Making up biscornus

[Zeb]

Hi everyone, my last attempt at making a biscornu was a complete and utter failure. I am looking to try again, but a lot of the guides I read recommend that the backstitching be an even number on each side... unfortunately a few of the designs I want to stitch have an odd number.

How do we get around this so that our sides don't end up being lopsided, and the corners are crisp/even?

[*barb*]

I have not made one, it is on my list of things to do one day, but i came across this site and bookmarked it. It may help you

http://own-two-hands.livejournal.com/4186.html" target="_blank

actually I always plan to print it off but never seem to remember! I know one day I will want those instructions and the webpage will be gone.

might add that to tomorrows list of things to do!

[kell]

First off - you're little cushion that you stitched up is gorgeous, so please don't diss yourself!

Now onto the rest. When making up a biscornu that has an uneven number of stitches along an edge, you simply choose the centrsal stitch and stitch that to the first one at the first corner, then continue stitching around the biscornu from there. It evens out and you can't even tell it's an uneven amount of stitches.

It's important to keep the whip-stitching tension even - not too tight as you don't want to loosen the backstitched border, but not too loose as you don't want it to be coming apart at the seams when you stuff it.

I use a chopstick to push the stuffing into the corners and then when I've stitched up the final edge, I just manipulate the whole thing with my fingers till the stuffing is evenly distributed before attaching the buttons or beads to the centre.

With a little practice, you'll very likely become addicted to making biscornu!

[*barb*]

chopstitcks is a good idea! when I am stuffing small things I use forceps...it''s the nurse in me..it''s all i could think of

[Zeb]

Forceps!?! My my Barb

Thanks both of you, and Kell thanks especially... I really DO want to get addicted to making biscornu, they look like so much fun, but I want to get it right first!

[mags]

Hi zeb, I have made a few and I think I actually prefer an odd number of back stitches on each side as it is easier to pick out the middle.

[Zeb]

That makes sense Mags, as finding the centre would be literally the odd stitch.

I've decided to stitch a freebie design by Debbie Draper called Love for this

[Zeb]

Another question, when we're doing the backstitching around the stitching, do we do the backstitching with one strand or two?

[kell]

I tend to do both the backstitching and whip stitching in 2 strands, just for the extra strength, really, but it's also easier to pick up the stitches for assembly if the thread is a little thicker.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Up to you really -- for tiny ones I tend to use a single strand, but on the whole like Kell I prefer two strands both for strength and ease of working.

[Zeb]

This one is fairly small but I'd rather do two, just in case... but after finishing the first half last night I realised, I might not have enough thread! XD

It's one of those special DMC variations that weren't supposed to be sold seperately. Don't know how I got it buuuttt... I think I might visit the wool store near work (they sell DMC) and see if I can find a red as close as possible to the tone of this variation that I can use for the back stitching.

Thanks ladies

[Cytrix]

Well, Zeb, your first finished biscornu (from yesterday) was absolutely gorgeous!

I'm still having a bit of trouble making sure my sides are even...the first three end up perfect, but then the other sides end up either just a little bit long or a little bit short. It all stitches up fine, but I (being OCD and pedantic) notice the slightly longer and shorter edges and it drives me mad! I guess practise makes perfect?

[Zeb]

Heheh I was noticing it too with mine, thankfully it wasn't too obvious, and it being my first one, I am not fussed.

Will try to do one more before getting started on the forum's Halloween Biscornu Exchange.

Thankyou so much for your help btw! I must take photos this weekend and post them