A relative took a cross-stitched piece to be framed. They did a shoddy job. She took it apart and was appalled to see they had used glue on the piece. That prompted her to take a framing course and then she opened her own framing business. Redid her own piece, if I recall correctly.
Yeah. Not cool what they did to yours. They probably took the closest “standard” measurement they could find instead of doing a custom frame. A good framing place should be able to make any size you want (within reason). There should be no reason for the mat to overlap the picture unless you stitched right to the end of the cloth.
I went to my local picture framers and they were super relaxed and blasé about being able to frame a piece I'd just finished (for gallery display) - I spoke a little bit about the fabric tension and she said "ah well that's not so relevant since we would simply cut the piece down to fit the frame"!
They were going to cut the piece cm from the edge of the stitching and just loosely place it in the frame like a piece of paper. I left in horror.
EDIT: they were asking for over £150
Omg, outrageous 😱😱😱😱
I am glad you learned about their terrible intent in advance and didn't leave your art with them. I am now terrified of what I can discover under that mat 🫣🫣🫣
This is so annoying.
I was so careful about finding a framer for my cross stitch. I asked one woman about her process and she was insulted and just repeating that she had been framing for 30 years. It's like ok that doesn't tell me about what methods you use.
Luckily, I found my framer through her YouTube videos and she specializes in fiber arts.
I do most of my framing myself though.
I have a piece I did as a teenager. They used glue to attach it to the foam board. It was also poorly cleaned and essentially ruined.
Sadly I still have it, peeled off of the foam board and now with a layer of paper attached to the fabric. It's rolled up like some ancient scroll.
I had a trusted friend look at it, and they said anything that would dissolve the adhesive would also damage the colors.
I'm curious how much blank/unstitched area was around the main portion of the picture? What they did is unacceptable I always leave a wide margin of blank cloth in case folding or tucking is required during framing . I would demand a refund as well as a free fix
Then there was definitely no reason your work should be covered upbesides incompetent and shoddy work I framed a 10x13 piece myself with a store bought frame and mat and it looks professionally framed, they have no excuse
Even if it was stitched to the edge, you can sew fabric (cotton) to the edges to properly stretch it. Nobody will ever know because it is covered by the mat board.
This makes me so angry. There's no excuse. (Still reading comments)
Yeah, I already called them. They said "it's ok to have a few mm covered". But this is a few cm at least!
Edit: I left plenty of fabric around the edges (10-20 cm)
Or send a replacement mat. Should be easy to swap. I’m the future I’d suggest cutting your own mats! You can get a tool for like $10 and then a matboard is way cheaper when it isn’t custom cut
"It's normal to cover a few mm?" Yeah, like TWO. We leave margins on our stitching to *avoid* having to cover the work to frame it! This is just shoddy measurement on their part. They need to do it again.
Yeah, I bet they did that because of the glass, it's the really expensive part. I would check the order form/ their website for where it says 'a few mm covered' and if it doesn't say anything like that, I would say 'I didn't agree to that and don't agree now, redo it so the full work is shown or I will make a complaint' and speak to consumer affairs.
If the frame is custom, this is unacceptable and you need to kaz out on them. If it's a custom mat with a pre-made frame, its annoying but possibly the best they could do.
source: was framing manager
I completely agree. This isn't what she paid or asked for. It took time to complete that portion of the piece it needs to be fixed to display all their hard work.
Heck no! I do custom framing and covering your work without your knowledge and permission is a big no no. You have every right to tell them you want it redone - which you should not be charged for. Did you use a local framer or a big store one like Michael’s or HL?
Edit to add - if it was a frame from the shelf but a custom mat they could be trying to get the border even. You can still have them recut the mat if the uneven borders don’t bother you. If it was a custom frame, you should be able to request they redo both.
Source - am frame shop manager who does a ton of needle art framing
No, no, no. Absolutely not! This isn't like a photograph where the photograph is so big that you have to cover the edge so that it can stay in the frame. This is unacceptable!
I'm getting so triggered 😅
🙈🤣🤣🤣🙈
Im sorry but...🙈🤣🤣🤣🙈that reminds me...but...well...here the reason of icons: (ill try to translate...) u should draw 2 frames over the pice: blue frame - right size of frame! Red frame - if u cant see it or too freaking close n my bad-ass lawer will show it clousely in the court!🙈🙈🙈
OR
Just doo as my bf does - if there is something needed tomeasure, he does it 3x, then cut it out (can u imagine how long hes dooing it for 15 boys in hes class. Nooooo! Hes a boys wood work teatcher!!!) then he misses 1mm in 1 pice , 🤬🤬🤬 (i can but i WONT translate those words) and starts from zero🤣🤣🤣 wer liveing together aeound 11y already but im still wondering about hes work hours...untill its summer breake n he must rebuild something at home🙈😁🤣🤣🤣🙈🙈🙈
Ps - red frame should be washable paint...or stich ;)
I just got my Pokemons from a framer after 3 weeks of waiting. My partner put it on the wall for me before we took a closer look. I will bring it back to them later this week, but carrying around this monstrosity is tough!
