Cross stitching tips, hints, words of wisdom.
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Learn how to use the loop method to secure embroidery floss.
Needlepointers.com
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Needle craft tip - Keep your needlework or sewing projects handy and easily accessible by keeping them in a basket next to your chair. Then when relaxing or watching TV you can work on them.
Needlepointers.com
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Do not wring.While the stitching is still dripping roll it in a dry towel to get all the excess water out and gently pull back into shape.
Isle of Skye Crafts
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Make a copy of the project pattern. Know exactly where to begin your project by using a highlighter or colored pencil, mark the finished areas
Needlepointers.com
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When working on perforated paper, the smooth side is the right side.
Mill Hill
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Try to store your cross stitch rolled rather than folded, this prevents crease marks that are hard to iron out. Try rolling your cross stitch and storing in the centre of a kitchen roll.
Netstitch
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Be super-organised and use a ring binder file to keep a track of those must stitch designs when you've cut them out of a magazine.
cross-stitching.com
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Make a photocopy to work from. This will keep your chart in good condition so you can use it again.
cross-stitching.com
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When stitching with two-ply floss, cut the floss double the usual length. Thread both loose ends through the needle. Push needle from the back to front leaving a loop, then front to back inserting the needle through the loop and draw closed.
CuznLuci, thank you for your helpful hint.
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When using metallic threads use a shorter thread, use a slightly larger needle and thread several needles at a time.
Discount Needlework
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Fractional stitches will be made a lot easier if you use a sharp pointed needle. This will enable you to pierce the aida block in the centre.
Netsitch
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When using Metallic Threads, use a needle with a larger eye than you would normal use, as this opens the hole in the aida, allowing the thread to glide through.
Netstitch
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Metallics Thread - when stitching with metallics thread or metallics mixed with floss: fold the thread to make a loop, then insert the looped end into the needle; pull the ends through the loop and tighten, pulling the thread snug up against the eye of the needle.
Cross Stitch Pals
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Carry a baggie in your stitching bag for snippets.
Needlework Guild of Minnesota
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Keep a soft toothbrush with your stitching supplies to brush away pieces of thread or fuzz left after removing unwanted threads. Sticky tape may work as well but may leave a residue.
Needlework Guild of Minnesota
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The majority of cross stitching is done with two strands, unless the instructions are to the contrary.
Salt & Pepper
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Let your thread dangle and untwist as you stitch to help eliminate knots in your thread.
Stitches and Stuff
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If you are using a black and white cross stitch design, color the chart using colored pencils. By coloring the chart to match the floss color, it will be easier to follow.
Needlepointers.com
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For complicated designs, I use a red pencil to keep track of the completed stitches. If you think you may work the design again, copy the design first.
Needlepointers.com
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If you have a kit with floss, follow the instructions for organizing the floss carefully.
Salt & Pepper
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Don't be in a hurry! Cross stitch is project that takes time and a lot of patience. The more you try and hurry a project, the more chances of making mistakes. So take it slow and enjoy the whole project.
Pinoy Stitch
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Using too long a piece of thread often leads to snarls and knots. Cut your threads in lengths of 18”. If using metallic thread, use 12” lengths.
Stitches and Stuff
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Always work blocks of color in rows, working half the stitches all the way across the row, and then come back adding the other half. The more methodical you are with your cross stitch, the neater the finished product will be.
Country Cross Stitch Kits
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For smooth stitches maintain an even tension. Only 'pulled thread' stitches should be pulled tightly. Cross stitches should not distort the fabric threads.
Joanna's Needlework Stitches
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Keep a travel size package of baby wipes in my cross stitch bag. That way, if you are stuck in the doctor's office or somewhere that you might not have access to a sink, you can just "swipe" my hands well and your off and stitching. Tip by Dawn Propp
Wonderful Things
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ON BLACK - Always use a good light. A light positioned over the shoulder of the arm you do not use is best. Also, putting something white under you project should allow you to see the holes better.
Magazine Name, Date & Page here
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Always sign and date your work to enrich its meaning for future generations. Using neutral floss color, back-stitch or cross stitch your name or initials and year.
Alma Lynnes Country Cross-Stitch
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Floss covers best when lying flat against fabric. If floss becomes twisted, drop your needle and allow floss to unwind itself.
Alma Lynne's Country Cross-Stitch Copyright 1990 by Oxmoor House, Inc.
