Avoid
starting your work with a knot, and finish off by weaving the thread
end through the back of existing stitches.
When
stitching several small designs on the same piece of fabric, leave
enough space between each design for mounting or framing. You'll be
surprised how much fabric you can save.
When
using a hoop for stitching, bind both rings with ribbon to prevent the
wooden edges snagging your fabric.
If you're
cutting out a design on plastic canvas, make sure you leave a border
of one unstitched square all the way round the design to keep your stitches
in place.
If you
would like to stitch a design using silk threads, but would find it
too expensive to buy all the different shades needed for a design,
just pick out one area of the chart that you would like to highlight,
such as the border, and stitch this section in pure silk.
If you're
stitching a design which uses brass charms, paint them with clear
varnish before adding them to the stitching. This will prevent them
tarnishing and discoloring the fabric when they are added.
When
working backstitch on a design, use the smallest needle possible - I
use a size 28 tapestry needle. You'll find it much easier to work the
backstitch, especially when stitching amongst densely cross stitched
areas.
It's
probably one of the most simple but important rules of cross stitch -
always make sure the top arm of your stitching lies in the same
direction.
When
stitching with metallic threads, use a tapestry needle large enough to
widen the holes in the fabric slightly. This allows the thread to pass
through the fabric easily, cutting down on any friction that may cause
snagging and breaking.
Always
make yourself as comfortable as possible when sitting down to stitch.
Make sure your back is well supported and your legs are in a
comfortable position. If you tend to stitch for long periods of time,
get up and walk every now and then to ease any tension.
Try
stitching a design on a different count to the one suggested. Try a
floral design on a high count fabric such as 18-count, or stitch a
simple design intended for children over two threads of 22-count
hardanger to make it larger.
Experiment
with different coloured fabrics for the background. Delicate colours develop
an antique look when stitching on natural linen shades, baby designs
look even nicer on pastel fabrics and Christmas colours glow against
vibrant backgrounds like stunning midnight blue or black.
Avoid
expensive mistakes when choosing fabric colour by taking the threads
used in the design along to your needlecraft shop.
Plastic
flexi-hoops are great for stitching and framing small designs.
However, for larger designs use a wooden hoop whilst stitching as a
flexi-hoop won't keep your fabric tight enough.
When
you've finished a large project, put it away for a few days and then
go back to it with a fresh eye and check it over carefully
against the pattern looking for missed stitches of mistakes. A few
minutes at this stage will save annoyance later when you notice a
mistake after it's been framed.
I like to
keep track of which edge is the top of my fabric by stitching a
backstitch arrow at the top edge - when working a symmetrical pattern
this helps me keep all my stitches crossed in the same direction.
Secure
beads to a design using two strands of thread, so that with the second
arm of the cross stitch you can allow one strand to fall either side
of the brad, holding it firmly on the fabric.
Try stitching
the same simple design on different fabric counts, You'll be amazed at
how different they can look.
Always
start your work in the center of the chart and on the center of your
piece of fabric. If there isn't any stitching at this center point
then count away on the fabric and chart, to the nearest area of
stitching and start from this area
If you
find French knots a bit tricky to stitch you can try using seed beads
instead. They make great alternatives.
Take your
needle out of your work in between stitching sessions - it may rust if
you leave it there for some time.