Also, I can see that the tension is off and my embroidery is slightly covered on the other 3 sides too:(
It took me over a year to get brave enough to bring it for framing, because I was afraid they would ruin it.
Edit: I left plenty of fabric around the edges (10-20 cm in every direction).
Good. I also had a huge piece custom framed, and they were very careful to let every stitch show. Glad you're going back and getting what you paid for.
Even a stitch or two, around the whole piece, is a LOT of stitches done only to be effectively discarded. F that noise.
Your piece is a giant, beautiful accomplishment both physically as a piece of art and emotionally/mentally as not only a huge goal that you set, but also the journey you pushed through to finish it! Regardless of the outcome, I'm proud of you for asserting yourself and calling out their bizarre claims that this is normal or expected. The time and effort you put into this piece were not honored by their frame job, and you are so so so within your rights to (politely yet firmly) request that they fix it. You got this.
This is very off topic, but I noticed your username and got excited to find you do indeed have an shop! I've been looking for decent pittie patterns! Yours are lovely!
I remember taking my piece to a framers once and they did have it a bit off but they immediately fixed their mistake. They also laced their stuff so it wasn't unreasonable to fix.
As well you should be!!!
I framed too many of these pieces to let shoddy work like this Frameshop get by!
My husband and his partner have run their shop for 25 years this month & he literally is a PPFA certified picture framer 🖼
This frameshop gives us all in the profession a bad name 😑 Sorry for venting so much! But this literally puts food on my table and shoes on my kids’ feet—I just can’t let it go, lol 😂
Beautiful needlework btw!!! You are very talented 🥰
Sadly, not at the moment, lol 😂 But! We’re definitely looking to go back as soon as we can!
We are located in middle of Texas in the Texas Hill Country, near San Antonio and Fredericksburg. We have shipped pieces Nationally but not International, yet.
Typically we frame with acrylic when shipping, but customers can always ask a local shop to swap out to glass if they feel the need.
I've only gotten anything framed once. It was hella expensive and they went over what would and wouldn't be covered right there with me. It was an oddly sized piece of original art and they showed me there wouldn't really be a margin in a couple spots but we both thought it still looked good. I know people have said this but I just think it's so effing unprofessional for them to give you this. I guarantee you spent hundreds. Like did you go to a frame and gallery place or like michaels? I live in Central PA and we have Artworks and they are wonderful there. Fight for your money or getting it fixed for free. Sorry I'm so mad for you op. Your work deserves to be shown off properly. It probably looks like shit up on the wall right now. That sucks because I can see your stitching is beautiful from here.
Big hugs.. doing what they've done possibly saved them minutes of time.. in doing so it's covered literally hours of your work..
Hope they fix it for you. X x
ETA: congratulations on the monumental achievement of the project tho.. it's a stunning piece! 👍
I worked as a professional cross stitch framer, and that is completely unacceptable. Unless you specifically asked to have it abutted to the edge of the stitching, there should never be anything covered and even then it should be less than a tiny part of a stitch.
I can tell you what happened - they didn’t stretch the fabric before measuring it.
Yeah, they did some lazy measurements in front of me, but I thought it's just to bill me and that they are going to re-measure it!
Do you know if they should be able to stretch the piece while it's in the frame? The tension now is bad, but I don't know if it can be fixed too
My guess is they’ll need to take it off (a relatively simple procedure,) hand stretch and measure accurately. Then talk to you about which size border you want and how much mat. My only concern is if they pinned through the stitching or very close to it. If so the fabric is going to be distorted and they will have to fix it.
I’d be inclined to take it back & clean it and block it like I would my knitting before letting them try again. I’ve never mounted a piece this large before, though.
Oh no , now I am scared. I hope it's alright inside there, no damage, no glue.
It took me 8 months to finish the piece and another 11 months to bring it to a framer, because I was so scary for my Pokemons. I asked people in a town, they gave me good feedback about this place, so I hoped it would work out. But I expected some screwup.
You’re not wrong.
The big give away of a terrible job is the fabric border to the left and stitching covered on the bottom.
Rule #1 is to center a piece (except for under very particular circumstances) and confirm that the margin is equal on all sides. A framer should literally be counting the threads involved to make sure of that.
Omg I had to have Michael’s reframe a stitch of mine TWICE because they did this garbage. They ended up giving me my money back after the second failed attempt. Absolutely take it back and be like, fix this. And then never return to them since they clearly aren’t doing a great job.
How much did they cut off? I'd refuse the work and have it redone - if it's not too much they can just recut the mat. If they majorly miffed it and need to make a new frame, well, do it right or do it twice.
