Single hen

[Ecky]

Hi,

does any of you have some experience in preserving cross stitch pictures properly? I have several and they are framed, but I am worried that the fabric/threats will deteriorate. It would be a real shame as I have spent many (very enjoyable) hours doing them. Here is an example:

My latest project will take years as it is huge and in very small stitches with hundreds of colours. I have a program that makes cross stitch charts out of any picture and I have choose one from Bob Ross. For this one I'd like an idea how to preserve the fabric even before I am finished. Is there anything one can spray on it? Or am I paranoid and modern aida fabric and dmc treath will last a (my) lifetime?

[Minnie the Moocher]

I think the biggest rule is to use acid-free materials in your framing and storage.

 

And don't hang picture in direct sunlight I would guess.

 

Beautiful work by the way.

[SAB]

Can't help re preserving, but just wanted to say what lovely work.

[Ecky]

I think the biggest rule is to use acid-free materials in your framing and storage.

And don't hang picture in direct sunlight I would guess.

Thanks for that, I've never thought about the acid free materials. I had it framed professionally, but that doesn't mean anything these days. Unfortunately, I can't ask them anymore, they have gone bust a while back. I guess I have to get my OH to reframe it some day.

Thanks a lot for pointing this out.

[Guest]

it's lovely

 

I started doing cross stitch about 16 years ago, when my dad had his first bout of bowel cancer. I wanted something to do while sitting at his bedside. I did a few small ones but I haven't got the patience for big ones and haven't done any for years. I started one of a big dragon wrapped around a castle but it's still in a box somewhere

 

My aunty does them all the time and she made me a cushion for Christmas this year with a cross stitched watering can and a garden rake on it. I've asked her to do me a chicken one to go with it for next Christmas

[Plum]

It's lovely. I did a few years ago but had to give up due to old age and challenging eyesight. Got rid of my UFOs now.

[Willow]

I think you can get glass that filters uv rays to stop colours fading. No idea how much more expensive it would be.

[Ecky]

I think you can get glass that filters uv rays to stop colours fading. No idea how much more expensive it would be.

That sounds interesting, I have a look for that. At the moment there is glass that doesn't reflect light (slightly rough) in the frame and it is out of the sun light.

I was hoping for a straight forward spray on, or like with old books a yearly deep freeze.

Ah well, I guess it will last my life time, I don't really care after that. I am just worried that I have to witness its demise.

Thanks for all you help.

[chickweed]

I have several cross stitch pictures that I completed over 15 years ago. I put them in ordinary cheapo picture frames and hung them away from sunlight. They still look as good as new. My eyesight is not wonderful these days, even with glasses so I don't cross stich any more.

[Ecky]

Hi chickweed,

that is very reassuring. Mine are up for about 3 years now and I don't plan to get 100 years old, so I guess they will survive my life-time easily (I am 40 by the way). Thanks for sharing your experience.

[A chickychickychick-ENN!!]

No clue about preserving (other than keep stuff out of the sun) but that picture's so lush and detailed! Lovely!

[jenuk99]

I have inherited a cross stich picture that my gran was invovled in when she was a small child, it was made by the rest of the family I think. It has never been behind glass and she died about 4 years ago aged 94 so its not that far off 100 years old and isnt deteriorating. The colours are a little faded. When ever I frame one of my pictures my other gran always said to wash it first to remove the dirt and oils from your fingers then frame it. THey will certainly last your lifetime.

Jen

[Ecky]

THey will certainly last your lifetime.

Perfect, exactly what I want, I'm not worried afterwards