Sampler question!

[bigTillyMint]

I have recently completed a sampler, and now need to mount and frame it.

Has anyone got any ideas on how to do / get this done as cheaply as possible?

rectangular or circular?

Rectangle- Ram (or other) frame from Ikea are typically quite good. (if the sample is not too big that is) Just slip the fabric behind the glass and trim away some of the excess if need be before putting on the backing board...I've left it 'hanging' out of the back before and/or just taped it into place. It can be a little snug with the backing board, but look at the frame's back and choose one that there's a little more room/play surrounding the backing board-often this is the case with cheaper frames rather then the expenisve ones
If you want you can use the matting like you would with a regular picture, or I've cut ribbon to 'mat' it with too.

Circular- I've used embroidery frames and just hung them using the little hook on top, taping the excess fabric behind so you cannot see it.

Good luck

Thanks! It is about 46 x 31 cm - I wonder if that's any good for those frames?

I know 40x50 is fairly common for frames...that may work. Also 50x70 with a matting of some sort may look nice too. Personally I'd probably go with the bigger, but then cost is also a consideration...

Sorry for being dense, but what do you mean by matting?

If I got a 40 x 50cm frame, how would I mount it? Would I stretch it over a card and then use a mount?

matting is putting a cardboard "window" around the picture inside the frame. you really should do this with embroidery as the glass shouldn't touch the fabric and the matt keeps it clear.

I often frame my own, and to get a professional looking finish, you can stitch and 'pull' the fabric.
Get a frame - IKEA is great - and pref. one with a mount (see puppydetox above!).
The frame usually comes with a cardboard bit the same size as the frame (not the back of the frame). If no, cut a cardboard piece to fit the frame, 2mm or so less all the way around so the fabric will fit in as well as the fabric will wrap around the card.

Place your fabric on the card, and start stitching - any old thread, but make it strong; big zigzag stitches, up and down between top and bottom of the fabric (wrong side, obviously). Once you've done top and bottom, pull the thread so it's tight. Then do the two sides in the same way. When pulling tight, make sure your picture isn't becoming wobbly or crooked.
You then have a stiff sampler which you can drop into the frame, put the back on, and for that framing-shop-effect, put masking tape around the edges of the frame!

This makes for a better finish than just putting the fabric in, as your picture is more taut and no folds.

Thanks so much - I will make a trip to Ikea and get a suitable frame!