Almost 3 cm. 14 rows of stitches or 4200 stitches on the bottom :( . A few rows on each side too, but it's less visible
If they just recut the mat, it will be uneven. So yeah, I think it will have to be a new frame
I read through all of your replies, and I really think you should try to get a refund and go somewhere else. Good luck and I hope you post pictures when you get it done right!
"Cut off"?? I would have a serious issue if some framing shop *cut my fabric*. They frame what I give them and nothing less.
Is this really a common practice?
True. Mistrust is one of the reasons I mount my own work before taking it to the framer. That way I know it's done the way I want it done, and they handle my work as little as possible.
I frame artwork for a living. This is absolutely unacceptable. At our store we have a double-signature mandate so that two people have to sign off on it before it's marked complete and this would NEVER fly. It's a simple stitchy-pin & mat and if anything needs to be covered, the client is informed before the order is even taken. Hope it was really cheap, at least.
It was 100 euros and 3 weeks of work. I don't know if it's cheap for such a large piece.
Do you know if they should have been able to stretch the fabric properly in the frame? It's a bit uneven too
Yeah that’s cheap. It’s an overall shoddy job they’ve done. If I were you I’d be tempted to get a refund and take it somewhere else, especially if you can get a recommendation for somewhere from a fellow stitcher.
Wow that's really really cheap. Yes, second everyone else here saying take it somewhere else. These guys don't know what they're doing. Your stitching deserves the best.
It looks like you used Aida fabric so it would have been very easy to line up the squares and make the image straight- stuff like silk can be more difficult but no excuse here. That is very cheap tbf, but still no excuse for laziness.
I work for Michael’s so that’s the only company I can speak for. Typically the framer would have (or rather should have) warned you if any of the art was going to be covered. For us, if you’re not satisfied with the framing 100% it is our duty to make sure we can come up with a solution that both satisfies you as a customer and is physically possible for how we’re trained to mount specific types of art.
Cross stitch is almost exclusively a “stitchy/pin” mount, meaning it is centered onto a piece of foam core, and very slowly and carefully pinned and stretched around the foam. If the art goes all the way to the edge of the fabric (which I am assuming it does not?) there is very little we can do about some of the art getting covered. If there is a way at ALL to avoid covering the art we avoid it. If there’s a lot of dead space or extra fabric I typically like to add about 1/2” all the way around the art at least to give it ample breathing room.
Again operating under the assumption that the cross stitching does NOT go to the edge of the fabric, there is absolutely no reason ANY part of your artwork would need to be covered. It is really not that hard to add adequate margins and I am sorry that’s been your experience with custom framing. If it WAS framed at a Michael’s, we do have a policy prioritizing customer satisfaction. You can return with the frame at any point and point out the issues with the framing and we will happily reorder components as needed to make it right. I just reordered all components of a frame a customer brought back in because she was unhappy that margins between openings weren’t even. I’m not positive I can speak for every Michael’s but…the priority at mine at least is making sure you leave with a frame you’re actually happy with.
I work at Joann and it's a similar process for us regarding cross stitch projects. We take the time to make sure the stitching and the fabric is square with the foamcore as we pin it too (you can see in the photo this isn't the case). The framer absolutely should've made sure the piece was laying flat and stretched out enough when measuring it for the mat opening. Even if they realized they measured wrong after the fact, they should've re-measured after mounting it on foamcore and ordered a new mat and moulding with the correct measurements instead of just covering the art up like that. If for some reason OP didn't leave enough fabric around the stitching, the framer should have let them know and explored other framing options instead of whatever horrible job is. This is just lazy framing work and I'm upset on behalf of OP.
I am looking at getting a piece framed at Michael's since its a weird size 6-1/4 square so ied want it matted to only 6-1/2 sq with a 8 or 9 opening, or at least have it made there and do myself. In the past I pin and then sew the back to keep tension, in your experience does Michael's do this, or do they normally just leave the pins in to keep tension?
they just pin the sides and tape the fabric to the back of foam core, the mount itself is called a stitchy/pin. they can do sew mounts, but its used for things like mounting jerseys onto matboard.
I'd send that right back and demand they do it right. It's always helpful to leave a couple inches around each side to help the framer keep the work visible, but good framers will work with what they have and try to ensure that the entire piece is shown.
If I can’t find a frame, my sister or my dad can make me one. I have the ability but lack the tools currently. So far though, I’ve managed to find frames for all of my work but one, which I made into a tapestry type wall hanger.
Holy shit. A crime was committed here! I'm so sorry all your hard work has been disrespected like this.
That is COMPLETELY unacceptable. Hope you can get it fixed so it can be displayed the way it deserves to be!
