Cross stitching is a very relaxing hobby. It's wonderful to see a pattern come to life as you complete each stitch. Plus, it feels even better to show off your work once you're done. But even the best cross stitcher has had some help along the way. Here are my favourite cross stitch tips and tricks that I've learned and now I would like to pass them on to you.
If you've ever had to wash your cross stitching, I'm sure that your biggest worry was about whether the colours would run or not. To prevent the colours from running or bleeding into the other threads or the fabric, it's best to wash the thread before using it. The best way to wash the threads is to soak them in a mixture of 1 cup of cold water and 1 cup of white vinegar for 1-2 hours. Then rinse and hang to dry before using.
Magnets are very handy and one should always be kept close by when you are cross stitching. There are two big reasons of why magnets should be used. First, if you drop your needle, it will be easier to find it with a magnet. Simply pass your magnet over the area where the needle is and as soon as the magnet passes by, it will pick up the needle. Second, magnets are a natural way to store or temporarily hold your needle, since they are attracted to magnets. As long as you can find your magnet, you can find your needles.
If you find that your thread is becoming tangled while you work with it, simply let go of the needle and let it hang down from your cross stitching. While it is hanging, the weight of the needle will allow the thread to unwind and become straight again.
To help prevent your thread from becoming tangled, try cross stitching with shorter lengths of thread. Your thread should be no longer than 12 inches long. Otherwise it will become too worn and frayed from being constantly pulled through the fabric. Shorter lengths have less wear and tear on them so they are less likely to become tangled than longer lengths of thread.
It's a lot easier to prevent creases in your cross stitching than to try and iron them out later. One of the best ways to prevent creases is by not folding your fabric, especially when you are not cross stitching. Once you are ready to set aside your needlework for an extended amount of time, don't fold it. Instead, roll it up and place it inside an empty paper towel cardboard roll.
As well, if you like to use an embroidery hoop while you are stitching, make sure to take the hoop off of your needlework when you are not stitching. If the hoop is left on your cross stitch fabric for any length of time, it will leave permanent creases that will be hard to get out.
Sometimes, despite all your care and efforts, your needlework will become dirty. The best way to wash out that dirt is to first pour some Ivory dishwashing liquid into a clean sink or container and add cold water. It is important that the water is cold because colours are more likely to run in warm water, but they will never run in cold water. Place your needlework in the water and allow it to soak until the dirt comes off. Never rub or scrub hard to get the dirt off, as this will damage your cross stitching and ruin all of your hard work. Once your needlework is clean, gently rinse it in cold water. Then lay it flat on a clean towel and allow it to dry.
I hope that you have found these tips useful. If you have any favourite cross stitch tips or tricks that you would like to share, please e-mail me, Joanne, at jtkjones@beautifulcreations.ca and I'll post them here.
Here's one final tip: Use good quality supplies when cross stitching. Here's why:
Want to ensure that you're using good quality supplies? Then check out our selection of Cross Stitch Supplies. We have everything you need, from fabrics to floss to frames and more!
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