Hi. I was given a project this past weekend to do and this week I was going over my options. I recieved a tapestry from someone who wants me to do something with it. There is a history behind this tapestry, that I won't go into, but it is old. In the pictures you will notice they weren't quite finished when they stop working on it. These are the options I have thought about.
1. Frame as is, unfinished (part of the history). (But its big.)
The person doesn't want a binding put on it.
2. Stitch with interfacing or (can't think of something else) with right side together and then turn right side out even though it not done.
3.Stitch as above but with batting.
4. Even off borders and finish as above with batting or interfacing.
Obviously, I would talk it over with the owner. Thanks everyone.

I would have it framed professionally using the proper techniques for fabric and perhaps have it put under UV light resistant glass if it's a valuable piece. I don't think sewing it would add anything to the piece and may decrease its inherent value.

I vote for 2 and 3. This sounds like the simplest way to finish it

Be sure to show us what you decide..

I think having it framed.

I agree. It's hard to tell where the incomplete areas are from a photo.

I agree. Have it framed professionally.

I agree frame and don't touch. I really like it.

Ditto from me!!

I would frame it. while finishing it off would be wonderful I wouldn't. I think that unless it was made by a family member, it wouldn't be right to add to it. Especially since it seems to have at least sentimental value. But this is just me. If you frame it I would either type out or if you have great handwriting, write the story behind it and then have that frames with it.

Frame it.

I agree with those suggesting to frame it. Your initial post indicates some history behind the piece. Is it a family heirloom. I am scared of the phrase "do something with it". If it does have value then doing anything other than frame it will decrease it's value. What obligation do you have in working with it? Since we don't know the history as you say in your initial post, it is difficult to give an informed opinion. Sometime projects like this comes back in a negative way in the future. If it does have value as a textile then someone in the future might say that it has been "defaced". You are doing this for someone else. Is this correct. Then I might return it to the person and suggest they have it professionally framed to retain it's historical and sentimental value. My opinion.

Count my vote for this one!

I agree with Candace. It's a beautiful piece and if it has even sentimental value to the owner, and it appears to, I would preserve it intact. You might also be able to have it attached to a light canvas stretcher frame, assuming you can have it treated to protect from dust and sunlight. Without prying, is it possible to tell us where it originated? Hope if you do have it framed or otherwise preserved we get to see the finished product. It's really quite wonderful.

I would frame it as well!

I too would have it professionally framed.

have it framed by a professional.

I took a course with EGA sometime ago about how to handle textiles and was taught not to put any textile under glass period. Maybe the rules have changed. I went to a professional framer and he taught us how to prepare textiles for framing with using acid free products and stitching them onto padded acid free board and then mounted them in frame. We were taught to use a damp white cloth to clean periodically. This would be gorgeous mounted this way.

This is what I think also.

I think seeking out an expert textile archiver would be the best bet. I don't think this is a job for anyone other than a professional. They'd have the right materials to preserve it correctly. It very well may be that glass is a no-no.

It is beautiful. I would let a pro handle it. You want to preserve it and not harm it's value.

I'd have it framed.

I agree with the above. You don't know what is in the owner's mind and sure don't want to do anything to affect its value.

I am a professional picture framer and I definitely agree with framing it - but only go to a pro that has fabric-framing expertise. Call and find out first, go there and get a feel for their apprecitaton for the piece. If they wear cotton gloves when even getting close to touching it, you'll know their attitude about historical art. Definitely UV glass. You'll be spending a pretty penny, but spread over the years of enjoyment, it's worth it.

I agree with the framing but I would put the history on the back of the framed piece. Maybe have someone that has an embroidery machine sew it out so that this is all recorded.

I am with the others to have it professionally framed without adding or taking away any part of this as it surely (I believe) would de-value it.

I think I would frame it too.

Definitely frame!

I agree. Take it to a professional framer and put under the proper glass to protect it. It should not be 'finished' by someone else if it's old and has value. If it is merely sentimental value that is a different case but you mentioned it is old.
I always dread when other people want to give me something that is precious to them BUT not finished or needs something else done to it and would you do it for them... Good Luck :-)

You are very right. My BIL is also a professional framer in Seattle and handles art museum stuff. Really check out who you're taking it to. Not some craft store counter.

I'd talk to a professional framer to get options. Do protect the integrity of the tapestry piece. Good luck~

I agree that it would be best to have a professional do any framing. Also having the history attached to the back would be an idea.

Sounds like most would have it professionally framed and I agree. If only the corners of the background fabric are what you consider unfinished, the rest of it is done. If there are places were the embroidery is not finished, that would add character and should not be touched.It belongs behind glass and would be an honor to be displayed, to the maker and to the Lord.
Carol J.

I would recommend to the owner to have it professionally framed. It will be best protected this way since it is an old piece.

Frame It.

OK, I must be the rebel here, but here is another thought. If you plan to frame it, I would suggest removing the white border completely, then frame just the tapestry. The white looks like muslin, anyway, and adds nothing to the piece. The mat and frame would replace the border, and set it off beautifully. Plus, it might make it a bit smaller, and you could have some color in the mat. If it was meant to be a quilt, I would still remove the white border, then add sashing strips that bring out some of the color of the tapestry, and maybe some additional borders, then quilt it with batting, outlining the shapes in the tapestry (not an overall pattern), then bind it, add a hanging sleeve to hang it. Just my opinion :)

My vote is for having it professionally framed, too. Try a Michael's with a 50% off coupon for custom framing. I had a very old oil painting done at my local store and it is beautiful - just what I wanted. Your tapestry could be matted with an accent color and then put in a frame to match the owner's decor. Something to cherish for sure - and then you don't have to worry about it buckling up in the middle, etc. They press it and secure it to a type of framing board. Good luck!

Go to a professional textile restorer. They will know how best to address the restoration of this. If the person that owns this doesn't want to do that I would have them sign a disclaimer. Stating that you were not responsible for it's future value or lack there of. If they don't want to sign that or go to a restorer then I'd hand it back and tell them sorry.
Just for your protection since we do not know its history.
:-D

have it professionaly framed as is gladness_s

Hi there, Thank you so much for your input on this. As I was looking at this tapistry I wanted to tell them to have it framed, but I wanted all of your opinions to back me up. I didn't want to tell you what I wanted to do so I wouldn't sway you one way or another. I really don't know much of the history. What I do know is they didn't finish this because they had to leave the country. When, where, why, I didn't ask.

I agree. It looks wonderfully 'folk art'. I'd be afraid sewing some on it would screw it up. I think framing's the way to go. It'll be expensive, but for an heirloom piece, it would be worth it.