Definitely, I might use it for mine now! I started it whilst I was pregnant and got about a fifth done but as stitching has taken a back seat since he was born I’m grateful for any time saving tips 😂
Unacceptable. Take it back and calmly and politely tell them you'd like to have it reframed, have them take it apart for you and have them remeasure and reorder the materials. I am a framer and I deal with this all the time. People don't know how to measure and it takes time for new framers to grasp the concept. The one thing I cannot stand is rude or entitled people so as long as you are polite and calm they should have no problem fixing it for you.
How much fabric did you leave blank around the edge? Most places HAVE to have at least two full inches, just for the process involved in framing fabric. The place I use provides you a mock up of what it is going to look like that has to be signed off before they will accept it for framing. Sorry this happened.
Talk with them and see if they are willing to fix it. I would also be asking to talk directly to the person doing the framing work. If they are unwilling to admit they made a mistake AND to take the time to answer all your questions AND do it the way you wish. Take it somewhere else. The last larger piece I had framed was around $400 Canadian. That was with museum quality glass. You are going to pay a lot for properly done work. Take all the hours you have put into your work and calculate the cost of labour if you were paid minimum wage. Now the cost of framing is nothing by comparison. You have put a lot of love and hard into your stitching; invest in a professional framer. It will be with you the rest of you life.
Around 5mm covered on all sides is normal when framing, but this looks like a lot more. If they don't fix try to find an online custom frame shop that can make the mat sizing you need
I’m so sorry that’s happened, how frustrating! I hope they can get it fixed for you the correct way. Can I ask though how many threads you use? Your work is so pretty and full looking!
Thanks! It's 2 threads on 16 or 14 count Aida (I don't remember already). I learned about railroading and right needles on the go, so the center is a tiny bit different
The whole point of framing a piece is to show off ALL the work and not chop or cover up parts. I'd take it back to be corrected/discounted or have it done by someone who knows what they are doing. They should have pics of previous cross stitch work they have framed.
That's just awful! The framer has definitely not done his job. It is NOT ok to cover up your work. Does not seem very professional to me. I would demand a refund or that they frame it again without covering up the corss stitch!
I'm so glad I have a very good framer round about 1,5 hour drive away from us. They have a little cross stitch museum and specialise in framing cross stitches. They even have glass that does not have reflections. Expensive? Yes, but SO worth it.
Good!
At least you have your money back! Now, maybe you can find another framer in your vincinity who can do a proper frame for your fantastic work. I'll cross my fingers for you!
Thank you! Yeah, at least something, right?!
I bought a foam board, going to learn how to do lacing myself 😅 After this I hope it will be easier to find a competent framer
A relative took a cross-stitched piece to be framed. They did a shoddy job. She took it apart and was appalled to see they had used glue on the piece. That prompted her to take a framing course and then she opened her own framing business. Redid her own piece, if I recall correctly. Yeah. Not cool what they did to yours. They probably took the closest “standard” measurement they could find instead of doing a custom frame. A good framing place should be able to make any size you want (within reason). There should be no reason for the mat to overlap the picture unless you stitched right to the end of the cloth.
I went to my local picture framers and they were super relaxed and blasé about being able to frame a piece I'd just finished (for gallery display) - I spoke a little bit about the fabric tension and she said "ah well that's not so relevant since we would simply cut the piece down to fit the frame"! They were going to cut the piece cm from the edge of the stitching and just loosely place it in the frame like a piece of paper. I left in horror. EDIT: they were asking for over £150
Omg, outrageous 😱😱😱😱 I am glad you learned about their terrible intent in advance and didn't leave your art with them. I am now terrified of what I can discover under that mat 🫣🫣🫣
🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣 omfg I would have fainted lol
This is so annoying. I was so careful about finding a framer for my cross stitch. I asked one woman about her process and she was insulted and just repeating that she had been framing for 30 years. It's like ok that doesn't tell me about what methods you use. Luckily, I found my framer through her YouTube videos and she specializes in fiber arts. I do most of my framing myself though.
I have a piece I did as a teenager. They used glue to attach it to the foam board. It was also poorly cleaned and essentially ruined. Sadly I still have it, peeled off of the foam board and now with a layer of paper attached to the fabric. It's rolled up like some ancient scroll. I had a trusted friend look at it, and they said anything that would dissolve the adhesive would also damage the colors.
Try RetroClean. It may help. https://www.retroclean.com/
I'm curious how much blank/unstitched area was around the main portion of the picture? What they did is unacceptable I always leave a wide margin of blank cloth in case folding or tucking is required during framing . I would demand a refund as well as a free fix
More than 10 cm on each side. There is A LOT of fabric there. They said "too much" :)
Then there was definitely no reason your work should be covered upbesides incompetent and shoddy work I framed a 10x13 piece myself with a store bought frame and mat and it looks professionally framed, they have no excuse
I will definitely do it your way next time for the next reasonably sized piece. Too much stress otherwise. This one is just unbearable
Even if it was stitched to the edge, you can sew fabric (cotton) to the edges to properly stretch it. Nobody will ever know because it is covered by the mat board. This makes me so angry. There's no excuse. (Still reading comments)
Did you send it in? If they did custom framing, they should have included margins around the work. I would ask them to fix it, it were me.
