Thread: framing wool applique

I am seeking helpful tips for framing a small wool felt applique. I have a 5x7 piece and would like to frame it in an 8x10 wooden frame. I read that it is best to take out the glass. I haven't trimmed the piece yet, and don't plan any special edges (such as penny circles). I would like to use a piece of flannel as sort of a mat look. Now the questions. Should I simply place the piece on the flannel and top stitch by hand (possibly a running stitch) or machine the felt on the flannel? Or should I trim the piece and then sew on borders from the flannel (leaving flannel to wrap around to the back)? I suppose I could also place the piece on the flannel and then secure it with a few hidden stitches through the backing beneath the applique pieces. The 5x7 is a small "thank you" gift that I designed for a friend. It is a simple design, a small vase with a couple of daisies. The background wool felt is a creamy yellow and I purchased quilt shop flannel in a nice darker blue for the "mat."

I just though of one other alternative: covering an actual mat with the flannel. The frame came
with a mat.

I'm probably making this too difficult. But I would like it to look nice. Thoughts, anyone?

Originally Posted by marymm

I just though of one other alternative: covering an actual mat with the flannel. The frame came
with a mat.

I'm probably making this too difficult. But I would like it to look nice. Thoughts, anyone?

This is what I was going to suggest.

You can buy a shadow box frame that has distance between the appliqué and the glass. You could also use a regular frame if it has a thicker mat around the edge. The thicker matt should keep the appliqué from touching the glass. You could also use a regular frame but pile a couple of felt matts you cut yourself around the appliqué before putting it into the frame just make sure it isn't too thick to get the frame back on.

Thanks, everyone. I ended up buying a frame with an inset space to leave a small amount of room between the glass and the wool piece. I then covered the mat with the wool flannel. It looks nice---except I think I should have used a different colored background under the daisies. Next time, I'm going to try stitching around the piece to see how that looks.

Having troubles posting photo.. rectangle shadow on left is from my ipad... (I did add the glass. The frame is wood, but the inner brown is plastic and leaves about 1/4 inch between wool and glass.

Thanks, very simple and quick!