My son just returned from several months in India. Being a wonderful kid, he purchased three 1 meter lengths of beautiful handwoven silk cloth. I need to start hemming the ends tonight as they are already starting to fray YIKES!! After discussing different possibilities for the fabric, he decided that he would like to display them as tapestries of sorts, either framed or hanging, Which leads me to my question. I have framed and hung tapestries that I have woven, however, with my own cloth I am comfortable being fairly ruthless with stretching and securing the fabric. These fibers are very fine--they make my 60/2 silk look a little bulky. I'm not too keen to start brandishing a staple gun. And, I'm worried about a lack of protection for the fabric if we just hang the pieces from dowels.  

Has anybody done this before? I'd very much appreciate hearing about what worked and what didn't (ie problems with tension and creep over time or anything else that might be relevant).

Thanks much,

Molly

Comments

Sat, 12/07/2013 - 11:57

Liese (not verified)

In the frame shop where I work textiles are handled very carefully and even as a weaver I've learnt a few pointers from the owner who has done this for almost 30 years. In the last 6 months I have sewn several Military uniforms, sports jerseys and a dress - all for shadow boxes. Firstly there is the question of cleaning it for long term preservation (oils even from your hands can over the years discolor the cloth), we hand wash in orvus and use drying screens. Or you could have it dry cleaned. You'll want to snip some of those frayed ends and wash first to see how much the dye runs if you go that way. Then the question is do you want to attach the cloth to an acid free rag mat or float it over the board before framing?  we never use stapes!  For cross stitch, needle point or similar we (my job) pin mount to a 8ply rag board but your piece sounds too thin/fine for that. I think you'd probably be happiest sewing it across the top to the rag mat and by letting it  float, you won't have problems later with the fabric sagging. Make sure  you use Conservation glass to absorb the UV.  Anti reflection coated glass is nice but more expensive. And you should have a shadow box frame, a shallow one at the very least, made for good air space. Sewing to rag mat can be hard on the hands but I've learnt some methods so if you decide to persue this yourself rather than with an experienced framer and have questions drop me a note at [email protected]

Sat, 12/07/2013 - 13:23

M McLaughlin

Hi Liese,

Thank you so much for you response. It was extremely helpful. I really appreciate your taking the time to write out such a thoughtful response, and we will definitely be following your advice. 

Molly