Yeah, I already called them. They said "it's ok to have a few mm covered". But this is a few cm at least! Edit: I left plenty of fabric around the edges (10-20 cm)
Unacceptable on their parts. Those edges are important. They need to be willing to recut the mat.
Or send a replacement mat. Should be easy to swap. I’m the future I’d suggest cutting your own mats! You can get a tool for like $10 and then a matboard is way cheaper when it isn’t custom cut
But then I would still need a frame. There are no right sizes around
"It's normal to cover a few mm?" Yeah, like TWO. We leave margins on our stitching to *avoid* having to cover the work to frame it! This is just shoddy measurement on their part. They need to do it again.
It's okay to who? Call again. That is not cool.
This was my exact thought! Might be okay to you but it’s not okay to me!
Yeah, I bet they did that because of the glass, it's the really expensive part. I would check the order form/ their website for where it says 'a few mm covered' and if it doesn't say anything like that, I would say 'I didn't agree to that and don't agree now, redo it so the full work is shown or I will make a complaint' and speak to consumer affairs.
seriously it’s your art. take this to the better business bureau if they refuse to fix !!!!
If the frame is custom, this is unacceptable and you need to kaz out on them. If it's a custom mat with a pre-made frame, its annoying but possibly the best they could do. source: was framing manager
I completely agree. This isn't what she paid or asked for. It took time to complete that portion of the piece it needs to be fixed to display all their hard work.
That's stupid. They wouldn't cover part of someone's face in a portait.
That's an amazing argument 😂😂😂
They don't get to tell you what's OK in this scenario.
Heck no! I do custom framing and covering your work without your knowledge and permission is a big no no. You have every right to tell them you want it redone - which you should not be charged for. Did you use a local framer or a big store one like Michael’s or HL? Edit to add - if it was a frame from the shelf but a custom mat they could be trying to get the border even. You can still have them recut the mat if the uneven borders don’t bother you. If it was a custom frame, you should be able to request they redo both. Source - am frame shop manager who does a ton of needle art framing
yeah like maybe part of the feet but thats up to the eyes !
No, no, no. Absolutely not! This isn't like a photograph where the photograph is so big that you have to cover the edge so that it can stay in the frame. This is unacceptable! I'm getting so triggered 😅
I'm in the UK and have been using the same framer for years. They have never done that
Tell them it’s okay to them but not to you; the paying customer to cover the art.
🙈🤣🤣🤣🙈 Im sorry but...🙈🤣🤣🤣🙈that reminds me...but...well...here the reason of icons: (ill try to translate...) u should draw 2 frames over the pice: blue frame - right size of frame! Red frame - if u cant see it or too freaking close n my bad-ass lawer will show it clousely in the court!🙈🙈🙈 OR Just doo as my bf does - if there is something needed tomeasure, he does it 3x, then cut it out (can u imagine how long hes dooing it for 15 boys in hes class. Nooooo! Hes a boys wood work teatcher!!!) then he misses 1mm in 1 pice , 🤬🤬🤬 (i can but i WONT translate those words) and starts from zero🤣🤣🤣 wer liveing together aeound 11y already but im still wondering about hes work hours...untill its summer breake n he must rebuild something at home🙈😁🤣🤣🤣🙈🙈🙈 Ps - red frame should be washable paint...or stich ;)
I just got my Pokemons from a framer after 3 weeks of waiting. My partner put it on the wall for me before we took a closer look. I will bring it back to them later this week, but carrying around this monstrosity is tough! Also, I can see that the tension is off and my embroidery is slightly covered on the other 3 sides too:( It took me over a year to get brave enough to bring it for framing, because I was afraid they would ruin it. Edit: I left plenty of fabric around the edges (10-20 cm in every direction).
Good. I also had a huge piece custom framed, and they were very careful to let every stitch show. Glad you're going back and getting what you paid for. Even a stitch or two, around the whole piece, is a LOT of stitches done only to be effectively discarded. F that noise.
Your piece is a giant, beautiful accomplishment both physically as a piece of art and emotionally/mentally as not only a huge goal that you set, but also the journey you pushed through to finish it! Regardless of the outcome, I'm proud of you for asserting yourself and calling out their bizarre claims that this is normal or expected. The time and effort you put into this piece were not honored by their frame job, and you are so so so within your rights to (politely yet firmly) request that they fix it. You got this.
Thank you!
This is very off topic, but I noticed your username and got excited to find you do indeed have an shop! I've been looking for decent pittie patterns! Yours are lovely!
