Framing vintage hankies -- Help!

Bren
by Bren
I have a collection of vintage hankies and want to display them in a frame.
Should I use regular picture frame or a shadow box to prevent the hankies from
looking too pressed against the glass? Thanks!
  6 answers
  • Z Z on Aug 31, 2015
    Bren, it can be done either way, but it's easier to do with a plain frame that presses the hankie between the glass and the back for the frame so you don't have to carefully stitch it in place. Here's a video that shows it done between glass and backing in the first three minutes and other idea after that.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 31, 2015
    The hankies may display better in a shadpw box.
  • Susan Susan on Aug 31, 2015
    Use acid free mat board for your background and use a regular frame. It is safer to have the hankie against the glass for stability than to have it "hanging" or stitched to the background in a shadowbox. Keep out of direct sunlight.
    • Z Z on Aug 31, 2015
      @Thank you Susan for adding that information. I meant to, but forgot when I found the video. It's a very important part of preserving vintage items.
  • Susan Susan on Aug 31, 2015
    PS - Gravity is not your friend when dealing with vintage textiles. The glass applies consistent pressure.
  • Janice Janice on Apr 07, 2024

    I'd use a regular grame rather than a shadow box.

  • Betsy Betsy on Apr 07, 2024

    Hi Bren: I'd use a regular picture frame. It will keep the hankies flat and neat. A shadow box might take away from the beauty of the hankies.