I've wanted to try long stitch for ages, so I was pleased when the Derwentwater "Boat Thro' Archway" kit arrived in the post last week! But, knowing nothing about long stitch, I have a few questions:

(1) Does it distort the canvas in the way needlepoint does? Will it need reshaping when finished?

(2) In the completed photo, some of the colours have a larger vertical spacing than others. Actually, there is no mention of this in the instructions or on the printed pattern. How is this done? Is it pulling the threads tighter so the canvas is pulled? Or do I just skip a row of horizontal holes? (if you see what I mean?)

(3) The kit uses 22ct mono or interlock canvas, or something similar, and includes a size 24 tapestry needle. Surely that can't be right for 22ct canvas, can it? Wouldn't I be better using a 26 or 28?

Completely new to long stitch so I'd appreciate any advice.

Deb

It sounds like a wonderful pattern but I know nothing about long stitch. Do you have an LNS someplace close that you could take it in and get some advice??????

I use 24's for my long stitch. As long as the needle doesn't distort the canvas it's whatever you are comfortable with.

The canvas will distort less but it still has a tendance to unsquare itself along the way, so it will need to be stretched and you will find you get a nicer result if you keep your tension static.

I'm not sure what you mean about the vertical spacing but generally there is no change in tension (so no pulling the thread tighter) all changes in spacing are done by going up or down holes in the canvas or in the case of vertical stitches accross a hole or more.

You'll love long stitch, it's quicker than cross 8}

Ok, Mystonique, I have to ask: What is long stitching?

Long stitch is usually vertical stitches that go over a range of different numbers of threads to create different length vertical stitches. (It can be horizontol also but never diagonal).

Long stitch is usually done on canvas rather than material. Canvas is stiffer and has bigger holes. Because it's done on canvas it's often done with wool but can be done with any sort of thread depending on the size of the canvas and number of strands of thread. Long stitch is rarely charted - more often printed on the canvas.

Because one 'Long' stitch can go over several threads, whereas a cross stitch will always cross over 1 or 2 long, stitch is usually quicker than cross stitch.

I'm not sure I've done justice explaining it.

Rose: what's LNS?

(By the way, I do like your signature motto!)


Mystonique: thank you for the advice. I'll see how that 24 needle fits with the canvas and take it from there.

I'm not sure how best to describe what I mean by vertical spacing. A picture might show it better. I'll see if I can work out how to post one.

And thanks for the sentiment - I'm sure I will enjoy it. The cross stitching projects I'm currently doing are for other people, so I wanted something quick and relaxing just for myself. Don't get me wrong; I love cross stitch. Just, sometimes it's nice to try something else.

I'd say that was a good description, Mystonique.

Diana, think of long stitch as like painting-by-numbers, but with thread. The pattern is printed on the canvas, and it does look just the way paint-by-numbers outlines do.

A paper chart indicates which colour is used for each little section. And those sections are filled in just the way Mystonique describes.

It looks fun. I'm hoping so, anyway.

I hope you do post some pictures of this as I don't think I have ever seen a Long Stitch piece. Sounds very interesting. To post a pic follow the instructions in this thread: Posting Pictures into a Thread and ask if you have any questions.
LNS is Local Needlework Shop. I found this Glossary Terms very helpful when I joined the forum. I'd been stitching for a long time, but had no stitching friends and there are so many terms, abbreviations, etc that I had never heard of before joining the forum. The glossary is wonderful, but always ask questions and someone will know the answer.

Carole

Hmm, seems Flckr doesn't permit direct linking to images via other websites. (At least, I can't work out how, anyway ).

But if you go here, you will see the finished picture as shown in the kit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/82297066@N05/7542796374/in/photostream"%20target="_blank"%20target="_blank"%20target="_blank

Look at the bricks which make the archway. That's the "vertical spacing" I was trying to describe. You can see the canvas between the stones, making it look like like grouting. As you say there is no change in tension, Mystonique, I suppose it must a skipped row of holes, do you think?

Ok, so my "screen name" is backafteradozenyears...when I was stitching back then, DH was in the Navy. When he returned from one Mediterranean cruise, he brought me a canvas with the Acropolis (I'm guessing here from my memory that it was that, might have been a temple or something else) painted on it. I had no idea what it was then (what kind of needlework) I need to dig that out & maybe do it (add it to my stash!)

Ahhh, thank you rcperryls!

In that case, the only local place would be Hobbycraft. It's a very useful place to have nearby, although a little pricey! And yes, I have found the staff to be very helpful on the few occasions I've asked for advice.

And also thanks for that how-to-post-pictures page. That helps a lot! I think I get it now, but Flikr does seem to have blocked direct linking to pictures as far as I can tell

Ooops, sorry You can tell I'm new to forums, can't you?

I'm learning, but slowly

And if you do find that Acropolis canvas, I'd love to see it.

Interesting how that works to develop into a lovely piece. I can see how this could be more relaxing than a chart filled with confetti. How far have you gotten? I hope you will post pictures of your stitching. I don't link my photos directly to Photobucket, but copy the img code and that links it somehow to Photobucket (beyond my understanding). Don't know how flickr works, but several forum members use it also, so they might be able to help. I know Mrs Milkybar Kid uses it sometimes but she is on vacation this week. Can't think of who else does.

Carole

I haven't begun it yet. Partly I wanted advice before starting, but also I don't have a suitable frame to hand.

I like using those wooden bars which come in pairs and slot together. (sorry, can't remember what they are called or who makes them). It's easy to tack the canvas to them, and they are light enough to hold without discomfort.

But I need to get a pair of the right length - the ones I have are too long.

So, hopefully I can get those on Friday when I go to town.

Useful to know others use Flickr too. Thank you, rcperryls. That shows it can be done. Do you know, which is the best section of the forum to ask for technical help like that?

I think this one is fine or Tips and Tricks would also fit. I usually browse with forum by "view new posts" but a lot of members browse particular forums so it does make sense to post threads in the "right" one. Eventually someone will see it, I think, and reply if they know the answer.

Carole

OK, I will post one in Tips & Tricks as well to increase the chances of it being seen. Thank you for the suggestion

I haven't done any long stitch (yet) - my guess though is that the stitches are through the same hole, and it just looks like it might be otherwise because of the number of stitches in a straight line.

Good point, mags. Could be that, yes.

There is a lot is "spare" canvas around the actual design. What I will do before beginning the actual picture is to try a few threads in that space and see if it is the way you say.

I haven't done long stitch but from the picture I would say that the difference in vertical spacing is to do with the model stitcher's tension -- there is no horizontal canvas thread visible in the gap so the working thread above and below the gap must go into the same hole.

I do know that it with the same amount of "pull" you will distort the fabric/canvas more on shorter stitches than on longer ones, and I think that's what happened in this piece; the bricks are relatively short stitches.

Hmm, yes, it does seem to be more pronounced where the stitches are shorter than elsewhere. I never noticed that until you said. Thank you, Mabel.

Well, I've got a frame now, thanks to a friend who was kind enough to go to Hobbycraft while I was at tai chi class yesterday evening. So, hopefully stitching will begin this weekend.