Fabrics Tips
Read these 14 Fabrics Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Cross Stitching tips and hundreds of other topics.
Gift Ideas
Bookmarks make wonderful gifts as they work up quickly and are very easy to personalize with a name or title of a favorite book.
Removing Waste Canvas
When removing waste canvas threads, remove the vertical threads first, then the horizontal.
Re-use Packaging
Keep those plastic rolls that some fabrics come in when store bought. You can re-use them to store your projects.
Right and Wrong Sides
Perforated paper does have a right and a wrong side. The smooth side is the right side, and is where the cross stitch design should be seen.
Cutting Paper
Finish stitching the design before cutting the perforated paper. Use small sharp scissors to ensure the best results.
Removing Waste Canvas
To remove waste canvas, first take out the basting stitches, then wet the waste canvas with a spray bottle. Gently pull the threads of the waste canvas out from under the cross stitches with tweezers. Be patient - it will take some time.
Ways to Prevent Fraying
To prevent the edges of fabric from fraying you can zigzag with a sewing machine, serge, or fold them over and baste stitch by hand. Masking tape is never a recommended solution!
Never Fold Fabric
To store fabric for long periods of time, roll it loosely and keep it where it won't get crushed. Never fold fabric - the creases will be difficult to get out of a finished project.
Attaching Waste Canvas
Attach waste canvas by using a basting stitch in a color that contrasts with both the canvas and the fabric. Make sure it is snug, but don't allow the fabric to pucker or it will affect your stitches.
Fabric Size
Generally, you will want to allow an extra 3-4 inches of fabric on each side of the design. The amount of fabric will depend on the plans for finishing the piece such as framing or sewing into a pillow.
Sizing Waste Canvas
Cut waste canvas larger than the pattern by a few inches on each side. Doublecheck before cutting to ensure it's not too small for the design.
Don't Fold It!
Don't fold perforated paper to find the center. Instead, use a ruler and mark softly with pencil which can be erased later.
Finishing a Bookmark
To finish a bookmark, cover the back of the stitching with fusible web. Cut a piece to fit the back of the bookmark and follow the directions on the package to apply it properly.
Stitching On Linen
The difference between Aida and linen is that linen is normally stitched over two threads and Aida is stitched over one square.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D. |
