L&L dreamcatcher and dancer

[amyalice]

Hello
I am new here
I could use some help. I have been x stitching for about 20 years. I have almost completed the Lavender and Lace Dreamcatcher (the one with the native american woman dancing and the dreamcatcher in the background - it has suede tassels on it) I have sewn the dreamcatcher itself 3 times and unpicked each time as it is in long stitch and no matter what I do it does not lay flat. I stitch on a frame with it well stretched but when I remove the piece it seems saggy to me. Has anyone else done this piece?
thanks
AmyAlice
Snow Tiger
Dimensions Snowman
Paula Vaughn Roses
The Reapers

[Vega]

Have you tried couching the stitches? I'll admit I hate the method of having to use 2 needles and tacking stitches down, but it might help keep the effect you're looking for.

[Mabel Figworthy]

You could even try "self-couching" -- stitch the long stitch, then use the same needle and thread to make little couching stitches along its length.

[amyalice]

Hi
thanks for your replies - I have tried couching - mine isnt that effective, it still shows if you look closely!! has anyone tried doing longstitch by stitching each stitch like running stitch then going back the other way and and filling in the spaces by repeating the stitch in the opposite direction?

I have tried 'backstitching' - as you would on embroidery - but it still doesnt lay flat. Someone told me it wouldnt matter once stretched and framed but I would like it to be relatively taut prior to that.

thanks for all your comments
amyalice

[Kyla]

I finished this one a few years ago. I did the suede in long stitches and was worried about it laying flat too. But when I had it framed, it looked perfect. Actually, the framer told me if I had made it too tight, the suede would have broken.

Good Luck!