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To clean your work soak in cool water with a mild soap for about 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Roll work in a towel to remove excess water; do not wring. Place face down on a dry towel and iron on warm setting until dry.
Alma Lynne's Country Cross-Stitch Copyright 1990 by Oxmoor House
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To carry floss, weave it under previously worked stitches on the back. Never carry floss across fabric that is not or will not be stitched. Carried threads, especially dark ones, will show through open fabric.
Alma Lynne's Country Cross-Stitch copyright 1990 by Oxmoor House, Inc.
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Use easy cross stitch and pre-finished kitchen accessories to turn your kitchen into an impromptu Country showcase. Turn a photo album into a clever recipe file, or get pre-finished towels and cross stitch veggies on them.
East Texas at a Glance
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Prepare cloth for cross stitching by placing masking tape or painter's tape around the edge of the fabric. This will stop fabric from fraying.
Needlepointers.com
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If you are using a dark colored fabric place a light colored piece of fabric, such as a towel or sheet, over your lap. The holes are more visible as the light color shows through.
Country Cross Stitch Kits
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When not stitching remove your work from the hoop or release the tension on a scroll frame. This will help prevent hoop marks and allow the fabric to relax.
Joanna's Needlework Stitches
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When not stitching remove your work from the hoop or release the tension on a scroll frame. This will help prevent hoop marks and allow the fabric to relax.
Joanna's Needlework Stitches
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When not stitching remove your work from the hoop or release the tension on a scroll frame. This will help prevent hoop marks and allow the fabric to relax.
Joanna's Needlework Stitches
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As part of the separating step, dampen the floss and pull it straight to get rid of any kinks or twists. As you separate the strands, lay them out flat and by the time you begin to reassemble them they will be dry.
Bountiful Heirlooms
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As I am stitching and I notice the floss twisting, I hold my work upside down and let the needle hand free. The floss will spin and untwist.
Needlepointers.com Staff
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Fray Stop is a helpful product which can be used to seal fabric edges prior to cross stitching. It is a type of glue that dries clear. By using Fray Stop, you do not have to tape the edges while cross stitching or sew the edges to prevent them from fraying.
Needlepointers.com Staff
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Always remove Cross Stitch fabric from hoops when you are not stitching. If you do this, then the creases in the fabric will not be as pronounced.
About.com Cross Stitch
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Cut cardboard or foam core board to desired size. Center stitched Aida on top of cardboard or foam core board with right side facing out. Trim Aida edges to 1 1/2" larger than cardboard or foam core board; fold edges back and secure.
Free Patterns
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A cross stitch needle should be blunt, with a long narrow eye. It should slip easily between the threads of the fabric, but should not pierce the fabric.
Bonnie's Cross Stitch Zone
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If you put bees wax on the end of your thread it will make threading your needle easier and the ends will not fray.
About.com Cross Stitch
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If you have trouble threading a needle with floss or yarn, this method makes it easy.
Needlepointers.com Associate
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Sizes 24 and 26 blunt-end tapestry needles are used for stitching on evenweave fabric and Aida cloth. The ideal needle size is just small enough to slip easily through your fabric. When stitching on waste canvas, use a sharp needle.
Annie's Attic
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If you have a hard time threading a needle from one side, try turning the needle around and thread the other side - every needle has a front and back side - sometimes this helps.
Block Central
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To prevent your French knots from pulling through the back, DO NOT go through the same hole you went up.
CameoRoze's Stitcher's Studio
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Iron out any creases before stitching to make it easier to stitch evenly and ensure that you won’t end up with wrinkles that you can’t get out afterwards.
Emboider's Guild
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Store fabric in large see-through plastic boxes available from DIY stores, or roll it up inside long cardboard tubes.
Cross-Stitching.com
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You do not need special scissors for cross stitch, but it’s a good idea to have small, sharp-pointed scissors for accurate snipping.
Scarlet Quince
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To separate the six-strands of floss for stitching, hold the entire strand near the top with one hand allowing the bottom to hang freely. Slowly pull each individual ply upward with the other hand, one at a time. Recombine the necessary number of strands to thread you needle and save the remaining strands for the next threading.
Annie's Attic
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If your thimble isn't a perfect fit, put strips of narrow tape inside the thimble and make it perfect.
Needlework Guild of Minnesota
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If you are using especially flimsy cardboard bobbins, glue or tape two together to make them stronger.
Scarlet Quince
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