A well crafted frame can give your quilt a polished, gallery look. One that catches the eye from afar with high quality appeal.

The Right Frame Can Make a Huge Difference

One thing that can make or break the final look of your quilt display is the right frame. Below are some tips you should think about when picking your frame:

Correct Size Matters a Lot
Measure your quilt so you can get a frame that fits its full dimensions. Be sure to measure it twice to ensure accuracy.
Framing Styles for Quilts
There are so many styles of frames to pick from these days. For example, a wooden frame is a classic look that offers organic warmth and has great versatility. On the other hand, a metal frame provides that industrial sleek and modern look. When you choose, look at the room’s color and decor that your quilt will be hanging in.
Depth of the Frame
Quilts are normally pretty thick. So, you’ll need a frame with enough depth to accommodate the layers of fabric and its batting. A shadow box frame is often times an excellent choice for extra thick quilts.
Frame Matting
The matting inside the frame can add depth as well as visual appeal. Be sure to choose a neutral color that complements your quilt.
Glass or Acrylic for Framing a Quilt
While using glass offers you a crystal-clear view, acrylic is much lighter and also shatter-resistant. In addition, UV-protection is so important in preventing fading from indoor and outdoor light.

Not sure what combinations work best? A custom framing professional can be of tremendous help here. Whether its choosing the right frame design, matting that complements your quilt, or if a shadow box frame is best.

Our Guide to Framing a Quilt

Now, let’s cover the steps needed so you can have success in framing your quilt.

Test Your Materials
Don’t make the mistake of using any ol’ glue or tape you find laying around. Get the proper framing glue and acid-free tape so you don’t ruin your project. Also, before you use them, test both on a scrap of unused fabric to see if they cause any damage.
Prepare Your Quilt
Inspect your quilt to ensure it is clean and free of any lent or anything else that shouldn’t be there. Then carefully trim any loose threads that your quilt may have. If any wrinkles are present then gently iron it on a low setting.
Backing and Stabilization
For proper quilt framing stability, you want to use a rigid backboard to keep it from sagging and moving around. This backboard can be foam core, foamboard, or an acid-free sturdy cardboard. All of these can provide the support needed to keep your quilt in its place.
1. Your quilt should be laying face down on a flat and clean surface.
2. Place the backboard on top of the quilt.
3. Secure your quilt to the backboard with quilting pins or an acid-free adhesive.
4. Make sure the quilt is centered and taut across it’s entire surface.
Mounting Your Quilt
This is the most difficult part as everything needs to be centered inside the frame. Take your time and be careful not to damage your quilt, backboard, matting, or frame.
1. If using matting in your frame, center the mat over the quilt and backboard.
2. Place the quilt with backboard and matting carefully into the frame.
3. Use frame points or flexible tabs to secure everything within the frame.

Finishing Touches

The finishing details can make a big difference in the final appearance of your quilt framing. It can also effect the longevity of its protection if not done properly so take your time.

Thoroughly clean the glass or acrylic you’re using so there’s no sign of dust or smudges.
Seal the back of your frame using the acid-free tape so dust and insects can’t get in.
Hanging hardware must be able to support the entire weight of the framed quilt.
Attach hanging hardware to the back of the frame only. Don’t attach it to the backboard.

Where to Display Your Quilt

Pick the room in which you want to display your quilt. You may already have this in mind.

Don’t pick a place that is close to the bathroom or kitchen because of moisture.
Pick an area on the wall that best showcases your quilt with surrounding decor.
Consider existing lighting or adding more lights for the best possible presentation.
By using a level when hanging your quilt you can ensure it’s straight and not crooked.

Tips for an Even Better Result

Your Creative Side
Take this opportunity when framing your quilt to express your creativity. Your finished quilt is a direct reflection of your artistic talent. The frame should complement its beauty without distracting it. Look at various frame styles, matting options, and display ideas to really make your quilt pop.
Lighting
By using the proper amount of lighting you can really showoff your quilt’s colors and textures. Direct sunlight is definitely not the answer here. It can cause the colors in your quilt, frame, and matting to fade. Also, tryout LEDs for picture frame lights, they’re gentle and very energy-efficient.
Rotation
If you have two or more quilts, try rotating them around every so often. This will help to prevent prolonged exposure to light and dust of one over the other.
Professional Framing
After ready the steps in this guide, if you still feel daunted, it may be better to have a professional do the work for you. Just be sure to go with a reputable framer with lots of experience in framing quits. don’t be afraid to ask questions from what you’ve learned is important in this guide. They will have the expertise and tools necessary to ensure the best results possible.
Conservation Framing
If your quilt is an antique, heirloom, or holds significant sentimental value, then don’t take any chances. You should look into conservation framing done by a true professional. This framing technique involves using acid-free materials and UV protection to protect your quilt. It also uses reversible mounting methods in case you decide to make changes to the frame later.

Finally Your Work is Done

Congratulations! You’ve just completed your first quilt framing project. We hope this guide, along with a little patience, has helped you make a stunning framed quilt. One that can be admired for years to come. All you have to do now is to step back and enjoy your hard work. You’ve taken the time to create something special so make sure to take it all in.

Framing a Large Antique Quilt

Frame Of Mind was ecstatic to have members of Howe Memorial United Methodist Church bring us their quilt for framing. Coming all the way from Crescent City, this large 7-foot handmade quilt is a real masterpiece as well as an antique.

We treat the framing of a quilt much like other textiles we frame such as needlepoints, cross-stitches, uniforms, and jerseys. The following are some pictures and steps of the framing process we used for this large beautiful quilt. The photos we use were taken at our frame shop and art gallery located in Ormond Beach, Florida.

Real Examples of Our Quilt Framing Work

A strong board, used for support, is padded with acid-free foam and pulled taught much like a bed. Wooden strainer bars are custom cut and lined with the foam using acid-resistant sealing tape. The quilt is then pulled over a wooden frame, similar to stretching a canvas, and pinned into the foam.

To cushion the quilt, cotton batting is needed to cover the wood strainer bar. The strainer bar is coated with Tyvek, a synthetic paper used as a sealant to hold the batting in place. The quilt is gently stretched snug over the new backing. It is then adjusted to accommodate the quilt’s unique stitching pattern and holes.

We use a pressure mount or pinning method but only if it’s appropriate to pierce the fabric. Our custom framing pins and tags are small and noninvasive. This allows them to glide right through the fabric or material. Our framers are careful to place pins along areas where there’s already heavy organic stitching.

We then chop, glue, and join the frame so it’s coming out of the workshop ready for assembly. Complete with foam spacers allowing space between the quilt and the acrylic glazing. Acrylic is highly recommended instead of glass for heavy pieces and public places. A wood z-bar is made and attached to the back of the quilt framing package making it ready to hang.

Quilt Framing by Frame Of Mind

We know that each stitch, every carefully chosen piece of fabric, tells your unique story. Our frame shop makes each frame to order and we can accommodate you no matter how large or small your quilt may be. Call us at (386) 673-0577 if you have questions about our custom framing service. Or bring us your oversized textiles, collector’s prints, and canvases for framing. We’ll be sure to give it our conservation quality custom frame treatment..

SOURCES

Wikipedia: History of quilting
Wikipedia: Quilt art