Embroidery Embroidery Finishing and Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of glass is recommended when framing embroidery to protect it long-term?
- Standard picture frame glass
- UV-filtering conservation glass or acrylic (Correct answer)
- Tempered safety glass
- Frosted decorative glass
Correct answer: UV-filtering conservation glass or acrylic
UV-filtering conservation glass or acrylic blocks harmful ultraviolet light that causes thread colors to fade and fibers to degrade over time.
Question 2: What is 'lacing' in the context of mounting embroidery for framing?
- Adding decorative lace borders around embroidery
- Securing fabric to a backing board by lacing thread across the back in a grid pattern (Correct answer)
- Using adhesive tape to mount fabric on boards
- A stitch technique for finishing edges
Correct answer: Securing fabric to a backing board by lacing thread across the back in a grid pattern
Lacing involves stretching the embroidery over a backing board and securing it by threading thread or twine back and forth across the back of the board in a grid pattern.
Question 3: Why is it important to leave a margin of unstitched fabric around the design when finishing for framing?
- To allow room for a decorative border
- To provide fabric for wrapping and securing around the mounting board (Correct answer)
- To leave space for washing and blocking the embroidery
- To comply with standard frame size requirements
Correct answer: To provide fabric for wrapping and securing around the mounting board
A border of unstitched fabric around the design is essential for wrapping around the mounting board or stretcher bars and securing at the back when framing.
Question 4: What does 'pH-neutral' mean in the context of embroidery storage and framing materials?
- The material has been chemically bleached for whiteness
- The material has neither acidic nor alkaline properties that could degrade fibers (Correct answer)
- The material is suitable for use with metallic threads only
- The material has been treated for fire resistance
Correct answer: The material has neither acidic nor alkaline properties that could degrade fibers
pH-neutral (acid-free) materials have a neutral pH that does not contain acids that would chemically degrade or discolor fabric and thread fibers over time.
Question 5: How should embroidery be handled when being washed to prevent damage?
- Scrub vigorously to remove all marks
- Support the full weight of wet fabric gently and avoid wringing or twisting (Correct answer)
- Soak overnight in hot water and laundry detergent
- Machine wash on the gentle cycle without a mesh bag
Correct answer: Support the full weight of wet fabric gently and avoid wringing or twisting
Wet fabric is heavy and fragile; supporting its full weight and avoiding wringing or twisting prevents thread breakage and fabric distortion during washing.
Question 6: What is the recommended way to dry embroidery after washing?
- Tumble dry on high heat for speed
- Lay flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight or heat (Correct answer)
- Hang vertically from one corner to drain
- Iron immediately while soaking wet
Correct answer: Lay flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight or heat
Laying embroidery flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight or heat allows it to dry evenly without distortion, stretching, or color fading.
Embroidery Embroidery Finishing and Care 2
What type of glass is recommended when framing embroidery to protect it long-term?