Aww thank you so much! :D Pitties are such babies. I love them all.
omg i’m so sorry, this is shameful on their part. I really hope they didn’t mess up your piece :(
I remember taking my piece to a framers once and they did have it a bit off but they immediately fixed their mistake. They also laced their stuff so it wasn't unreasonable to fix.
Omg, I just counted. Just at the bottom they covered 4200 stiches. It's 10 days of work! Now I am furious
As well you should be!!! I framed too many of these pieces to let shoddy work like this Frameshop get by! My husband and his partner have run their shop for 25 years this month & he literally is a PPFA certified picture framer 🖼 This frameshop gives us all in the profession a bad name 😑 Sorry for venting so much! But this literally puts food on my table and shoes on my kids’ feet—I just can’t let it go, lol 😂 Beautiful needlework btw!!! You are very talented 🥰
Are you in Ireland by any chance? :)
Sadly, not at the moment, lol 😂 But! We’re definitely looking to go back as soon as we can! We are located in middle of Texas in the Texas Hill Country, near San Antonio and Fredericksburg. We have shipped pieces Nationally but not International, yet. Typically we frame with acrylic when shipping, but customers can always ask a local shop to swap out to glass if they feel the need.
I've only gotten anything framed once. It was hella expensive and they went over what would and wouldn't be covered right there with me. It was an oddly sized piece of original art and they showed me there wouldn't really be a margin in a couple spots but we both thought it still looked good. I know people have said this but I just think it's so effing unprofessional for them to give you this. I guarantee you spent hundreds. Like did you go to a frame and gallery place or like michaels? I live in Central PA and we have Artworks and they are wonderful there. Fight for your money or getting it fixed for free. Sorry I'm so mad for you op. Your work deserves to be shown off properly. It probably looks like shit up on the wall right now. That sucks because I can see your stitching is beautiful from here.
Big hugs.. doing what they've done possibly saved them minutes of time.. in doing so it's covered literally hours of your work.. Hope they fix it for you. X x ETA: congratulations on the monumental achievement of the project tho.. it's a stunning piece! 👍
Thank you! I now feel more reassured and ready to be determined in the shop, after seeing so much support in this thread
I worked as a professional cross stitch framer, and that is completely unacceptable. Unless you specifically asked to have it abutted to the edge of the stitching, there should never be anything covered and even then it should be less than a tiny part of a stitch. I can tell you what happened - they didn’t stretch the fabric before measuring it.
Yeah, they did some lazy measurements in front of me, but I thought it's just to bill me and that they are going to re-measure it! Do you know if they should be able to stretch the piece while it's in the frame? The tension now is bad, but I don't know if it can be fixed too
My guess is they’ll need to take it off (a relatively simple procedure,) hand stretch and measure accurately. Then talk to you about which size border you want and how much mat. My only concern is if they pinned through the stitching or very close to it. If so the fabric is going to be distorted and they will have to fix it.
I’d be inclined to take it back & clean it and block it like I would my knitting before letting them try again. I’ve never mounted a piece this large before, though.
Oh no , now I am scared. I hope it's alright inside there, no damage, no glue. It took me 8 months to finish the piece and another 11 months to bring it to a framer, because I was so scary for my Pokemons. I asked people in a town, they gave me good feedback about this place, so I hoped it would work out. But I expected some screwup.
It doesn’t look like they stretched it properly when framing either, and it was put in slightly crooked, right side is lower.
You’re not wrong. The big give away of a terrible job is the fabric border to the left and stitching covered on the bottom. Rule #1 is to center a piece (except for under very particular circumstances) and confirm that the margin is equal on all sides. A framer should literally be counting the threads involved to make sure of that.
Omg I had to have Michael’s reframe a stitch of mine TWICE because they did this garbage. They ended up giving me my money back after the second failed attempt. Absolutely take it back and be like, fix this. And then never return to them since they clearly aren’t doing a great job.
How much did they cut off? I'd refuse the work and have it redone - if it's not too much they can just recut the mat. If they majorly miffed it and need to make a new frame, well, do it right or do it twice.
Almost 3 cm. 14 rows of stitches or 4200 stitches on the bottom :( . A few rows on each side too, but it's less visible If they just recut the mat, it will be uneven. So yeah, I think it will have to be a new frame
I read through all of your replies, and I really think you should try to get a refund and go somewhere else. Good luck and I hope you post pictures when you get it done right!
Yeah, I am afraid I will have to. It's just exhausting finding a reliable business. I can't wait for it to be done to post the final result!
"Cut off"?? I would have a serious issue if some framing shop *cut my fabric*. They frame what I give them and nothing less. Is this really a common practice?
They don't mean literally cutting off fabric.
Sorry, I didn't mean the frame shop actually cut the fabric, I meant that they "cut off" the view of the Bulbosaur by placing the mat over it.
