Glass or no glass when framing?

[coolpenguin]

Hi. When you frame or have pieces framed, do you use glass or do you not use glass? I always thought you didn't use glass but now I'm not sure.

thanks!

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

It is a personal thing - I have always used glass for projects I've had framed, but that's because they used lots of special threads, beads and crystals and I wanted them protected! It is only special projects that I tend to get framed, other things wait in the finishing pile to be made into hangings, cushions, ornies etc.

[coolpenguin]

Thanks!

[cristaltipps]

I prefer glass for bigger projects that i wish to keep protected but smaller ones can be mounted in different ways or turned into other types of hangings or ornaments. You can look online for ideas.

[coolpenguin]

Thanks. I know about turning projects into other things. Was just curious about preferences about glass. I think I will use glass.

[becky41030]

There are different types of glass used in framing, with different prices. Some protect against UV light damage, some are called "museum quality", etc. You might want to read up on the options before you take your piece to the framer.

Oh, you also need to be sure that there are spacers between the needlework and the glass, and you probably will want it sealed against moisture as well. Hope this helps.

[Parksfarm]

I used to not use glass years ago but now use glass because we heat our home with a woodstove and it makes the house extremely dusty...

[LastingAllure]

I always use glass for the projects I have framed. It keeps the dust off of them and protects them a lot more from the environment.

[Mystonique]

I think it depends on your climate and conditions too - we have temperature extremes here and I've seen quite a few projects destroyed because of moisture and or dirt (fine red dirt especially) getting under the glass.

Many competitions won't allow glass.

My tapestry teacher ((President of our Guild - go to woman for stitchy problems for people around Australia, stitching longer than I've been alive, winner of countless international and national awards for stitching) says DO NOT use glass unless you are prepared to pay for the right type of glass - which is the sort they use in galleries, designed to resist temp changes, no condensation etc.

[karen4bells]

I know I have framed a good number of projects that I've stitched and I have always used glass on them. I have some that have been in their frames for over 10 years, and some nearly 20 years and I've never seen any adverse problems with them. So, for me, framing with glass works just fine!

[Oriettait]

I know I have framed a good number of projects that I've stitched and I have always used glass on them. I have some that have been in their frames for over 10 years, and some nearly 20 years and I've never seen any adverse problems with them. So, for me, framing with glass works just fine!

Same for me, northern Italy has a lot oh humidity and also some of mine are hung in the kitchen where it gets greasy with the cooking fumes. It is much easier to wipe off the frame than get a project clean I bet

[Nimble stitch]

I always use glass but prefer the non-reflective type

[Fizzbw]

I've never used glass. I guess I feel that stitching is as much a tactile thing and people can get closer and appreciate it more without glass, and even touch it (gasp!!)

I also think it's looks better without glass, even museum quality still has reflections.

We have a wood burner, but I've framed them all myself and its no great hassle to deframe them, wash and reframe!!

As with most things to do with stitching, it's up to the individual.

I went to a craf display and sale yesterday and there was a t of cross stitch there, and one thing really stood out which was a lovely, beautifully stitched millennium sampler, but it had been framed really badly, not stretched at all and it looked awful. Such a shame.

Niki xx

[coffee_freak]

I will use glass when I frame because I want it protected from dust,etc. I've seen things framed w/ no glass and it does yellow and look aged..

[mvy_1]

I use glass with two Matt cards between the cross stitch and glass. You just need to make sure that the fabric doesnt touch the glass and there is and airspace. Something to do with going mouldy, I think.