Chicken Scratch Newbie
03-29-2018, 02:46 AM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,819
What a pretty design! I did Chicken Scratch many years ago and it is fun to do. Yes, if you use a hoop for regular embroidery to prevent puckering, you need one for this, too. As to backing--at the time I did this, gingham was 100% cotton. Most manufacturers have added polyester to gingham nowadays and you may see a different result than "back when". I don't know that I'd like the drape having backing on it but, if it's intended for use on a pillow, that might not make a difference. I do think it would be more difficult to pull the needle through though, depending on the size of the square.
Isn't it fun to see how techniques seem to have a come-back as years go by? Don't throw patterns away, even if they have gone out of vogue! Remember candle-wicking? Loved it, too.
Isn't it fun to see how techniques seem to have a come-back as years go by? Don't throw patterns away, even if they have gone out of vogue! Remember candle-wicking? Loved it, too.
03-29-2018, 03:35 AM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: central NC
Posts: 1,095
Your explanation is perfect magicmoonmusing! if I may add a comment about size of needle and thread: An embroiderer also should check that the size of the needle is not too large and leaves large holes in the fabric. Love the tip about taking a needle along to try the muslin.
Question: Do you pre-wash the muslin?
[QUOTE=magicmoonmusings;8030023]Yes, a backing fabric makes a big difference for really smooth, nice looking embroidery. I just use very thin muslin. Whatever you choose be sure it needles well (something without a tight weave). I take a favourite embroidery needle with me to the fabric store when buying more muslin and just run it a few times in and out of the fabric to be sure it needles well. Be sure to baste. I like Sharon Schamber's quilt basting method because it works well for both hoop and hoopless. For embroidery I baste closer than she does.
Using an embroidery hoop or going hoopless is personal preference - I decide project by project. But if you try hoopless and find you're still getting bunching, then a cheap hoop might make a big difference for you.
If you don't want to use a base fabric, then you must use an embroidery hoop. Be sure to get one that fits well in your hand. A small one that needs to be shifted to a new area more frequently is much better than one that is too big and will strain your hands.
Crochet thread vs floss is just personal preference on the 'look' they give. Just keep in mind that a thicker thread will need a needle with a larger eye, to prevent shredding.
Question: Do you pre-wash the muslin?
[QUOTE=magicmoonmusings;8030023]Yes, a backing fabric makes a big difference for really smooth, nice looking embroidery. I just use very thin muslin. Whatever you choose be sure it needles well (something without a tight weave). I take a favourite embroidery needle with me to the fabric store when buying more muslin and just run it a few times in and out of the fabric to be sure it needles well. Be sure to baste. I like Sharon Schamber's quilt basting method because it works well for both hoop and hoopless. For embroidery I baste closer than she does.
Using an embroidery hoop or going hoopless is personal preference - I decide project by project. But if you try hoopless and find you're still getting bunching, then a cheap hoop might make a big difference for you.
If you don't want to use a base fabric, then you must use an embroidery hoop. Be sure to get one that fits well in your hand. A small one that needs to be shifted to a new area more frequently is much better than one that is too big and will strain your hands.
Crochet thread vs floss is just personal preference on the 'look' they give. Just keep in mind that a thicker thread will need a needle with a larger eye, to prevent shredding.
03-29-2018, 06:40 AM
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Somewhere in Time
Posts: 2,697
I was lucky enough to find a heavier weight checked fabric at a local store and bought yards of it. My suggestion might be to put a sheer weight interfacing on the back of your gingham and try not to pull your stitches too tight.
Locally, this is a favorite craft technic. There several pattern books available.
Locally, this is a favorite craft technic. There several pattern books available.
03-29-2018, 07:30 AM
#25
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Southern Illinois
Posts: 190
Ladies, you have really chatted about a topic I can respond to. Several of my hand quilting friends and I have made quilts with the star pattern. My latest attempt is not completed which is a chicken scratch star that measures 44"x47". The problem is what will I put with it so the star is in the center. Also I did not back it, but did cut it very large so it is not bunching too much. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
03-29-2018, 08:15 AM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Desert Hot Springs Ca
Posts: 2,633
I love chicken scratch and have made many blocks and pillows. I had a hard time finding cotton gingham check fabric tho. Its all poly which I don't like. Make sure you get the correct size squares as this fabric comes in different sizes
03-29-2018, 09:06 AM
#28
Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 79
Chicken Scratch
You've done a very nice job. First, I also back the fabric with single-sided fusible and, second, it's all about the tension when you hand-stitch. It's an art that comes with practice. You don't want it too tight so that it bunches, but you also don't want it too loose so that there is play in the floss.
Good luck on future Chicken Scratch endeavors!
Good luck on future Chicken Scratch endeavors!
03-29-2018, 04:20 PM
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: East Arkansas
Posts: 2,534
My aunt made me two sets of chicken scratch pillow cases when I got married in 1954 and I'm still using them. No backing on them she just put the scratch like you would put a decorative band on a pillow case.
03-29-2018, 06:38 PM
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
Yes, a backing fabric makes a big difference for really smooth, nice looking embroidery. I just use very thin muslin. Whatever you choose be sure it needles well (something without a tight weave). I take a favourite embroidery needle with me to the fabric store when buying more muslin and just run it a few times in and out of the fabric to be sure it needles well. Be sure to baste. I like Sharon Schamber's quilt basting method because it works well for both hoop and hoopless. For embroidery I baste closer than she does.
Using an embroidery hoop or going hoopless is personal preference - I decide project by project. But if you try hoopless and find you're still getting bunching, then a cheap hoop might make a big difference for you.
If you don't want to use a base fabric, then you must use an embroidery hoop. Be sure to get one that fits well in your hand. A small one that needs to be shifted to a new area more frequently is much better than one that is too big and will strain your hands.
Crochet thread vs floss is just personal preference on the 'look' they give. Just keep in mind that a thicker thread will need a needle with a larger eye, to prevent shredding.
It's tempting to pull stitches tight but resist it, that will create bunching/puckering. Even when using a hoop, if you pull too tight you'll get bunching when you take it out of the hoop. Keep an even tension.
Very pretty block, by the way!! Love it
Using an embroidery hoop or going hoopless is personal preference - I decide project by project. But if you try hoopless and find you're still getting bunching, then a cheap hoop might make a big difference for you.
If you don't want to use a base fabric, then you must use an embroidery hoop. Be sure to get one that fits well in your hand. A small one that needs to be shifted to a new area more frequently is much better than one that is too big and will strain your hands.
Crochet thread vs floss is just personal preference on the 'look' they give. Just keep in mind that a thicker thread will need a needle with a larger eye, to prevent shredding.
It's tempting to pull stitches tight but resist it, that will create bunching/puckering. Even when using a hoop, if you pull too tight you'll get bunching when you take it out of the hoop. Keep an even tension.
Very pretty block, by the way!! Love it
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