Many of the same principles used in paper handing can apply to framing of textiles.

Most often the natural shape and object-quality of the work is a point of interest and so float mounting - presenting the work on top of a backing material - is suitable.

Textiles can be quite rigid and hold their form, or lightweight and flexible. We consider the weight and natural shape when choosing a mounting technique, sometimes taking a compositional approach to items that otherwise may never have been intended to be displayed flat or hanging on a wall.

It is important that the processes used are non-invasive and may be easily reversed; thread or pins that can be removed without damaging the piece are often the right choice. Wherever possible these fastening techniques - that may require puncturing the material - will be placed where holes already exist, such as along a hem line.

We very rarely use adhesive fastening techniques with textiles although in examples driven by appearance rather than conservation handling it can be possible to dry mount and heat press textiles to be completely and permanently flat and so we will include an example below.

Image: Folk art stitchwork, mounted to portrait linen interior and box framed in domed black walnut.