Finished cross stitches and glass
I have read in multiple places that your finished cross stitches should never be put against glass when framing. You should always use mats. I have done several cross stitches for family and all are framed with no mats. I am unable to find out why it is so important to not let it touch the glass. Can anybody please tell me why?
Posted by: Tessamessa on 05/23/16
For many long years, we were told the rumor that glass is acidic and should not touch the fabric or threads. THREE organic chemists have verified for me that glass is neutral. If anything, it may be INSIGNIFICANTLY very slightly alkaline, the opposite of acidic!

However, if you live in a highly humid or damp climate, you may want the framer to use frame "spacers" to make a tiny space between the glass and your project to prevent condensation, which can cause mold or mildew to grow on the project. This will ruin it. The space allows it to not accumulate the condensation.

Another consideration is fading. Needlework should be framed with museum glass or UV glass, which will prevent sunlight from fading the floss/threads/fabric. If you display it in a hallway or a room where it won't get much sun. Have you noticed that most museums do not have any windows in areas where paintings are displayed? Fading is why!

Hope that this answers your question. I am not an employee of ECS, just an old stitcher on this chat group.
I saw your question and wanted to share this info.
by: Su Pitt on 05/23/16
Su, you are so patient! How nice of you to explain the same thing over and over.
by: Texas Stitcher on 05/23/16
Thank you so much for your help. I am sorry if this is a repeat you have previously posted. I did a search but found nothing to answer my question. Thanks again I really appreciate it.
by: Tessamessa on 05/23/16
Tessamessa, they LOVE "repeats"...if you can't find it, these are the people to ask! Who else would you go to? :)
by: VCESS on 05/23/16
Tessamessa, no criticism. Just complimenting Su. She does a great job of explaining and is very patient. Her DD is a chemist and we have greatly benefitted from this association.

VCESS, you know how it is. As we age we like to repeat ourselves ad nauseum. At least once a day my kids tell me "I know, Mom, you told me already" or words to that effect. Olivia tells me that she has to roll her eyes in secret so her mom won't see it because she does not like it.

Gotta run and buy an outfit. Friday is Kindergarten Award Ceremony. I guess it's sort of like graduation. Only a minimum of 16 years to go. The first thing she learned when she started Kindergarten is that you can go to the same grade more than once. We quickly dispelled that notion. I am more relaxed about those statements but mom flipped out.
by: Texas Stitcher on 05/24/16
Tessamessa, This is an interesting topic that you have brought to the fore front! Many years ago when I was having one of my first pieces framed...the framer suggested that I use mats. That was the idea for me anyway. She did tell me never to have a piece framed with the glass against the fabric. She further explained that if you have ever gone into a Historic museum and saw a cross stitch sampler which looked "deteriorated" under the glass it is because the humidity gets under the glass and cannot dry. Thus, the fabric/threads lose their integrity and the fabric usually stains. I do remember seeing museums with such pieces. I live in Southern New Jersey and it is usually very humid here all summer. So, I agree with the other stitchers that you should either use mats or spacers to keep the fabric away from the glass....no matter where you live!!
by: jerseycrafter on 05/24/16
The glass is acidic and I wouldn't use a mounting board because it can turn your project yellow.
by: sumerdawn on 05/24/16
All true, not my opinion, but what the experts have told me. However, using museum quality glass is tricky because it sort of distorts things and the image looks dull and blurry. I've always been discouraged by framers from using it. It's also very expensive. I hardly create masterpieces and doubt that my work will live on in anyone's home - more like the landfill!

Waiting for DH to get ready so we can head out.
by: Texas Stitcher on 05/24/16
Summerdawn....did you read Su Pitt's post of yesterday? Three organic chemists have told her that the glass is neutral....??
by: jerseycrafter on 05/24/16