|
|
| KNOW-HOW |
| |
Which needle should I use for evenweave?
Always use a tapestry or cross stitch needle which has blunt ends. You need to choose one which will slip easily between the fibres of the fabric. A tapestry needle has a larger eye than most other types of needle. It is oval in shape which makes it easier to thread a number of strands at the same time. Before starting on a design check whether you are using the correct size needle by making a stitch. The needle should pass through the fabric without enlarging the hole, but, at the same time, should not fall through too easily. Use a size 22 needle for 22,25 and 27HPI fabrics, a size 24 needle for 28HPI and a size 26 needle for 32HPI fabrics.
Should I use a hoop for stitching on evenweave?
Yes, it is best to stretch your evenweave fabric in a hoop for stitching. As evenweave fabric tends to be softer than aida you may find that the fabric slips in the hoop, so, to keep the fabric taut, wind a cotton tape around your hoop, slanting the tape as you go, and secure at the end with a few tiny stitches. You'll find that this keeps the fabric at a nice and even tension.
I would like to stitch on evenweave, but find it difficult to count the stitches correctly.
Although stitching on evenweave is slightly different to working on aida, it is very easy once you get used to it. Try and think of each single cross stitch covering a nine hole square. If you look at our diagrams you will see how the needle needs to come up at the bottom left hand corner of the square and go down at the top right hand corner. To make the top arm of the cross stitch bring the needle back up at the bottom right hand corner and take it down again at the top left hand corner. You've now completed a whole cross stitch on evenweave. Once you get used to counting in this way, stitching on evenweave will open up a whole new range of stitching possibilities, and you'll wonder why you didn't try it earlier!
What can I use evenweave for, apart from pictures?
Because the threads on evenweave are woven individually, the threads drape more easily than aida, and this makes evenweave fabric suitable for all sorts of other uses. As well as using it for stitching samplers, pictures and cards, try stitching designs to use as cushion covers and tablelinen.
Is it OK to wash evenweave?
Evenweaves can be safely washed by hand, and many of the modern fabrics like Jobelan are machine washable. Linen is very hard wearing and can be washed at high temperatures.
| |
|
|
|
|
