As you can see, I've put masking tape around the edges of the fabric, as advised, to stop it fraying. I've started on January's design in the corner but now I'm wondering if I should have started further in and further down, leaving a bigger margin at the edges, what do you think? Obviously, there's more fabric underneath the tape which can't be seen here, but I'm still not sure I've left enough space at the edge. I haven't done that much yet so I could easily unpick it and start again if you think I should do so.
I'm using 28 count DMC linen in natural but it's such a huge piece. The design builds up to a piece of work which measures 35 inches wide by 22 inches high and I'm finding that the fabric being this size is getting in the way whilst I'm stitching. Also, because of this, I'm finding it easier to stitch without a hoop or frame. Firstly, is there a secret to working on a piece of fabric this size, I'm folding it at the moment but I can see that it will be even trickier to find an easy way to stitch on it once I'm working in the middle, and secondly, will there be a problem if I don't use a hoop or a frame?
The fabric is rather stiff too, I expected linen to be much softer than aida but it isn't really. It creases terribly, which is only to be expected with linen, I do hope all the wrinkles iron out easily.
I'd appreciate any help, advice or tips you can give me, I know there are a lot of expert stitchers out there so I'd be very grateful for any guidance you can give.
Hi Jo, well done for continuing this wonderfully relaxing craft, it is recommended to start in the middle of the design and fabric, that way you are certain that you have enough fabric. Fold the fabric in 1/2 and 1/2 again to find the centre, usually the patterns will have arrows down the side and top for you to find the centre of the pattern. I personally use a hoop or frame as I find it easier on the evenweave to keep the fabric straight, otherwise you could hop over one thread and put the pattern out. Always remove the hoop between sewing sessions to avoid marking, stretching and creasing. I always photo copy the pattern (for my use only) and enlarge it too, that way I can mark off stitches created as I go and keep the original pattern clean. Some patterns use so many symbols it can be so easy to miss or skip. Another trick is to 'park' the thread especially when a colour is scattered around and you do not want to keep starting and finishing off. Just bring the thread to the top of the fabric a way away from the pattern ie in the excess border area, then when you need that colour again you can rethread take it back and continue. you can also leave the needle on that thread to make it easier, I usually have several needles threaded with the most frequently used colour.
ReplyDeleteWhen starting a new thread, I will cut a longer piece and fold it in 1/2, thread as normal leaving the little loop on the long side. Bring the thread out from the back of the fabric in position create the first 1/2 stitch when the needle is at the back of the fabric you can slip the needle through the loop and this tightens and holds that first stitch with leaving tails.
Depending on the size of the work, using a long card tube is helpful as you can roll it around the tube avoiding excess creases.
I hope some of these ideas help you but the main thing is relax and enjoy. Have fun Chrissie xx
Lovely to hear from you, I hope you are well. The problem with a stitch along is that you can't start in the middle of the design as that part hasn't yet been released, the first part of the stitch along is in the top left hand corner. I've learnt my lesson about removing the hoop in between stitching sessions so that's something I'll definitely do now. As this is a stitch along released on the internet, I'm printing the pattern off in stages so I've made sure to enlarge it, better for my eyesight too. That's very interesting about parking thread, something to definitely think about. The tube idea is very interesting too, especially as it avoids the fabric creasing. Thank you for all your advice, it's invaluable hearing from seasoned cross stitchers.
DeleteThe masking tape is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteIt's a tip I picked up in comments on one of my earlier cross stitch posts, it's such a good idea. That's the beauty of blogging, everyone is so generous with their hints, tips and advice so a newbie like me has the full advantage of the knowledge of experts.
DeleteI always started my cross stitches in the middle. I would sew a line of running stitches (in ordinary sewing thread) along the middle both horizontally and vertically and then work from the centre outwards. Just fold your sides in half to find the centre then sew a line straight to the other side. I would also draw similar centre lines on the pattern - makes the counting much easier. As for how to use a big piece of fabric, I used to try and roll up the bits I wasn't using just to keep them out of the way. You shouldn't have any problems ironing out your linen after you're finished - you might need to dampen it down (with water in a garden spray thingy) and use a cloth over it but the creases should come out. Hope that helps. :o)
ReplyDeleteThe design in the middle of the fabric hasn't been released yet so I can't start this from the centre, unfortunately. The large piece of fabric is such a nuisance, it really gets in the way, but rolling it up sounds like a really good idea, I shall try that. I'm not looking forward to the ironing part. Thank you for your help.
DeleteHi Jo, It all depends on how you want to frame it at the end. If you want a mount then I doubt you'll have enough room to do it properly, without fudging it. If it were mine, I'd start again further in. This will also leave wiggle room so if the edging gets damaged somehow you'll have enough room to frame.
ReplyDeleteHa ha, the end seems such a long way off, I haven't even though that far ahead. It's going to take me years! Thank you for bringing this to my attention though, I really like it when people tell me what they'd do, I think I probably will start again then. It's going to be such a long term project that the edges could easily get damaged so that's such good advice.
