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So now that I only have one more Uni exam for the semester and no classes, I actually have time to stitch and write a post here. I have been stitching since I was 12 (9 years) but I feel I have poor technique in a number of areas because I only really received a few hours instruction from my Grandmother, who lives 3 hours away. The rest has been me muddling through myself (It took me several years to realise you are meant to take your stitching out of the hoop in between stitching to prevent marks!)

So, some questions:

What do people do to keep their stitches neat and tidy? My work is a mess at the back. Sometimes my thread gets tangled and I don't realise until a knot has formed at the back, or I've forgotten to anchor a new thread when starting. I've heard 'thread heaven' can help? What is it and can you get it in Australia?

How do people store their WIPs? I pulled one out recently from my parents house only to find (a few years later) the stitches already done had become crushed and flat. Is there a way to avoid this?

What is the thing called where you put the lines onto the fabric first to help keep track of where your stitches go and how do you do it? They look a bit like grid lines?

All right, I think that will start me off.

aussie_stitcher wrote:What is the thing called where you put the lines onto the fabric first to help keep track of where your stitches go and how do you do it? They look a bit like grid lines?

That's called gridding.

aussie_stitcher wrote:What do people do to keep their stitches neat and tidy?

I had this question a while ago (mostly about how to keep thread from tangling) and I've found that taking my time and paying attention to my thread as I go helps me a lot. I've tried to be more conscious of which way I naturally twist my needle, to keep my self from doing it. Also, letting your needle dangle with allow the thread to untwist itself.

aussie_stitcher wrote:I've heard 'thread heaven' can help? What is it and can you get it in Australia?

Thread heaven is something you can put on your thread that will help to keep it straight. Not sure what kind of substance it is exactly as I've never used it. I know there are several places online where you can order it and most cross stitch sites ship internationally, from what I've seen.

aussie_stitcher wrote:How do people store their WIPs? I pulled one out recently from my parents house only to find (a few years later) the stitches already done had become crushed and flat. Is there a way to avoid this?

I've heard people say that crushed stitches will often spring back, especially after washing. I've yet to have this issue, but I expect that's because I've only recently gotten back into stitching.

I hope that helped to clear some things up. I'm still a bit of a newb myself, so I hope I didn't make it more confusing.

My internet is acting up or I would have responded sooner, but verajane has pretty much covered all of your questions with really good answers.

Oh, thanks! I should be able to find it online now I know it's called gridding. I had a look online and ordered some thread heaven from ebay, turns out someone does sell it here and I should have it in a few days!

Hi Aussie Stitcher 8} I'm in Sydney.

Thread Heaven is fabulous, you can get it in Australia but it's 4 x price of overseas.

I generally wait until I have a few items I want and order it from 1-2-3 stitch. (you will find threads, aida, etc much cheaper there - yes postage is nasty but if you have a few items it's well worth it).

Otherwise Victoria House Needlecraft are AWESOME - I get most of my charts, hoops, frames, needles, scissors etc there. They are Aussies and really lovely to deal with for all stitchy needs.

Thread Heaven is like plastic wax and it's used the same way wax is, to smooth and protect threads. I use it on most things and find it terrific, especially for threads that have kinks or are a bit twisted but it's also great for protecting from fluffiness and even general stains from skin grease.

Thanks for those questions and answers. I am a newbie too and though I have been stitching for about 30 years still have a lot to learn.

You can also get Thread Heaven, along with all sorts of other needs from Colours Down Under who are in Perth. Jo is marvellous and has excellent service. I put in an order at lunch time for some Oslo cloth for a friend (an early birthday present for her) and I had an email tonight to say it was in the post. Should be in Melbourne on Monday.

To keep finished stitching crease free and safe I roll them over the cardboard inners from kitchen tidy/lunch wrap rolls. Roll the work stitching side down and then I wrap the whole thing in a tea towel. They keep for years that way.

Where in Aus are you please?

I'm in Canberra. There are some basic craft stores near by, but closest big one is the Spotlight in Queanbeyan NSW, so I tend to order online, or do big shops every now and again. Oh, I'll have a look at Colour Down Under (I like that you can tell it's Aussie because of how colour is spelt!)

What do people do to keep their stitches neat and tidy? My work is a mess at the back. Sometimes my thread gets tangled and I don't realise until a knot has formed at the back, or I've forgotten to anchor a new thread when starting.

I'm not one that concerns myself too much as to what the back looks like. It will get better the more you stitch. It also stays a bit neater if you start and end a stitch in the same spot for each stitch. Wherever that may be.. there's no "right" spot. I start in bottom left and end on the bottom right. I plan a stitch route so I do a line of under stitches, then I come back back to cross. Generally I stitch left to right. When I do that, the back of my piece is essentially lines of ||||. Starting threads with a loop start also helps to keep a tidy back. Google that- lots of diagrams if you don't know what that is.

I let my needle dangle when I notice it twisting. Depending on where a knot is, I'll pick it out, or leave it and secure with other threads later, or with backstitching. I also look around when I am starting or ending a thread for knots.


How do people store their WIPs? I pulled one out recently from my parents house only to find (a few years later) the stitches already done had become crushed and flat. Is there a way to avoid this?
I am bad about this. I'll leave projects on my Q Snap frames all the time. But as others have said, they'll bounce back.

Welcome to the forum and enjoy having stitchy time again.

Ooh, thanks, that loop start looks really helpful...unfortunately my current project uses lots of combined stitches (I'm not sure if that's what they're called, but they use one strand each of two different colours) so I'll save the idea until my next project.

I found this youtube video in case anyone else is looking for a tutorial.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQJgwJGlZjk" target="_blank

you could try the pinhead stitch for starting, I have a project with alot of confetti and I have been using the pinhead stitch alot