How to Frame and Display Your Finished DIY Craft

You've put in the hours, tied the last loop or painted the final number, and now you're staring at a finished piece with no idea what to do next. Framing and displaying handmade art is different from hanging a printed poster, and getting it right makes the difference between a piece that looks like a craft project and one that looks like it belongs on your wall.

Why displaying your finished craft matters

A DIY kit is only half the story. The other half is what happens once it's done. A well-displayed piece turns weeks of relaxing, screen-free evenings into something you actually see and enjoy every day — and it's often the difference between a finished project going into a drawer or becoming the centerpiece of a room.

How do you frame a latch hook rug or cushion?

Latch hook rugs are thick and textured, so a traditional glass frame won't work. Instead:

For rugs and wall hangings

Use a slim wooden dowel or a curtain rod along the top edge, with the canvas backing folded over and stitched or hot-glued in place. This lets the rug hang flat against the wall like a tapestry, and it's the easiest way to turn a latch hook rug from our latch hook kits collection into wall art instead of a floor piece.

For cushions

No framing needed — simply insert a cushion pad and use it on a sofa, bed, or reading chair. Our latch hook cushion kits are sized to fit standard pillow inserts, so the finished cover slots straight in.

How do you display punch needle wall art?

Punch needle pieces are usually small to medium in size and worked on a stiff fabric backing, which makes them easier to frame than rugs. A simple embroidery hoop is often the fastest option: trim the fabric, stretch it over the back of the hoop, and secure it with a bit of glue or thread. For a more finished look, a shadow box frame with some depth works well since punch needle designs have raised texture. Browse our punch needle kits to see pieces sized for standard hoops.

How do you frame a paint by numbers canvas?

Paint by numbers kits are painted directly on canvas, so they behave like any small painting once dry:

Stretching the canvas

For the cleanest look, stretch the canvas over wooden stretcher bars (available at most craft or art supply stores) so it sits flush without a frame, gallery-style.

Framing flat

Alternatively, let the canvas dry fully for 24–48 hours, then place it in a simple floating frame that shows the canvas edges. Avoid frames with glass directly touching the paint, since acrylic paint needs room to breathe. Explore our paint by numbers kits, several of which are available with an optional frame at checkout.

Display ideas that don't need a frame at all

Framing isn't always necessary. A finished rug can double as a wall hanging using clip rings along the top edge. Smaller punch needle pieces work well leaned against a shelf rather than hung. And paint by numbers canvases look great propped on a mantel, easel, or floating ledge for a rotating gallery you can change with the seasons.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to seal a paint by numbers canvas before framing?

It's optional but recommended. A thin coat of matte or gloss varnish protects the paint from dust and light and gives the colors a slightly richer finish before framing or hanging.

Can you wash a latch hook rug once it's framed or hung?

Yes, but spot-clean rather than machine wash. Once a rug is mounted as wall art, a light vacuum on a low setting or a damp cloth for spot stains is usually enough.

What size frame do I need for a punch needle piece?

Measure your finished piece with a couple of centimeters of extra fabric included, since punch needle designs are typically stretched slightly larger than the visible design to allow for mounting.

Is it better to frame before or after finishing all the details?

Always finish and fully dry or trim your piece first. Framing a damp paint by numbers canvas or an unfinished latch hook rug can distort the shape once it's mounted.

Every Flatpackpony kit is designed in Ghent, Belgium, with everything you need included in the box — so the only thing left to figure out is how you want to show it off. Free worldwide shipping is included on every order. Ready to start your next piece? Browse the full range of DIY kits for adults and find your next screen-free evening project.