At Frame Today, we understand that some pieces are more than just artwork—they’re tangible connections to the past, carrying memories, tradition and sentimental value. Recently, we had the privilege of framing a treasured family heirloom: the Child with Dog embroidery in our Southern Highland framing store at Mittagong.
This exquisite needlework piece had been lovingly passed down through generations and the family wanted to ensure its preservation while showcasing it in a way that honoured its beauty.
Here’s how we transformed this delicate embroidery into a framed masterpiece, ready to be admired for years to come.
The Challenge: Protecting a Fragile Textile
Fabric-based artwork, such as embroidery, cross-stitch or needlepoint, presents unique framing challenges. Over time, textiles can become delicate, prone to sagging, fading and even disintegration if not properly handled. UV exposure, humidity and dust can all accelerate deterioration, making professional custom framing essential for long-term preservation.
For this piece, our goals were to:
✅ Preserve the original embroidery without altering or damaging the fabric.
✅ Provide structural support to prevent sagging or wrinkling over time.
✅ Protect it from UV rays and environmental damage while ensuring clarity.
✅ Enhance its beauty with a classic, timeless frame that complemented the design.
Step 1: Stretching and Mounting the Embroidery
To maintain the integrity of the needlework, we carefully pinned the fabric onto a foamcore backing board. This process ensures that the embroidery remains taut and smooth, preventing warping or sagging inside the frame. Unlike stretching methods that involve adhesive backing, pinning ensures the fabric is held in place without the use of acidic products that risk causing long term damage to the embroidery. Not to mention the added benefit of reversible framing should the customer wish to remove the embroidery from the frame in future.
Step 2: Frame an Embroidery with the Perfect Frame
For a piece as timeless and sentimental as this, the frame choice was crucial. We selected an ornate Gold San Marino frame, which beautifully complements the vintage aesthetic of the embroidery. The intricate gold detailing enhances the warmth of the design, making it feel like a treasured memento from a bygone era.
The Gold San Marino frame is a popular choice for heirloom pieces because of its classic, museum-quality appeal, ensuring that the embroidery remains a focal point while adding an elegant, refined finish.
Step 3: Adding TruVue Ultra Vue Glass for Protection
One of the most significant threats to fabric-based artwork is UV damage, which can cause colours to fade and fibres to weaken over time. To protect this heirloom from harsh light exposure, we used Tru Vue Ultra Vue glass—a premium, anti-reflective glass that offers:
✔ Exceptional clarity, ensuring the embroidery’s intricate details remain visible.
✔ UV protection, preventing fading and discoloration over time.
✔ Reduced glare, so the artwork can be displayed in various lighting conditions without reflections obstructing the view.
This glass choice ensures that the framed embroidery remains as vibrant and detailed as the day it was created.
The Final Result: A Timeless Tribute
With the embroidery stretched, secured and framed in the perfect combination of ornate elegance and protective glass, the finished piece is now a stunning tribute to family history. No longer tucked away in storage, it can now be proudly displayed and appreciated for generations to come.
The family was thrilled with the result, knowing that this treasured heirloom is now preserved and protected in a frame that enhances its beauty.
Preserve Your Family’s History with Professional Framing
If you have a sentimental piece—whether it’s an embroidery, a vintage textile, a cross-stitch or even a wedding dress—we can help you preserve its beauty and significance with professional framing.
At Frame Today, we specialise in needlework and fabric framing, ensuring that every piece is handled with the utmost care and expertise. Our range of high-quality frames and UV-protective glass options allows us to create a display that not only looks stunning but also protects your artwork for years to come.
🔹 Get expert advice on how to protect and showcase your treasured pieces.
🔹 Transform your memories into masterpieces with our professional custom framing services.
🔹 Visit your nearest Frame Today store to discuss your custom framing project.