DeleteOn a small piece you can stitch nearer the edge, but you do need to leave enough linen so you can stitch it up, without getting too close to the cut edge, which when pulled might Frey. Linen can be stiff, but as a new stitcher the stiffness helps you with your tension of the stitches. I always use plastic frames to hold my work, you do not have to stitch the fabrics to the frame, but as you are stitching the fabric tension can slip. As for creases, I iron my work on a soft towel with the good side down, the towel stops the front of the stitches going flat, and the iron flattens the back of the stitches. You have started with a great first project, the small boxes make counting easy. But remember stitching is fun so enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought about it fraying once the masking tape is removed but it makes perfect sense, I think I'd better start again a little way in. Yes, I think the stiffness does help but it was a little surprising when I received the fabric, I was expecting something much floppier. I loved the first month's design as soon as I saw it so I really do want to give this a go, I just hope I can manage it. Thank you for all your help.
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ReplyDeleteHi, i was going to mention about the fabric fraying when you take the tape off too. Personally i would have left more around the edge to 'play' with, but i supose it depends on how you are going to finish it once completed, but better to have more than not enough, especially after all the hard work you will put in. I have to say i never start from the middle, i find it much easier to start top left as you are, and as you say you cant start in the middle with this anyway. Stitching in hand is fine if you can do it (i cant any more), for excess fabric why not try using one of those large butterfly hair clips? Just roll the excess fabric up loosly but take it off when you finish working on it. i tend to use a clip frame rather than a hoop, less chance of damage to stitches. Its all personal choice and what you feel comfortable with. xx
ReplyDeleteThat makes perfect sense. It's going to be such a long project to complete, I'd hate it to be ruined because I haven't left enough fabric around the edges. The hair clips are a good idea, I shall have to raid Eleanor's bedroom and see what she's got. I've now got a clip frame but it's felt a bit awkward using it with so much excess fabric, but rolling the fabric and cliping it may make it easier. Thank you so much for all your help.
DeleteThe masking tape is a good tip, I'm waiting for my materials to be delivered as I found a site offering 50% off so I've treated myself to a new frame too! Far more knowledgeable people out there than me Jo & it will be the first time stitching such a large piece & 28 count too xx
ReplyDeleteIt's exciting, isn't it, to be embarking on a new project. What a good offer you found. I got bought a clip frame for Christmas but I've found it quite awkward with so much spare fabric hanging loose, I shall try rolling it and see how it feels then. This is only the second cross stitch I'm attempting and the first one was tiny in comparison. Looking forward to comparing notes as we trundle along.
DeleteWell, I was going to say, start in the middle, but you have explained why you have started at the corner. If you don't like working in a hoop, have you tried a rectangular frame, as you can roll the fabric back and forward to the area you need, and you don't have to take the fabric off, as you do with a hoop. But most of all, just enjoy it!!
ReplyDeleteI've got a clip frame but even that feels awkward, I shall try it again and roll the excess fabric and see if it feels any better. I hadn't come across rectangular frames before you mentioned them but I've had a look online and they look really good, something to definitely look further in to. Thanks for your help.
DeleteFold the fabric under the clip so it does not hang off the frame, I will pop a photo in my next post, so great to see so many helpful comments.
DeleteThat would be great, thank you so much. I'm so lucky to have such great advice from everyone.
DeleteDear Jo
ReplyDeleteI have seen an embroiderer suggest that to avoid creases from the embroidery hoop, put clingfilm over the area to be worked and then push the hoop down over the cling film. You then cut the clingfilm where you want to stitch. It also keeps the material clean. I shall give this a try when I start my crewel work embroidery...(soon to be purchased)
I look forward to seeing how you get on
Best wishes
Ellie
What a great tip, I shall definitely try that. I know a lot of people don't use hoops because of the marks they leave but this would alleviate that problem. Thank you for the tip.
DeleteJo, have you decided on the layout of your 12 rectangles?
ReplyDeleteOnce you have decided on that, you'll be able to work out near enough where the middle is going to be. Then you'll need to count outwards from there remembering to allow the 5 stitches gap between each of the months. I always use a hemming stitch on my fabric to prevent the fraying that happens when you take off the masking tape.
If you look right down to the bottom of The Snowflower Diaries January pattern release, she explains a little about layout and how much fabric you need.
Good luck with your stitiching and remember it's supposed to be fun!
Carol Henderson
I've decided on the 4X3 layout, mainly because I found it easier to get the fabric in these dimensions. I understand what you mean about finding the middle, even though I'm not going to start stitching there, that makes sense now. I wondered if the fabric would fray once I took off the masking tape so thank you for confirming that, I'll take precautions. Thank you for your help.
DeleteSounds like you have got some really good advice! Isn't blogging great!
ReplyDeleteThere's so many tips here as well as great advice, the blogging community are wonderful people.
DeleteHi there The standard when you start in a corner is to measure down 2" and in from the side 2". I always like to give it extra cause some framers like the extra to work with. As for the size of the fabric, sometimes you just have to deal with it. In the US and Canada we have Q frames that come in many different sizes then I roll the extra fabric up and clip it to the frame with a bicycle clip. You can get those at a quilting store. My advice for stitching is to have many needles threaded and ready with the colours you are using in that area. Also park your needle so you can use the next colour. I look forward to watching how your piece grows.
