I'm thinking for my label for my quilt, when I'm done, I'd like to do it in cross-stitch and attach it to a block on the lower right hand corner of the quilt. I'm wondering when and how I can do this. When II do cross-stitch, I have to do it on the 14count fabric or it will come out messy. I'm hoping I can just sew that fabric onto the quilt.

Can anyone give me any \advice?

I have never done that, but it sound like a great idea. I would worry about the cross stitch fabric shrinking and the thread bleeding. Maybe if you washed it before putting it on the quilt, it might work. I would love to try it.

Yes, I would wash once you you complete your embroidery. I just embroidered a label for a quilt and washed it. The floss did not bleed. Yea! Frankly, I think cross stitch would be lovely!!

I tried incorporating old cross-stitch pieces I had done into a quilt, but they ended up shrinking a LOT since they were on Aida cloth that I had not pre-washed.

Thanks for the tips on washing. I do always wash my work when I'm done with it.

What I'm wondering is how I might attach it to the quilt?

I would think you have lots of options to attach it...you could incorporate it into part of one of the blocks, you could turn the edges under and applique it to the quilt, you could just machine applique it with some pretty stitches...be creative and have fun with it. I think it will look great as long as it doesn't shrink! :D

I embroider most of my labels. I just like that final hand touch and to let the folks getting the quilt know that I loved it enough to put needle hand work on it.

What I would do with the cross stitch is to make it a block. That is, take strips of fabric the same color as the background and stitch them to the sides, then the top and bottom. Turn under the edging like a binding and slip stitch it to the back of the quilt. Then I would take art license to embroider the edges and the joint edges with a decorative stitch because you wouldn't want to quilt through the cross stitch.

Be not afraid to try something, you'll only know it works it you try it! :wink:

Hugs,
Sharon

I would do like Sharon and make a block. I have done a quilted XS wall hanging with 14ct aida and sashings and it turned out fine.

I do cross stitch using some tear away stuff that I buy at JoAnns. It is stiff and is kind of like canvas. You cross stitch in the holes and when you are through you pull out the threads of the stiff stuff. Wish I could remember the name of it.

That sounds like a neat product. If you think of the name of it, let me know...I might be interested in it for other projects. :D

That sounds like a neat product. If you think of the name of it, let me know...I might be interested in it for other projects. :D [/quote]


It is called Waste Canvas and it is available in small squares, about 6 x 6 or in larger rolls. It may be tricky at times to pull away, but if you wet it a little it comes out easy. You can also use other fabrics than aida, like an evenweave, that does not shrink as much.

Maria

I use needle nose plyers to pull out waste canvas.

Rose H.

I doubt if you would need the pliers on the waste canvas if you are only cross stitching through the cotton top. I would bet that you couldn't stitch tight enough to make it difficult. Now if you were going to cross stitch through the sandwich, you've got a kettle of fish of a different sort with the back having knots and such.

Michaels carries the waste canvas. I've used it. I really think your easier bet is to make Label Block, I think it will make your life easier.
:D

I have done this many times on 14 count aida and it has always come out great!

I've done this and either sewed it in, or used fusible web to attach it. It's probably smart to prewash (pre-shrink). I've used both aida and linen. I love the look of embroidery on linen. :)

I've used that waste canvas before to cross stitch on sweat shirts. Its a breeze to use and pull out. Works great!

i have antique tablecloths made by my grandmother. i also have ones made for me by my mil when i married. both are made with c & c embroidery thread. when i bleach (yes! bleach! nothing else gets out those grease stains) them, the thread does not fade. shrink? oh, yes. sooooooo.......when i started making baby clothes for my dd i wound the embroidery thread around a wooden spool LOOSELY, washed in hot water to shrink (you could boil in water) and never looked back! every time she messed her things i could bleach them clean. nothing ever faded, shrunk or bled after the pre-treating.

That's a great idea, thanks! I usually embroider my name, date etc direct onto the backing and am a bit worried about using dark coloured embroidery thread because it might run when washed - I'll do this in future! :D

K x

barbsbus, is it called waste mesh canvas? I have been looking for many months, for this, and our Joann's doesn't carry it. Many ppl I have asked, aren't even familiar.
Actually, I am not familiar either. I read that it is a product that allows you to cross stitch on plain fabrics, etc. I would love to purchase some. I have tried looking on net, but must not be typing in the correct wording. thanks, qnc

MimiSharon wrote:
...Michaels carries the waste canvas.

