counted cross stitch question
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,926
Okay,
so maybe I don't have enough different crafts/projects etc. going on... I got a Needleworks catalog (associated with Keepsake Quilting) and found some cute counted cross stitch projects. One of them that I really like, a series of snowmen, has perforated paper as the base instead of cloth. Can anyone explain this to me? Paper? Has anyone worked with it before? Would it not be the best choice for a beginner to work with?
Thanks in advance, hope someone has some opinions on this,
lots2do...but still looking for more to do!
so maybe I don't have enough different crafts/projects etc. going on... I got a Needleworks catalog (associated with Keepsake Quilting) and found some cute counted cross stitch projects. One of them that I really like, a series of snowmen, has perforated paper as the base instead of cloth. Can anyone explain this to me? Paper? Has anyone worked with it before? Would it not be the best choice for a beginner to work with?
Thanks in advance, hope someone has some opinions on this,
lots2do...but still looking for more to do!
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: VA
Posts: 311
I am a former cross stitcher and once I tried a project on paper.
It requires a stitcher who does not pull too tightly and it does not like unstitching because the paper tears. I know there are methods to repair the paper. Personally, I perfer linen.
Rita
It requires a stitcher who does not pull too tightly and it does not like unstitching because the paper tears. I know there are methods to repair the paper. Personally, I perfer linen.
Rita
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Seacoast New Hampshire
Posts: 1,181
When you cross stitch on paper it looks like you cross stitched on paper. 8-) I don't like the look. Having said that, you can stitch any design on any fabric. Try stitching it on 14 or 16 count Aida cloth to start. Leave enough fabric so you can make a wallhanging, quilt, totebag, or stuff it and make a 3D snowman.
I used to cross stitch on my daughter's clothes. You use waste canvas to cross stitch the design and when finished, just pull out the strings of the waste canvas.
edit: check out "The Stitchery" for kits and "Herschnners" for fabrics. Great sites. If you really want to drool, check out "abcstitch". Take the virtual tour. And don't get mad at me after. :wink:
I used to cross stitch on my daughter's clothes. You use waste canvas to cross stitch the design and when finished, just pull out the strings of the waste canvas.
edit: check out "The Stitchery" for kits and "Herschnners" for fabrics. Great sites. If you really want to drool, check out "abcstitch". Take the virtual tour. And don't get mad at me after. :wink:
#4
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,926
Thanks for the advice, ladies!
That was exactly what I was worried about...having to do the rip-it stitch and ripping the paper. I did see one I liked with cloth - a lot of little houses on gray that I may try instead. I will try the sites you suggested too, Nancy. (Like I need another pastime...oh well, looks like fun).
:)lots2do
That was exactly what I was worried about...having to do the rip-it stitch and ripping the paper. I did see one I liked with cloth - a lot of little houses on gray that I may try instead. I will try the sites you suggested too, Nancy. (Like I need another pastime...oh well, looks like fun).
:)lots2do
#6
if you're a beginning counted-x-stitcher i recommend you start with aida cloth. it's woven so that you can easily see where to poke the needle through for even stitches. once the project is done you have to option of washing it to shrink those little holes. they all but disappear and you almost have the look of linen or even-weave.
if you choose to wash, make sure to stitch a little hem around the edges to prevent fraying. if you throw it into the dryer to maximize shrinking, you'll need to wet it again so you can block it back into shape.
if you choose to wash, make sure to stitch a little hem around the edges to prevent fraying. if you throw it into the dryer to maximize shrinking, you'll need to wet it again so you can block it back into shape.
#7
I have never seen the point of stitching on paper - it surely can't last as long as stitching on cotton or linen fabric, and what is the point of doing all that work for it to disintegrate that much quicker? You can only frame it, you can't do any of the other things with it that you can if you stitches on fabric, ie cushions, quilts, aprons, household goods, babies articles etc. etc.
#10
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,926
Thanks again!
I'll keep far away from the paper...and look for something with Aida cloth.
I was in a second hand shop yesterday and found someone's Home is where the heart is counted cross stitch project. It was really lovely. May have to go back and rescue it. It was in a wooden frame that looked like it was from the fifties or so.
lot2do
PS Thanks for the tip on washing it afterwards too. I wouldn't have known to do that.
I'll keep far away from the paper...and look for something with Aida cloth.
I was in a second hand shop yesterday and found someone's Home is where the heart is counted cross stitch project. It was really lovely. May have to go back and rescue it. It was in a wooden frame that looked like it was from the fifties or so.
lot2do
PS Thanks for the tip on washing it afterwards too. I wouldn't have known to do that.
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