Custom framing is often as much about problem-solving as it is about design. At Frame Today Aspley, framer and Queensland Stores Manager Robbie, recently took on a unique challenge: framing a beautifully detailed Indian scarf with a stunningly wide 1:11 aspect ratio.
This job pushed the limits of design and our geometry skills—but with some creative thinking (and a nod to Pythagoras), the result was a breathtaking piece of textile art, preserved and displayed to perfection.
The Challenge: An Exceptionally Wide Scarf
When we say this scarf was wide, we mean really wide. At 1660mm wide, the piece pushed our capabilities in multiple ways:
- The mat cut required our oversized matboards used diagonally
- The glass reached the maximum size our wall cutter could handle
- Even the chop for the frame included one of the smallest lengths we've ever used at just 150mm for the short side.
In other words, this was no ordinary custom framing job.
Using Year 8 Maths to Solve a Framing Puzzle
So, how do you cut a mat for a piece too wide to fit within a standard rectangular matboard sheet? Robbie turned to a clever workaround; rotating the cut area diagonally on our Valiani mat cutter to maximise the already over-sized sheet’s useable area.
Thanks to the Pythagorean theorem (A² + B² = C²), we knew we could fit the wide mat opening by using the diagonal length of the board—without needing to join separate sheets. This creative solution allowed for a clean, professional cut using a single piece of mat board, preserving the integrity and aesthetic of the final presentation.
Custom Textile Framing: Why Details Matter
Framing textiles - whether scarves, tapestries, or garments - requires a careful balance of preservation, presentation, and precision. Here's how we approached this scarf project:
1. Pinning the Scarf with Care
Despite the challenges around size and materials, pinning the scarf was surprisingly straightforward. We used fine stainless-steel pins to secure the fabric without damaging it, ensuring the textile lay perfectly flat and tensioned. We then painted the pin-heads gold to hide the mounting method and the customer could only see them once we pointed them out.
When framing any item of personal or financial value, reversible framing is a major, and often overlooked, consideration.
2. Choosing the Right Frame: Alpine Gold
The frame selected was Alpine Gold from the Alpine collection by Larson-Juhl. This Spanish-designed and manufactured moulding is known for its warm undertones—burnt reds, oranges, and rich golds—which complemented the intricate patterns of the Indian textile beautifully.
3. Spacers and UltraVue Glass for Museum-Level Finish
To elevate the final look and protect the scarf, we used:
- Clear spacers to lift the glass and prevent contact with the textile
- UltraVue glass, offering 70% UV protection and minimal reflection, making the scarf the hero of the frame - in fact, this glass is almost invisible!
The result? A crisp, floating effect that adds dimension while keeping the delicate material safe for years to come.
Why Choose Custom Framing for Scarves and Textiles?
Framing a scarf transforms a sentimental or cultural memento into a striking piece of wall art. Custom textile framing offers several benefits:
- Preservation of delicate fabrics with archival materials
- Design flexibility, allowing you to choose frames and mats that match your décor
- Protection from dust, light, and moisture
- Showcasing of travel souvenirs, heirlooms, and artisan-made fabrics
Whether it’s a vintage silk scarf, a sports supporter scarf, or a hand-embroidered textile, professional framing can help tell its story on your walls.
Framing Scarves with Frame Today
At Frame Today, our expert framers love finding creative ways to turn your memories into masterpieces. With 14 stores across NSW and QLD, we offer:
- Free in-store design consultations
- Same-day custom framing (on selected services)
- Lifetime guarantee on craftsmanship and materials
Framing something a little unusual? Bring it in—we love a challenge.
Ready to frame your own textile or scarf?
Visit our Aspley store in Brisbane for a free design consultation or find your nearest store, today.
