Big projects - Help with creasing!

[Kryss]

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I posted here as I've been flat out with my new baby! My little girl is now six months old, and I'm finally getting back into some cross stitch projects.

So I have a question. I've been working on a very large cross stitch pattern for almost four years now. I think I posted some pictures of it a while ago. I'm getting close to finishing it, but I'm noticing that because I've worked the design in square sections, there are creases between each section. I've ironed one of the creases and while it does improve matters, I can still see a line.

I know a lot of you like to do large patterns, so I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on how I can remove these creases? I want to exhibit the finished cross stitch, but if there are creases I'll be too embarrassed!

[Angel]

As silly as it sounds...when I wash a piece and put it on the radiator to dry...I find the creases come out naturally...it's a little rounded where I folded it over the radiator, but there arent actually any creases...

[Kryss]

Here's a picture of the problem:



You can see the crease across the middle of the photo.

This is the only row of tacking that I've removed so far, but there is a definite crease there. And this is after I've ironed it! I've very worried that even washing and blocking the design won't remove the creases, in which case I'm going to have a very large grid which is very noticeable on my finished work.

Argh, help!

[Mystonique]

I'd wash it, when it's wet roll it tightly first in one direction then the other. Snap shake it (where you hold it and shake it to snap the water out) first in one direction then the other and then blow dry it. Finally a steam iron can do wonders for these things =}

[dollystitcher]

I do exactly the same as Angel, wash it then put it either on or above the radiator to dry. It works every time.

[Kryss]

Okay, so the general consensus seems to be that a really good washing will sort it out, so I will definitely do that. I'm sure you guys are right. I just have this lingering feeling that I have super-dooper creases that will be there forever!

[mig-3]

I have to agree with the others. A good steaming should get rid of the creases. I have a good iron with variable steam and power steam jets and a very heavy white towel that I bought specifically for that purpose. They turned out to be very good investments.

[Arianwen]

Try ironing it while its still a touch damp - like you would with clothes.

I do this if I have a particularly stubborn crease. I usually iron my pieces through a tea towel so try this if your worried about the hot iron being directly on the stitching but again I've never had a problem ironing it without. I find that this also helps to dry the piece out and helps it to feel nice and crisp and stiff again

Remember that if you frame/mount it some of the creases will smooth out that way too as you stretch the fabric

[Kryss]

Thanks all.

Arianwen, you're right about the framing, but unfortunately, the exhibition I want to enter it into insists that it be unframed! So not only are they going to be able to see the back of the piece (eep!) but I don't get the help of the framing to get rid of the creases.

But I'm feeling a bit more confident that they'll come out now, thanks everyone. First I have to finish it! I'll let you know how I go when the time comes.

[Arianwen]

Just unframed? or unframed and unmounted?

Because if its just unframed I'd be tempted to mount it up and lace the back or get someone to lace it and submit it that way ( I'm terrible I know )

[Kryss]

Unframed and unmounted. It's just the piece of stitched fabric. I think they want to be able to see the back, and they tend to hang all the pieces by fishing wire in a glass case, not flat against a wall (which is rubbish imo, but that's how it is).

So yeah, no sort of support whatsoever. I just have to get these creases out.

[mig-3]

Ooh. I hope the competition is as cool as it sounds. A truly technical competition would be great!

[Kryss]

Well, it's not that exciting. It's the Royal Easter Show in Sydney, and they have a big arts and crafts show as part of it. I just figured that since I worked on it for so long, someone should see it! After that, it's just going to hang on my wall.

[Mel_o_pop]

Wow!!! I live in Sydney too!!! Wat suburb u in???

[Mystonique]

It's the Royal Easter Show in Sydney

It is that exciting!!! Good luck =}

[Kryss]

The big day is today! The stitching is finished, the guide lines have been unpicked (which took a week and a half all on its own), and today is washing day!

Fingers crossed that this solves my creasing problem.

[coffee_freak]

here's what i do..i get the piece soaking wet..then lay it on a towel and roll it up..squeeze it semi dry..then unroll and lay to air dry..putting it on a dry towel. Then when air dry I iron it , covering the stitching with a sheet.

hope it helps!

[Kryss]

Well, it's been washed and I tried ironing while it was still damp. It didn't work, the creases are still there as strong as ever. I'll try a few more times, but I'm a bit discouraged. I'm starting to think this is going to be unfixable.

[kimkat_tkl]

I wonder if it is possible to come up with a way to stretch it (as you would if you were lacing it for framing) and leave it 'stretching' for a few days?

[Evedeve]

on the stretching idea maybe blocking? like you would for quilt bits or crochet blocks?