How to frame a needlepoint canvas with frames from IKEA

25. 09. 2025

First step for Needlepoint Finishing: How to Block your canvas

Before you start framing your needlepoint finished canvas, you need to ensure that is has been properly blocked. This step is very important, to remove any distortion or tension that may cause the canvas to warp, so all the edges are neat and straight inside the frame. Read our blog post on How to Block Needlepoint if you need instructions for this first step of the finishing process.

Our DIY needlepoint framing suggested methods

The most common methods used for general needlework framing are gluing, pinning or lacing. 

We recommend avoiding using glue, as this limits the possibility of in the future, finishing your stitched canvas for a different purpose. Below we'll describe two different approaches on how to finish your project with a pin method, which is our preferred method!

 

Method 1: Deep-Set framing using a frame from IKEA

The first approach uses a deep-set frame bought in IKEA. The needlepoint canvas is secured/pinned to a foam board the size of the frame you have selected. The stitched piece is then covered by a mat that hides the unstitched area and creates an artistic look for the piece to stand out.

Tools needed:

• Finished needlepoint canvas (blocked beforehand)
• Foam board (we used 3mm thickness k-line foam board. The foam board should be the size of the frame)
• Frame of your choice
• Mat with the desired dimensions (see below more details)
• Hemline/dressmaker pins (these shouldn't have a large top, so that they can be easily concealed into the foam board, and must be stainless steel to avoid rust)
• Scissors (or something hard to help push the pins in)
• Rulers or a square
• Paper tape.

DIY Needlepoint Framing using Deep-Set frame from IKEA - Video Tutorial:

DIY Needlepoint Framing using Deep-Set frame from IKEA - Instructions:

1. Center the canvas 

• Center the canvas onto the foam board, aligning it with the mat, so only the stitched part is visible.
• The mat should be cut so the inner opening matches the size of the design.
• Be careful to not leave any of the blank canvas showing.
• Once it's centered, check with the ruler or square to make sure the sides are even.

2. Pin the canvas

• Secure the canvas onto the foam board using metal pins, making sure to not let the pins go through to the opposite side (this is why the thickness of the foam board material is important).
• Pin all 4 sides.  

3. Secure the pins in the back

• Some pins might have poked through the back.
• If this is the case cover them with tape, so you can safely handle the canvas.

4. Place the mat and the canvas in the frame

• Place the mat and the canvas (plus foam board) inside the frame and press them with the frame backing.
• Check to see if everything is aligned inside the frame, and finally, close it with the metal clasps.

Method 2: Floating framing using a frame from IKEA

The second approach uses a floating method applied also in a IKEA frame, which means the piece of needlepoint is mounted around a foam board the size of the stitched part. This piece is then attached to a back mat that serves as the background, giving the appearance that the needlepoint board is "floating".

Tools needed

Same tools used in Method 1 above, plus these extra tools, specific for the Floating Frame method:

• 3mm or thicker (if you want to enhance the floating effect) k-line foam board
• Back mat (a piece of cardboard the size of the frame to act as a background to the needlepoint piece)
• Sewing clips
• Double sided tape
• Pencil.

 

DIY Floating Frame from IKEA for Needlepoint - Video Tutorial:

DIY Floating Frame from IKEA for Needlepoint - Instructions:

1. Prepare the canvas: cut off the cotton bias tape and the corners, so that the borders can be folded neatly.

2. Secure the foam board

• Cut the foam board to the size of your stitched piece (it should be a bit smaller than the actual size of the needlepoint, so that when the edges are folded no blank canvas is showing).
• Secure them in place with sewing clips.
• Cut off the excess canvas that overlaps in the corner folds.

3. Pin down the 4 sides

• Use the dressmaker pins to pin down the 4 edges.
• With a hard object, press the pins down into the board, so that the heads are concealed, but not too deep that it causes unwanted texture.

4. Remove the clips and tape down the canvas