Needlework artists use needle and thread in creating their art similar to how a painter uses brush and paints. This kind of work is also often referred to as needlepoint, cross stitch or embroidery. This time-consuming art produces treasured pieces that may be passed on as family heirlooms. As with paper art, textile art needs to be protected from acid-burn which will yellow the fabric over time. It is important to always use acid-free boards and adhesives.

 Flower Fairy by Stephanie Clifford (CC BY 2.0)

Properly mounting needleart requires knowing the right method for doing so to maximize protection of the work to be framed. There are readily available books on how to frame needle art. This article will cover two of the simplest methods: quick mount board and pinning. For a more detailed explanation and other needle art mounting techniques, here is recommended further reading: Needlework Framing Volume 3 by Vivian C. Kistler.

Quick Mount 

The easiest method for mounting needle art is using an acid-free quick mount board. In quick mounting the edges of the needle art are attached to the back of the board with adhesive. There are some quick mount boards claiming the fabric may be lifted and re-applied indefinitely. Remember, if the adhesive becomes permanent with time, this mounting method will be irreversible, therefore your piece could be ruined if disassembled. For valuable antique needle art be wary of this method, as the results of using pressure sensitive adhesives is still questionable. Some of these boards come with batting attached to the board. Be sure the batting is heat bonded, if it is not, it may migrate and push through  through the surface of the needle art causing what is called a "beard."

This article will expand on mounting options for paper artwork beyond the method using paper hinges.  If you wish to mat and frame artwork for museum-quality, with the option to change it at a later date the mounting job must be reversible.  Here I will go over some methods that are reversible. The following information on Corner Pockets, Mounting Strips, and Sink Mounts are the preferred archival mounting methods.

Matted "Sunflower" HDR print ©Tanya Davis

Example of an undesirable yet common mounting practice.

Over time, the preservation of artwork has evolved.  Previously common practices have been shown to be harmful to artwork and are no longer recommended. For example: the use of masking tape which yellows artwork due to acid burn and covering of all the edges of the artwork with tape, providing no breathing room which causes the artwork to buckle.

An option to using hinges is applying acid-free linen tape to attach the cut mat to the mounting board. When trying to choose tape look for one that says Framer’s Tape on the label.  This is a strong cloth tape with a tactile nature similar to that of duct tape and was developed for pH neutral mounting, matting, and heavy frame work. As long as it is good quality is will not be predisposed to yellowing or cracking. This type of tape can be torn by hand in one direction; no knives or scissors needed. This tape is compatible with paper, board, and most porous surfaces. It's pliable, and is ideal for use.