The Sewing Place

The Emporia => Embroidery and Embellishment => Topic started by: sewingj on February 26, 2019, 16:13:37 PM

Title: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
Post by: sewingj 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?
Title: Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
Post by: Acorn 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!
Title: Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
Post by: maliw 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.
Title: Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
Post by: Helen M 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?
Title: Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
Post by: sewingj 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
Title: Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
Post by: wrenkins 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.
Title: Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
Post by: sewingj 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
Title: Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
Post by: Helen M 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!
Title: Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
Post by: Bogwoppit 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.
Title: Re: how to keep cross stitch even without a hoop?
Post by: sewingj 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