Measuring Guides
How to measure for a mat to fit a frame.
How to measure for a mat opening.
How to mount needlework into foamboard.
Measure the Mat Size for Your Frame
Measure the inside of the back of your frame to determine the height and width of the mat size needed.
The mat will lay inside a lip of the frame - usually about 1/4 inch - creating an overlap of the frame over the mat.
Measure for the Opening
Measure from the widest and longest parts of your art to determine the dimensions of the mat opening you desire.
Does your item to display have a margin? Is it enough to be held behind a mat opening?
Example: If you have a photo print that's 5x7 inches, you'll want the opening cut slightly smaller to hold the paper behind the hole in the mat. We would cut the opening 4.5 x 6.5 inches to have a 1/4 inch mat overlap over the paper photo.
If your print to be displayed is too large or too small for your design and frame, consider having it resized and printed by a good quality printer.
Our printed and image mats display well and make a bigger impact with a little extra margin area around the opening. Often, a mere 1-2" mat margin isn't enough to create a dramatic effect for eye appeal.
Mounting Needlework in Foamboard
Be sure the area to be displayed fits inside the mat opening.
Remove the cutout section of foamboard.
Wrap your stitched area around the removed section. Gently pull taught and secure with small straight pins starting in the middle of each side. Take care not to askew your image or fabric.
Trim off any bulk excess fabric and refit the wrapped cutout section into the foamboard.
Use a needle and thread or hot glue to secure the excess fabric on the back to avoid too much bulk.