The Sewing Place

how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?

sewingj

how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
« on: February 26, 2019, 16:13:37 PM »
I`m about to start my first cross-stitch project for years - it`s going to be a wedding present

https://www.123stitch.com/item/Dimensions-Love-Is-Patient-Cross-Stitch-Kit/K70-65144

It`s on 14 count Aida and the piece of Aida is 26 cms x 21 cms.  Instructions recommend putting it into a hoop or scroll frame but this Aida is much stiffer than any I have used before and when I tried to put it in a hoop it was obvious that was going to cause serious crease marks which would be a devil to get out.  I don`t have a scroll frame that would fit and I`m not keen to buy one just for this project (I`m not likely to do any more - my eyes aren`t up to it)

Most of the stitches are back stitches rather than crosses and I`m tempted to just hold it in my hands and be careful - and maybe keep pressing it.  Will I regret it?

Acorn

Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
« Reply #1 on: February 26, 2019, 16:29:52 PM »
I've done a lot of cross stitch over the years, and I've never used a hoop or frame.  I've never had any problems with it going out of shape, on any type of fabric, and I wouldn't say that I was a terribly careful sewer!
I might look as though I'm talking to you, but inside my head I'm sewing.

maliw

Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
« Reply #2 on: February 26, 2019, 17:21:58 PM »
Like you @Acorn I've done loads of cross stitch and never used a hoop and never had a problem, just don't pull the thread tight.
At leisure on the leisure penninsula

Helen M

Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
« Reply #3 on: February 26, 2019, 17:37:50 PM »
I've used a hoop on some but not on others with good results from both. Would you not get the creases out when washing on completion?
Stash Busting 2024 - Goal: 25 metres
So far:  1.5 metres  ------ Donated : 0 metres
Items decluttered: 55

sewingj

Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2019, 17:54:01 PM »
@Helen M  to be honest I wasn't expecting to wash it! It's a long time since I did one but I don't remember washing them

wrenkins

Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
« Reply #5 on: February 26, 2019, 18:02:06 PM »
I always washed mine because of my sweaty little paws grabbing the backing for weeks on end. Don't use bio powder whatever you do. It takes any and all colour out of the aida.
I always used a hoop, my friend never did. See how you get on.
Harbouring resentment is like swallowing poison and waiting for the other person to die!

sewingj

Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
« Reply #6 on: February 26, 2019, 18:07:59 PM »
It's not very big and my eyes will only let me do it in short bursts so I should be able to keep my hands clean

Helen M

Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
« Reply #7 on: February 26, 2019, 19:28:41 PM »
I just used a liquid sweater wash or a mild washing up liquid to wash. Rinse well then pat dry on a clean towel and then press from wrong side onto a thick towel. You'll be amazed how much the stitches stand out afterwards and it evens them out as well.

I know what you mean about your eyes only letting you do small amounts at a time!
Stash Busting 2024 - Goal: 25 metres
So far:  1.5 metres  ------ Donated : 0 metres
Items decluttered: 55

Bogwoppit

Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
« Reply #8 on: February 28, 2019, 19:45:44 PM »
I used to do a lot of cross stitch and only used a hoop on floppy linen that I needed to keep square.

My poppy and corn circle on a napkin gets used in church every remembrance Sunday and I'm always amazed that I did it when I was still at school. I copied the design from a library book onto graph paper with coloured pencils.
Lurking in Lancashire, improving my sewing when life gives me time.

sewingj

Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
« Reply #9 on: March 18, 2019, 15:39:14 PM »
Well, I've nearly finished and I'm very cross because there isn't enough of the main colour thread - and I've been very careful not to waste any.
The instructions say the threads are made especially for them and I need to contact them for more - in America.
Hopefully there is some in my stash which is near enough to be acceptable