From: Beth
June 02, 1998

Let's see if I can explain what I do...

My mats are usually 1/2 to 3/4 inch from the edge of the stiching, and at least 2 1/2" wide.

So, I first cut a piece of foam core that is definitely at least an inch BIGGER than my final overall mat size will be. (I've usually purchased mats before mounting, but you can also make a generous guesstimate.)

Then, out of the middle of this piece of foam core, I cut out a piece that is 3" bigger than my finished stitching size. (Be sure to mark the back of both inner and outer pieces, and mark the top of each piece, before taking them apart.) I pop out the middle, leaving me with a solid piece of foam core and a larger "frame" of foam core.

I mount my needlework on the solid piece, and I've got 1 1/2" between my stitching edge and the edge of the foam core. Once it's mounted, I pop it back into the larger "frame" of foam core, matching up the backs and tops that I marked before, so it fits correctly. The mounting of the needlework makes the center part a little bigger, so you have to press firmly to get it back into the opening, but the outer "frame" of foam core squishes a little to allow the fit, and the middle piece fits nice and snug.

Because I've left 1 1/2" all around the edge of my needlework, the edge of the mounted piece of foam core -- the line where the inner piece and outer "frame" meet -- will be hidden underneath the finished mats. The whole chunk of foam core is larger than the mats. This can be wrapped up and stored.

When I have the mats, I lay them over top of the whole needlework/foam core assembly, measure, and get them placed just where I want them. Then I trace around the outside edge of the mat with a pencil, marking where the excess foam core needs to be cut away. I remove the mats, and cut away the excess foam core with a metal straight edge and an exacto knife. The entire piece of foam core, with mounted needlework, is now the same size as the mats and is ready to drop into the frame.

I do this with every piece of needlework that I frame with mats, because it allows me to adjust for slightly crooked foam core cuts or off-center mounting.