ReplyDeleteI've got a clip frame so I'm going to try rolling the fabric as you suggest, using a bicycle clip is a good tip. Also, the tip about having different needles threaded is sound advice, I never thought of doing that myself but it's something I shall definitely be doing from now on. Thank you for all your advice.
DeleteI think all of your questions have been answered already, but I just wanted to say I'm glad to see you've gotten so far with your stitching already. :)
ReplyDeleteEeek, I've pulled it all out now that I've been given the above advice. I shall be starting from scratch but better to have it right from the beginning rather than being sorry at the end, especially when it's going to take such a long time to complete.
DeleteWell - I wouldn't have a clue!
ReplyDeleteFortunately there are many who do ...
Happy Stitching, and have a good Friday.
All the best Jan
That's the great thing about blogging, there's so many knowledgeable people out there on any topic who are very generous with their advice, you only have to ask. What a great group of people the blogging community are, I'm so thankful for the friendships, old and new, that I've made through my blog. Thank you, have a great weekend.
DeleteI use a different type of frame than the one you have so I cannot comment - the one I use for my tapestry - which is good for large pieces. I would check the instructions and see if they state what size piece of fabric you need and where to start the pattern, that should give you a good idea of whether or not you are in the right place. The most important thing is to enjoy the process of it and remember, this is your first thing so try things out and as long as you have the pattern you could always make another in the future. Also, two years ago I saw a Kaffe Fasset exhibition and the state of some of his work was incredible, so if his doesn't have to be perfect, don't worry too much about yours! I mean that in a good way! Enjoy! Happy Valentines! xx
ReplyDeleteAs you say, we all have to learn somewhere and I'm sure I'll muddle through. It's good to have friends on hand to give me some advice though, I'd hate to get to the end and find out a mistake I've made right at the beginning has ruined it. Thank you, Happy Valentines to you too.
DeleteI was just thinking the exact same thing as Sustainable Mum - 20 or even 10 years ago, it would have been quite difficult to get such great, personalized advice unless you had a shop with someone knowledgeable in the craft nearby.
ReplyDeleteThat's so true. There's such a wealth of information on the internet, and particularly when blogging, it's such a great community. We're lucky to be a part of it.
DeleteHi Jo, unfortunately I am going to be no help whatsoever here, I think what you have done so far looks great though and I hope that you get the advice you need.x
ReplyDeleteI've had loads of great advice which is very useful. I've pulled out what I've done so far and I'm going to start again, putting the advice I've had in to practice.
DeleteThe last time I cross-stitched was high school! Gosh, it's like a lifetime ago. But I admit it's addicting.
ReplyDeleteIt's a new hobby to me but I'm really enjoy it, as you say, it's quite addictive but relaxing at the same time.
DeleteLots of helpful advice here, isn't blogging good for that? My tuppence worth would be to have plenty of fabric spare around the edges to make framing easier. I favour using a hoop, but a little one just on the area I'm working on and roll up the rest with a clip. As you can't start in the centre of this piece, I would count it out on the fabric and tack guide lines to make sure the whole design fits correctly. It's worth double checking everything at this stage so you don't get near the end and find you've made a boob xx
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased that I've asked the advice of those more knowledgeable than I am, as you say, it's worth getting everything right from the beginning, it would be awful to get to the end and find out I'd done something wrong at this stage. I'll probably make lots of errors along the way, it's all a learning curve, but it won't be for the lack of great advice I've received from everyone. Thank you for your help.
DeleteJo, I have just enlarged the January graph and the designer says that you will need fabric 28" x 28" for the 3x4 layout. This INCLUDES 3" around the design for framing; so if you haven't already restarted your stitching, measure down from the top left corner 3" and in from the left hand edge 3" and start where the lines cross and you should be in the right area.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that, I have noticed where she mentions the extra 3" now. I'm doing the 4x3 layout but that extra 3" is still included in the sizes given for that.
DeleteHere's my two cents worth, even though I feel you have gotten really great suggestions already. Masking tape is great but the edges do tend to fray when you remove it. If you can, a zigzag stitch on the sewing machine really works best. As far as a hoop, I am using one more and more as I get older. I didn't use to because I like controlling the fabric with my hand but as I have RA and my hands tend to hurt doing this now, I do use a hoop. I love the idea of the cling wrap. I will have to try that.
ReplyDeleteOn most designs, it is best to start in the middle, however, I have bought two pieces lately that advise to start in the upper right hand corner. The pieces are large landscapes and the graphs are on several pages. It just makes sense to start in a corner. Good luck and keep us posted on the stitching.
Hugs,
Sharon
Thanks for that advice. I can't use a sewing machine so I shall have to see what else I can do before I remove the masking tape. I've now restarted the cross stitch moving right in away from the edges so I'm hoping that will help. I'm still not using a hoop or a frame, it's just too awkward for me to hold it with it being such a large piece, I'll just have to see how I get on with it.
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