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Hey guys, hope I chose the right section - tips and tricks is what I'm looking for really! I have never done larger projects, just card sized ones and I was wondering if there's anything I should do. For example, should I dampen and iron the fabric beforehand to get the creases out? Any partcular way I should be stitching it? I don't use hoops, or Q-Snaps or frames.

How would YOU stitch this design - basically? XD

Please?



P.S. Am I also allowed to post my progress in the stitch-a-long section?

I would say that there's not really a difference between how you work a card-sized project and how you work a bigger one. There are just more stitches!

I've never bothered with ironing the fabric beforehand but you'll probably find that others on here do.

Also I use a wooden hoop but I know there are others who "stitch in hand" even on large projects.

And I always start from the middle of the design and work my way out but I know that others (especially those doing Heaven and Earth Designs) start from the top left or the bottom right.

This thread might help: http://www.crossstitchforum.com/viewtop ... f=3&t=1043

Flo

Yes, I like to iron out creases in fabric before working on it. If its fabric I bought off the shelf, not in a kit, I will sometimes wash and iron first. Who knows how long its been there, or how many people have touched it with dirty hands. So I wash it in the kitchen sink and iron. And if your working on aida, washing will take out some of its stiffness (some people like that, I don't)

Then when its dry- on this, I would find my center lines and work out from there. That way you know you're centered on your fabric. If its evenweave I edge it too- I don't bother on aida. (I just use narrow masking tape.. bad habit but its so fast and I don't have a sewing machine to quickly run around the edges)

Theres some debate.. and all personal choice.. when you get to the black/greys and white parts. Which one to do first. Because white will fuzz into your black, or your black will fuzz into your whites. Personally, I do black first so my whites stay 'crisper' but who knows if it makes a difference- it could be all mental. Theres no rule and the next person may do their whites first.

Well there are no secrets to stitching big,medium or little. They are all stitched the same one stitch at a time. Do whatever you are most comfortable.

Absolutely you are allowed and encouraged to post in the SAL.

The smallest hoop I'll use is 10", so if it's too small to fit in that, I do it in hand. I tend not to bother ironing until I am done with a project. I haven't ever bothered to wash any of my pieces as I keep my hands real clean while I work on it and keep it covered when I'm not working on it. Most of my fabric is bought rolled, so it doesn't come creased up.

How large of fabric will you be using? I've got some patterns that use 30" square fabric.

For large projects, I use a larger Q-Snap (11" square), and a grime guard to hold the excess fabric.

For really large projects, I also roll up the excess fabric in the back and use a hair clip to keep it rolled up.

I don't iron my fabric. I've found that the Q-Snaps remove the wrinkles.

I'd say do it however you feel comfortable and don't be afraid to experiment. I work in hand on everything from large HAEDs (17inch square pieces ) to small card pieces, but there are others on here who prefer to use a hoop or frame for everything. If you don't already have a frame or hoop, then maybe give it a go in hand and see whether you get on with it and you can always get a hoop/q-snap etc if you feel that would be easier.

On starting, see what the instructions say (most suggest starting in the middle and mark the middle of the pattern for this purpose), and give that a go. I don't grid either, but there are various threads discussing gridding which some people find helpful. If you do decide to start from a corner however, do make sure you leave enough allowance on your fabric for finishing. It's usually recommended to leave at least 3 inches from the edge of your stitching to the edge of the fabric for framing (just check that your whole design fits on the fabric before starting 3 inches in from one corner).