It's often puzzled me why more emphasis and attention isn't paid to how important framing up the silk is before beginning to stitch. Being sure the silk and mounting fabric are absolutely square (by pulling threads) and stitching the two together at exactly the same width is paramount to assuring that the silk is equally taut at both sides and the center when framed. I've even devised the inexpensive E-Z Lacing template to assure the stitches are evenly placed along the sides for the proper framing of the ground fabric.

Having the proper mounting fabric is an essential ingredient as well. It must be a closely woven fabric but not too stiff or inflexible and it should be about 1/4" wider on each side than the silk. I special order this mounting fabric by the bolt. It has proven to excel each time it's been used over the past few years so I am comfortable recommending it for your next needle art masterpiece.

P. S. The Framing Instructions will lead you step-by-step through the whole process and the Frame Tightener (especially helpful for those with arthritis) will assure the silk is stretched tightly.