Stamped muslin... Can I handle it!?

[RKW]

Hi, I'm new here and looking for a bit of advice.
I've found a cross stitch kit that I would really love to do for my mum. It's stamped muslin and I've only ever used evenweave/ Aida type things (things with big holes!). What is it like stitching on muslin? Do you think I would be able to manage it?
Thanks, Rosie

[rcperryls]

Hi Rosie and welcome to the forum from South Carolina! It's hard to answer your question though if you have had a fair amount of experience with cross stitching, I would think you should be able to manage a stamped pattern. One of the earliest things I ever did was a stamped embroidery piece on a cotton or muslin fabric. I think it was a kit. A copy of a very old sampler from the 1700"s. There may be other embroidery stitches on the piece so you might to check that out. Also if there is any way you could get a small piece of muslin and perhaps try testing out how it feels to work on, you could get an idea of how it feels to stitch that way. ( I haven't stitched anything stamped since then, but I still have it and I think it looks pretty good.) I would use a size 28 or 26 needle since you don't want to leave big holes. I think it is a lovely idea and one I'm sure your mother would appreciate it. I hope that you will stay with us and show us your progress as your work on it.

Carole

[Rose]

I think that if you are able to stitch on evenweave then you should not have much trouble with a stamped kit. If the kit does not come with a needle I would agree with Carole and say to use a 26 or 28 needle.

[lavenderbee]

Hello & welcome from wild & windy North Wales.

I have a stamped kit on muslin put away. Had thought I would practice on a bit that will be cut away when design done just to see how to do it (or not to do it), just to get feel of it. Have 2 more stamped but they are on cotton I think. I will be glad of any advice on muslin x-stitch as well. What subject are you doing?

My stamped kits are hummingbirds & fuchsia, Japanese lady & USA seaside/beach cottage scene.

[RKW]

Thanks so much for your responses, I've taken the plunge and ordered the kit!

It's a sewing room design for my mother who is a seamstress, the walls in her work room are pretty bare at the moment so I thought I'd make something for her. It might be ready for her birthday in 2027...

[lavenderbee]

Glad you ordered the kit. Your mum will love it. Guess you will get it done before the time you said She will really appreciate you doing it just for her to brighten her walls. What a lovely thoughtful thing to do. Look forward to seeing pics of it

[Squirrel]

Hi Rose and Welcome and I am delighted you have ordered the kit. I've watched others at my embroidery group stitching on muslin and they seem to do it with no effort so I am sure you can too. Just take is slow and steady and it will be all finished before you know it.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Sounds like a lovely idea, to stitch it for your mother's bare wall!

This may be a silly question, but I've always thought of muslin as dress material. What is it like when it comes in an emboirdery kit -- non-count, presumably, but how is it different from, say, cotton?

[curly sue]

In the US, muslin is either white or unbleached cotton, most commonly. It's not a particularly fine weave. Someone else probably knows more about it.

[RKW]

I've ordered the kit from the US. I understand that muslin is what we in the UK would call calico (maybe?). Muslins over here is extremely fine material that I have only ever used for straining things in the kitchen!

[lavenderbee]

RKW glad you posted that as mine are from USA & although not undone kits I did look the one which said muslin & it seemed to me it was not the very fine material that I have always though of as muslin. Did not want to undo it until I get to start it. Thought I would not panic until I actually saw the material out of packet! It looks OK & I am sure you will be OK with it once you start. As yours is for your mum I can understand just how much you want it to be perfect while mine is just for us.

[RKW]

The kit has arrived! A little bit overwhelmed so I'll just sort the threads out for now... Starting it can wait until I've had a bit more sleep!

[Rose]

I have confidence that you will be able to do this. Just take it in small steps. Sort/organize is a good first step.

[lavenderbee]

Glad you have got the kit & can see exactly what you have to do. As Rose said - small steps. I am sure you will be fine once you get used to handling the muslin & look forward to photos of how you are doing Anything you are unsure of looks a bit daunting at first but remember it is just x-stitch bug on a different fabric so go girl go albeit slowly

[RKW]

Thanks =) I've started, just done one thread so far but I'm feeling a lot more confident now. It's a bit tricky getting the stitches even but I think I can get them good enough. I'll post a progress photo soon (when my phone decides to cooperate)

[RKW]

[rcperryls]

Great start! I think you are going to be fine with this. Keep posting updates so we can see and encourage your progress!

Carole

[Rose]

Yep looks like a good start!!!!!!!

[lavenderbee]

That's a very good start. I noticed on my kit I can see through packet it has x-s. I thought it would have been stamped with the colour as that is how tapestry kits are done & you just follow the colour of the fabric.

It is very many years since I did stamped cross stitch,1950s I think, & I often ironed transfers on material. Occasionally mum bought a kit ready made from woman's magazine, tablecloth, chair backs etc. for me to x-stitch or embroider for her. Golly it does not seem all those years ago, makes me sound ancient Anyway, keep up the good work, you have made a good start.

[curly sue]

That looks great!

I did one stamped cross stitch in the '70's and it was hard for me to make consistant stitches.