This tutorial summarizes Amanda’s video on framing embroidered artwork. It walks through padding, stitching, and cinching for needlework frames and simple hoop finishing techniques. Perfect for intermediate embroiderers who want their projects to look gallery-ready.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Hand Embroidery Framing
After completing a cherished piece of hand embroidery, framing is what takes it from craft project to heirloom. Amanda introduces two methods that let you achieve professional results without complex equipment.
She starts by showing her pet portraits, “Matilda” and “Sprout,” destined for two distinct frame styles—a circular needlework frame and a hoop frame.
Why Proper Framing Matters
Proper framing not only enhances your artwork visually but also protects the fabric tension and shape over time. A secure backing ensures your stitches don’t distort, especially if you plan to display pieces long-term.
Meet the Frames: SCMS Needlework Workshop
Amanda uses hand-crafted frames from SCMS Needlework Workshop, noting their professional quality. They come in a variety of shapes and finishes that complement both classic and contemporary embroidery. If you enjoy systemized hooping tools such as magnetic embroidery hoops for brother when stitching, you’ll appreciate the craftsmanship of these wooden frames too.
Method 1: The Circular/Oval Needlework Frame (Matilda Portrait)
Preparing Your Embroidery for Mounting
Amanda begins with a felt piece cut using the frame’s mounting board as a guide. This felt adds subtle padding for a smoother surface finish.
Her embroidered cat portrait is then attached to a larger piece of plain fabric because the original piece lacked sufficient edges for stitching into the frame. Using a running stitch secures the smaller embroidery to the backing fabric, giving her enough margin to work comfortably.
This foundational step ensures no visible stitching passes through the display area—an important point if you want a crisp, clean finish often seen in professional embroidery framing setups similar to ones built around magnetic embroidery hoop for brother embroidery machine.
Securing and Cinching the Fabric
Once the embroidery is fixed to the backing fabric, Amanda layers the felt, embroidery, and mounting board, checking alignment before trimming.
She trims around the board with scissors, leaving roughly half an inch of extra fabric margin, which provides room for the running stitch needed for cinching.
Next, a needle is threaded with three strands of embroidery floss—sturdy enough for tensioning the piece. Beginning just outside the embroidery edge, she runs consistent stitches around the fabric perimeter.
Cinch the thread carefully so the fabric gathers evenly around the mounting board. Amanda emphasizes pausing to ensure the embroidery is centered. A ruler can help here.
When happy with placement, she ties a secure finishing knot by weaving the tail under previous stitches twice. This finishing method keeps tension firm while protecting the front design.
Final Assembly of Your Needlework Frame
Slide the cinched, fabric-covered board into the waiting oval or circular frame. The aim is a snug, flat fit that showcases texture without distortion. Double-check for lint or threads before pressing the board in place.
Method 2: Framing with an Embroidery Hoop Frame (Sprout Portrait)
Backing and Centering Your Hoop
The second approach uses the embroidery hoop itself as part of the final frame. Amanda ensures the hoop fabric is taut, evenly tensioned, and perfectly centered.
Many embroiders first learn this technique on traditional hoops and later adapt it to modern systems such as snap hoop for brother embroidery machine, which rely on magnetic tension. Either way, centering is everything.
Trimming and Securing the Fabric Edges
With her image aligned, Amanda trims away excess backing using pinking shears to prevent fraying.
To secure the edges, hot glue is applied to the back edge of the hoop. The glue holds fabric neatly and quickly. For an entirely stitch-based finish, a running stitch pulled tight also works—choose the method that fits your workflow preferences.
If you often work with modern machines or attachments like magnetic hoops for brother embroidery machines, this gluing step feels refreshingly hands-on—a nod to pure handcrafting in an age of automation.
Inserting Your Hoop into the Decorative Frame
Finally, Amanda seats the finished hoop snugly into a simple brown oval frame, closing her project with a satisfying press that locks the artwork into place.
Tips for Perfect Presentation
Centering and Tightness Checks
A taut embroidery always looks more refined. Periodically recheck that the center lines of your design align with the frame axes. Re-cinch gently if needed. Using tools like a small ruler or even machinery alignment guides—think of how a dime snap hoop monster bernina keeps textiles even—can improve precision.
Preventing Fraying and Loose Ends
Pinking shears do the bulk of anti-fray work, but you can further seal fabric edges with fabric glue or a light zigzag stitch on a machine if desired. Foam batting or felt padding behind the embroidery also helps maintain tension over time.
My Favorite Framing Tool: SCMS Needlework Workshop
Amanda highlights SCMS needlework frames for their balance of handcrafted character and robust design. Each frame is carved and finished by artisans, available in many colors to complement your art.
In a digital embroidery world dominated by quick magnetic systems like magnetic embroidery hoops for brother pr1055x and magnetic hoop for brother pe800, these handcrafted wooden frames slow you down—in the best possible way. They reintroduce patience and tactile awareness into presentation.
> From the comments: Viewers asked where to buy these frames. Amanda mentions SCMS Needlework Workshop directly, with product links under her video description.
Conclusion: Showcase Your Stitchwork with Pride
By mastering these framing methods—first, the padded oval needlework frame; second, the tightened hoop-and-glue finish—you elevate embroidery from hobby to art form. Both techniques share one guiding principle: take the time to center, secure, and admire your workmanship.
So whether you stitch using handheld frames or advanced setups reminiscent of barudan magnetic embroidery hoop, Amanda’s calm, methodical approach proves that finishing is as creative as stitching itself.
Find a quiet hour, gather your felt, floss, and frame—and give your latest piece the framing it deserves.