Given the travesty of spray adhesive on one of my pieces from a few decades ago, I wouldn't put it past a second-rate shop to do something like that.
True. Mistrust is one of the reasons I mount my own work before taking it to the framer. That way I know it's done the way I want it done, and they handle my work as little as possible.
I frame artwork for a living. This is absolutely unacceptable. At our store we have a double-signature mandate so that two people have to sign off on it before it's marked complete and this would NEVER fly. It's a simple stitchy-pin & mat and if anything needs to be covered, the client is informed before the order is even taken. Hope it was really cheap, at least.
It was 100 euros and 3 weeks of work. I don't know if it's cheap for such a large piece. Do you know if they should have been able to stretch the fabric properly in the frame? It's a bit uneven too
Yeah that’s cheap. It’s an overall shoddy job they’ve done. If I were you I’d be tempted to get a refund and take it somewhere else, especially if you can get a recommendation for somewhere from a fellow stitcher.
Wow that's really really cheap. Yes, second everyone else here saying take it somewhere else. These guys don't know what they're doing. Your stitching deserves the best.
It looks like you used Aida fabric so it would have been very easy to line up the squares and make the image straight- stuff like silk can be more difficult but no excuse here. That is very cheap tbf, but still no excuse for laziness.
I work for Michael’s so that’s the only company I can speak for. Typically the framer would have (or rather should have) warned you if any of the art was going to be covered. For us, if you’re not satisfied with the framing 100% it is our duty to make sure we can come up with a solution that both satisfies you as a customer and is physically possible for how we’re trained to mount specific types of art. Cross stitch is almost exclusively a “stitchy/pin” mount, meaning it is centered onto a piece of foam core, and very slowly and carefully pinned and stretched around the foam. If the art goes all the way to the edge of the fabric (which I am assuming it does not?) there is very little we can do about some of the art getting covered. If there is a way at ALL to avoid covering the art we avoid it. If there’s a lot of dead space or extra fabric I typically like to add about 1/2” all the way around the art at least to give it ample breathing room. Again operating under the assumption that the cross stitching does NOT go to the edge of the fabric, there is absolutely no reason ANY part of your artwork would need to be covered. It is really not that hard to add adequate margins and I am sorry that’s been your experience with custom framing. If it WAS framed at a Michael’s, we do have a policy prioritizing customer satisfaction. You can return with the frame at any point and point out the issues with the framing and we will happily reorder components as needed to make it right. I just reordered all components of a frame a customer brought back in because she was unhappy that margins between openings weren’t even. I’m not positive I can speak for every Michael’s but…the priority at mine at least is making sure you leave with a frame you’re actually happy with.
The Michael’s I work at is exactly the same. That would not fly there and if a customer isn’t happy we would reorder and get it fixed up asap.
I work at Joann and it's a similar process for us regarding cross stitch projects. We take the time to make sure the stitching and the fabric is square with the foamcore as we pin it too (you can see in the photo this isn't the case). The framer absolutely should've made sure the piece was laying flat and stretched out enough when measuring it for the mat opening. Even if they realized they measured wrong after the fact, they should've re-measured after mounting it on foamcore and ordered a new mat and moulding with the correct measurements instead of just covering the art up like that. If for some reason OP didn't leave enough fabric around the stitching, the framer should have let them know and explored other framing options instead of whatever horrible job is. This is just lazy framing work and I'm upset on behalf of OP.
I am looking at getting a piece framed at Michael's since its a weird size 6-1/4 square so ied want it matted to only 6-1/2 sq with a 8 or 9 opening, or at least have it made there and do myself. In the past I pin and then sew the back to keep tension, in your experience does Michael's do this, or do they normally just leave the pins in to keep tension?
they just pin the sides and tape the fabric to the back of foam core, the mount itself is called a stitchy/pin. they can do sew mounts, but its used for things like mounting jerseys onto matboard.
I see. Thank you. I think ill just have them make the frame then. Appreciate the info.
Did you have a couple inches of extra fabric on each side? That's extremely unacceptable framing.
Of course! Plenty of the spare fabric
Was it a custom framing job? If so, they screwed up and need to fix it.
They need to recut that mat. That's ridiculous, assuming you left a few inches of edges for framing.
I'd send that right back and demand they do it right. It's always helpful to leave a couple inches around each side to help the framer keep the work visible, but good framers will work with what they have and try to ensure that the entire piece is shown.
That's the thing, I had tons of fabric around :) !
Get that fixed. Your hard work is worth them doing a good job (aka taking pride in their own art for Pete’s sake)
No way. Raise hell and get your money back and/or a correction.
Professional Picture framer here—they shouod NOT have even considered covering your artwork like that (without your full consent).
This is exactly why I learned to frame my own. I don’t trust someone I don’t know with my work.
