Make a framed embroidery picture
Vintage tablecloths and napkins often feature beautiful designs you can cut out and use to create framed embroidery
You will need
● Vintage tablecloth or napkin
● Wooden picture frame
● Undercoat
● White eggshell paint
● Cardboard for mounting
To make
1. Remove the back of the frame and cut a piece of stiff cardboard to fit the mount size.
2. Lay the picture-frame glass over the embroidery, with the pattern in the centre. Cut the fabric 3cm larger than this on all sides.
3. Lay the fabric over the card and fold over the edges of the fabric. Use long stitches from top to bottom of the fabric on the back of the cardboard to pull the fabric tight, like a corset. Repeat on the other two sides of the fabric.
4. If required, sand down the picture frame prior to painting. Apply one coat of undercoat and leave to dry completely. Apply two coats of eggshell topcoat, leaving to dry between coats. Once completely dry, place the glass in the frame and the mounted embroidery behind it. Replace the backing to finish.
Tip: Wash old linen carefully and use spray starch to give a fresh look and make framing easier.
Feature: Catherine Woram. Photo: Richard Burns
Vintage tablecloth, £5, Ebay. Picture frame from charity shop. Find similar pre-painted frames, from £4, IKEA.
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