|
|
| KNOW-HOW |
| |
Where do I start stitching a design?
Always start in the centre of the chart (not at the top) and work outwards. This will guarantee your finished design is centred on your fabric. Find the centre of your fabric by folding it in half both ways. Where the folds cross is the centre. Find the centre on your chart, too, and start from here. More info ...
What size should I cut my fabric?
Refer to the key to see what size the finished design will be on the fabric count you have chosen - for example, 14-count or 18-count. Then cut your fabric at least 10cm (4in) larger than each measurement. For a larger design you will need to allow at least 20cm (8in) of fabric. On a card design you can leave a smaller margin.
Is it better to complete each cross individually or to work them in rows?
You can use both methods to stitch a design. Some areas are more suited to one method. For example, if you are stitching a flower made up of several different colours dotted around, it's best to complete each cross stitch individually before moving on to the next one. But if you are working a solid block of colour, work a row of half crosses and add the top arm to each stitch as you work back across the fabric. This is known as the Danish method.
How do I keep my stitching neat?
If you make all your cross stitches facing the same way, you are more than half way to having neat stitches. Think also about how you handle the thread. To make the strands lie evenly on top of the fabric, you need to pull out the strands one by one from the length of cotton and smooth them together to thread the needle. Try to keep your tension even, too, by pulling the thread taut but not too tight.
How do I stitch on evenweave?
Designs are usually stitched over two threads on an evenweave fabric, such as 28-count jobelan. This will make your design come out the same size as it would on 14-count aida. To work this way, you need to count across and up two holes instead of only one each time you take a stitch. Try counting 'one, two' each time you make a stitch until you get the hang of it.
How many strands should I use?
For the best coverage of the fabric use the following:
11-count aida - 3 strands
14-count aida (or 28-count evenweave over 2 threads) - 2 or 3 strands
16-count aida - 2 strands
18-count aida - 1 strands
22-count hardanger - 1 strands
How do I wash my work?
It's perfectly safe to wash your finished cross stitch. First check the ends are all secured on the back of your stitching. Then fill a bowl with warm water and add a little detergent or needlework shampoo. Immerse your stitching and swill it around. Rinse well in cold water but do not wring it out. Then press your damp stitching on top of a fluffy towel with the iron on a medium setting. Push the point of the iron into the back of the stitches to make them stand out.
How do I sew on a bead?
Attach each bead in a design with a half cross stitch using a single strand of matching cotton. Bring the needle up through the fabric ready to make a half cross as normal and thread a bead on the needle. Take the needle down in the opposite corner of the square and pull the thread taut.
How do I start and finish off the thread?
Thread your needle through the back of other stitches nearby to secure it when you are starting and finishing off. If you are starting in a new area of the fabric, hold the thread end with your thumb on the back and catch it under your first few stitches to secure it. When stitching with an even number of strands you can use the loop method to start. When finishing off, snip the end close to where it emerges.
How can I avoid getting knots in my thread?
Cut your thread length to no longer than about 18ins (45cm). This should reduce your knots. If you still get the occasional knot in your thread, use the tip of your needle to loosen the knot slightly and then pull the thread firmly. If this doesn't work, cut off the thread below the knot and start again with a new length of thread.
Why don't my stitches seem to cover the fabric adequately?
Make sure you are using the right count material and the right number of threads. When you've got off your length of thread, pull each strand of cotton separately from the six strands and then recombine to thread your needle. By doing this you will hopefully encourage the separate strands to lie snugly side by side on the fabric, giving better coverage.
Why do my threads twist as I stitch?
This is a common problem and happens because as you pass the needle back and forth through the work you inadvertently turn it slightly each time, causing the threads to gradually twist. To eliminate any twists in your thread you need to stop stitching every so often and just let the needle hang down from your stitching. The threads will untwist themselves and you can then carry on from where you left off.
| |
|
|
|
|
