Lacing is a technique that holds the needlework flat on a board.

The materials you will need for lacing are:
• rag board or other rigid acid free mountboard
• pins
• ball point needle
• cotton or linen thread
• polyester batting if required

The process of lacing is as follows:
1. Prepare the rag board by trimming it to a size that is smaller than the fabric by approximately 30 - 40mm.

2. Place the fabric face up on top of the rag board.

3. Centre the fabric on the board.

4. Pin the fabric in the centre of one side to the edge of the rag board.

5. Gently pull the fabric to the opposite centre point and pin as above.

6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 for the other two sides.

7. Align each corner and pin it through the same line in the fabric as the central pin.

8. Working out from the centre, pin each side alternately.

9. When the fabric is flat and pinned on each edge turn the board over.

10. Fold the excess fabric over and stitch the fabric to its opposite or adjacent side with thread.

11. When the stitching is complete remove the pins from the board.

The fabric is then ready to be framed.