Crossstitchforum - A FREE forum for Cross Stitchers

I always manage to lose squares on a pattern due to creases on the paper.
How do you store or protect your patterns from damage? My current pattern is on four A4 pages.

I keep mine in the pocket-style page protectors that you can get from most stationary shops. I take out the page I am working on and mark it off as I go.

I have the same problem, hence I make copies and work from those, leaving the original pristine. I often end up using 2 copies before I'm done. I also sticky tape over the parts where a natural fold will arise so it holds up better (I use that tape that you can write on so I can still mark off).

I too make a working copy, especially because I sometimes fold my pattern to exactly the column I am working on. I find that if I am parking it is much better if I am not tempted to stray into the adjacent column to pop in "just one stitch".

I do a working copy as well

I have a working copy as well - and I keep the whole chart in a plastic folder (the ones with the press stud) and take out the page I need and put it on a clip board with several magnetic strips on it, which keeps it flat and protects it pretty well while you are actively working on it.

I shade in pencil the stitches I have already done, and sometimes colour in one symbol, whereever it comes up so I can find it easier on a black and white chart.

Niki x

I am also a fan of making working copies, I find it much easier to mark of my work as i go so I usually make at least one copy if not two

I learned the hard way on my first project where I made the mistake of working from the original. I still have it, with its gridding, and the folds so worn that I could only guess what went where.

I am lucky now that hubby has access to a large format copier, so I can get a full size copy of the original which I grid, and then I copy pages from that.

On my current project I am very tempted to cut up my working copy into small squares and pin to a corner of my work. Its amazing how having a leg in plaster makes everything so awkward.

But the basic answer is definitely never work from the original chart, always make a copy or 3. Its perfectly legal to use a working copy as long as you don't pass it on separately from the original.

Ruthi wrote:On my current project I am very tempted to cut up my working copy into small squares and pin to a corner of my work. Its amazing how having a leg in plaster makes everything so awkward.

Since the project I'm working on is pretty big and I have the scroll frame/lap stand over me when I stitch, I use 2 magnets to attach my pattern to the fabric. It makes it easy to use, and also gives me some place to put my needle and threader.