THANK YOU, MIMISHARON!!! will look on my next trip there. :D :D :D

YAY! Something I can reply to from experience! I've made a quilt with many blocks of cross stitch. They're all dragons! I didn't wash the quilt until after it was done. There was no shrinkage. The cross stitch fabric is now very soft. And I just sewed the squares in like normal. I've been meaning to put a pic up. I'll try to get it on today for you.

here we go..

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/l...62.page#333220

My labels have always been done on Aida Cloth, 14 count, with 2 strands of matching floss, approximately 3X4 inches. Always soak it in warm water before attaching it. I would hate to see it shrink on the quilt.

I have attached it in 2 way; with iron on interfacing, sticky side to right side, stitched all the way around and cut to turn. This is a little bulky and should be ironed in place-flattening the quilt. The better way is to pin it under the binding and all around, then turning the edges under like applique. Both processes are pleasing to the eye. I've also soaked them in tea to achieve an antique look.

I enjoy cross stitching so much that I made my grandaughter Emma's quilt with Winnie the Pooh series block. The blocks were begun during my daughter's pregnancy and the quilt was presented on Emma's 3rd Birthday-wow!

I actually peiced an entire quilt from some cross stitch a friend wanted made into a quilt. I backed each piece with fusible interfacing. It worked out really well. I think the same for your label would be great! Great idea!

SusieT,
my grandbaby (5), is sitting here with me, and she loves the quilt on Emma's bed, and she says that, "I wish I could meet her". She is a real sweetie, and loves other children. She asked if me and her granddaddy had ever met her, and I said no. She said, "will I ever meet her, nana?"
and I said, "maybe, someday." :D

I have never done this but would like to. I alwasy worried about the treads coming undone after a few washings but if you used the iron on stablizer that would secure them.
Thanks for the tip all.
Gale

OMG! I bought 4 packs of Waste Canvas yesterday at Joann's for $1.99 each! Don't know if that's a good deal for me or not, but I got it anyway!

Now, when I use this, I'm assuming I do the cross-stitch as normal, making sure I pre-shirnk everything. As for the thread, how do you dry it after you soak it in warm water? Also, when the cross stitch is done, and I pull the canvas out, how does the stitching stay in place? And can i use fusable web to attach it to the back of my quilt?

Its called Tear away waste canvas. I used it on this baby blanket. The daisies were embroidered tho here it is with the waste canvas
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/...56568968pTyCzT

yes do everything as normal. I find after i'm done. i spray it with water cuz the canvas is stiff. for me it was easier to pull out. just pull on each canvas string. like your unraveling it. it'll leave your work.... i hope this makes sense :D

Do I attach the design to the fabric first, then remove the canvas?

yes. look at this link. you'll see i have it pinned to fabric
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/...56568968pTyCzT

I see, you have the fabric and canvas in the frame while you stitch the piece. I get it now. Thanks for your help!

For that particular blanket, I used prequilted muslin.... In your case just use the plain muslin. I found the tighter the weave I guess you call it the better it looks. Like the fabric used for pillowcases. I personally love the muslin. Have fun, and please show us pics when your done.. :D :D

Amazing....this board is like having someone reading your mind.......I was just thinking about whether or not I could incorporate some of my stash of crossstitch supplies into my newest obession(quilting)!!

Thanks ladies for all your knowledge.

Hi quiltncrazy,
My name is Susan and we live in W Massachusetts. Emma's quilt was my first attempt at crosstitch/quilt design. She is my first grandaughter and now 4 yrs old, attending an A.M. pre-school. She too loves other children and I'm sure your grandaughter and she would love each other. Emma loves to watch what I do and is quite the fashion fashionista, loves fabrics and good design. funny!
Grandkids just reach deep inside you, don't they.
Susan

I'm originally from Western Mass...North Adams to be exact...

Hi Jen,
We are in Springfield/Wilbraham, MA-thanks for introducing yourself. You didn't go far though, but you probably see more culture than I do. We have limited quilting and fabric choices, thank God for the internet.
Susan

I'm about an hour and 15 minutes away from where I used to live. All my family is still there. Such a tiny little town compared to living in Albany. I'd love to live half way between there and here. Some day.

Out here I have a pretty large Joann's and Walmarts, but I haven't ventured into any local quilt shops yet.