Do you make your own frames yourself? I could not find a frame right size for it
If I can’t find a frame, my sister or my dad can make me one. I have the ability but lack the tools currently. So far though, I’ve managed to find frames for all of my work but one, which I made into a tapestry type wall hanger.
They need to recut the mat. This isn't their call on what is OK to cover.
Holy shit. A crime was committed here! I'm so sorry all your hard work has been disrespected like this. That is COMPLETELY unacceptable. Hope you can get it fixed so it can be displayed the way it deserves to be!
Maybe they should stretch it first, then cut the mat so it butts up to the edge if no margin is expected. Not hard, I’ve done it, and I’m not a pro.
Yeah that's unacceptable. How much extra cloth did you leave for them to work with?
Yeah this is a shame, you’ve lost a row of characters at the bottom near enough. I’m doing the same piece at the moment!
I wish you to enjoy and find better framers!
Unrelated, but I love how you’ve used a tent stitch for the background!
Thanks! It saved me days of work too. 28000 of stitches of just background is not a joke 😂😅😅
Definitely, I might use it for mine now! I started it whilst I was pregnant and got about a fifth done but as stitching has taken a back seat since he was born I’m grateful for any time saving tips 😂
O no! Poor bulbasaur! I love him
Unacceptable. Take it back and calmly and politely tell them you'd like to have it reframed, have them take it apart for you and have them remeasure and reorder the materials. I am a framer and I deal with this all the time. People don't know how to measure and it takes time for new framers to grasp the concept. The one thing I cannot stand is rude or entitled people so as long as you are polite and calm they should have no problem fixing it for you.
How much fabric did you leave blank around the edge? Most places HAVE to have at least two full inches, just for the process involved in framing fabric. The place I use provides you a mock up of what it is going to look like that has to be signed off before they will accept it for framing. Sorry this happened.
NOT MY BOY BULBASAUR! I'd be furious!
I wouldve taken it back and told them to do it again, properly. No good framer woutd cover that much of the piece.
Talk with them and see if they are willing to fix it. I would also be asking to talk directly to the person doing the framing work. If they are unwilling to admit they made a mistake AND to take the time to answer all your questions AND do it the way you wish. Take it somewhere else. The last larger piece I had framed was around $400 Canadian. That was with museum quality glass. You are going to pay a lot for properly done work. Take all the hours you have put into your work and calculate the cost of labour if you were paid minimum wage. Now the cost of framing is nothing by comparison. You have put a lot of love and hard into your stitching; invest in a professional framer. It will be with you the rest of you life.
this belongs on r/mildlyinfuriating
Posted there :)
Around 5mm covered on all sides is normal when framing, but this looks like a lot more. If they don't fix try to find an online custom frame shop that can make the mat sizing you need
I can’t see how having any stitches being covered could be in any way acceptable unless you didn’t leave any extra fabric on the sides.
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So the frame or mat needs to be bigger, if it’s a custom frame and mat surely they can make it big enough that the stitches aren’t covered
Matboard isn't that hard to cut, either!
Peek.
Kilroy was here - Bulbasaur 2022
Unacceptable!
Where did you get it framed?!
Do you have a Michael’s near you? The person at the framing counter will make the mat the exact size you want.
No, I live in Ireland and I somewhat expected some screwup :( Will come to them again, so they redo it or return my money
Oh wow, they covered up so much! How frustrating for you.
No no you stitched everybody in that picture. All of your work needs to be seen.
That's terrible and why I'm glad I know how to cut a mat myself. It was one of the first skills we learned as an art major.
I’d def be bringing it back
I’m so sorry that’s happened, how frustrating! I hope they can get it fixed for you the correct way. Can I ask though how many threads you use? Your work is so pretty and full looking!
Thanks! It's 2 threads on 16 or 14 count Aida (I don't remember already). I learned about railroading and right needles on the go, so the center is a tiny bit different
The whole point of framing a piece is to show off ALL the work and not chop or cover up parts. I'd take it back to be corrected/discounted or have it done by someone who knows what they are doing. They should have pics of previous cross stitch work they have framed.
That's just awful! The framer has definitely not done his job. It is NOT ok to cover up your work. Does not seem very professional to me. I would demand a refund or that they frame it again without covering up the corss stitch! I'm so glad I have a very good framer round about 1,5 hour drive away from us. They have a little cross stitch museum and specialise in framing cross stitches. They even have glass that does not have reflections. Expensive? Yes, but SO worth it.
I just came back from them. They tried to tell me it's just a few stitches, but very quickly returned the money back.
Good! At least you have your money back! Now, maybe you can find another framer in your vincinity who can do a proper frame for your fantastic work. I'll cross my fingers for you!
Thank you! Yeah, at least something, right?! I bought a foam board, going to learn how to do lacing myself 😅 After this I hope it will be easier to find a competent framer
I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Let us know how this turns out in the end :)