In fact, the assumption is always that I spend most of my time tufting. Shooting the yarn. But I don't.
As much time goes into drawing the design and shaving (after shooting). Not to mention shaving once the work is back from the framer.
I detail the whole work before it goes to the framer but I don't do anything on the edges then. I frame it first so that I am sure again that the thread will sit against the frame.
When I then have the canvas back, framed, I start cutting all the edges. Very carefully because, of course, I don't want to damage the frame.
This video of the work 'The Next Smile' (commissioned work) gives a small insight.