tips for stitching wearable and thus washable items

[Mary Hammes]

I am in Wisconsin, USA. Although I have stitched decorative items which would have backings or frames this is my first attempt at both clothing and towels/linens.

I've seen some posts that say never to knot and I do not. However it seems that with items that will be in the laundry frequently I might want to do so. Can someone give me any insight into that issue?? Or perhaps a method??

Also I've read a few about backings for such items but I haven't decided the best method for that either.

I have recently obtained a magnified and true color lamp so I'm exicted again to be able to stitch and would very much like to try out some of the clothing item.

Thanks for your time and expertise.
Mary

[Rose]

I have made many items that I wash often. Shirts, towels, pot holders, ect. as long as you anchor your stitching there is no reason that you have to use a knot for stitching. It took many years for me to accept that you do not have to knot in order to get a good anchor.

The way that I do it is when I start a thread I use the loop method (explained in the Tip and Tricks Section) If I have a piece that I can not us the loop method with then I will run the thread under at least 5 stitches I then turn the needle, skip the last stitch that you went under and go back under the 4 other stitches. This give a very good anchor and I have never lost any stitching due to washing or use. I also use the running under method when finishing off. But I also will put a knot in if I think that is my best option.

As fr backing you can go to most fabric stores and talk to a clerk that knows about sewing and they can show you all of the different types of product that you can use for backings. There are iron on, sew on and some that will stand up to washing and some that do not.

[Mary Hammes]

Thanks so much. It probably seemed like a silly question but I've always been tucking behind the stitches and couldn't bring myself to make a knot ut thought I should check first.
I'm really excited about being able to cross-stitch now that I can see my work with my new magnifier.

Have a great day.

[MaggieM1750]

Hello from your neighbor to the west.
I live in Minneapolis.

(where do you buy your stitch supplies? I an in need of a new LNS)

[stitchiemom]

I have also stitched wearable and waahables. Like Rose said I anchor under more stitches or have anchored under 3 the go back under the last stitch I went under and go under another one or two stitches. I have only lost a few stitches on a kitchen towel because they were off by themselves and nowhere to anchor them.