Table Runners/Bread Cloths

[AnimaValida]

I need some help here. I've never worked on table runners or bread cloths, but I thought they'd make good Christmas gifts, so I'm starting to look into them. It's more difficult than I expected. So I have a few questions - if you can answer any or all of them, I'd REALLY appreciate it!!

(1) I can't find patterns! I don't use stamped fabric, but that seems to be all that's out there. I was hoping that one of you guys could recommend a magazine or something?

(2) Prefinished cloth - how do I find it? Again, all I've been able to find so far is pre-stamped.

(3) Do you put something over the back when you finish it?

(4) How difficult/time consuming is it to pick up? I consider myself a moderately experienced stitcher, but all I've ever done is to be put in a frame, not for practical use. It sems different to me somehow.

Any other advice/experiences? Thanks everybody!!!

[Rose]

I have seen many patterns for bread clothes when I googled this was just one site that came up. It has both the books and if you scroll down it sells the clothe also

http://www.ericas.com/xstitch/towels/index.htm" target="_blank

Yoou could also choose to use regular cloth and cross stitch with waste fabric. That is what I would do. I is very easy to use and comes in many sizes.

As for difficulty no different then any other cross stitching it will depend on the pattern and the number of colors.

I hope I have helped a bit.

[AnimaValida]

Thanks Rose! I now know where to buy the fabric! Now I just need to find some patterns... Some of the pattern books have pictures of the brad cloths with a fabric backing on them... would that mean that there are instructions in the book about how to do that in addition to the patterns? Does anybody have any patterns you'd like to sell/trade/lend?

[Serinde]

Here are some that are relatively simple to stitch , but you could personalise: http://www.primitive-stitches.com//cata ... ategory=15" target="_blank" target="_blank

Leisure Arts seems to do leaflets of designs, too. And this might be useful for how to make them up: http://www.essortment.com/food/makebreadcloth_tujm.htm" target="_blank

[Busy_B]

I'm pretty sure I have a free pattern I picked up several years ago that is a Christmas design. If you're interested, I'll pull it out tomorrow (can't do it right now because craft closet is back by kids' rooms and they're trying to go to sleep) and post a pic of the finished design. I'd be happy to send it to you if you are interested.

[AnimaValida]

Thanks BusyB! I'm very interested!

[Raven]

(1) I can't find patterns! I don't use stamped fabric, but that seems to be all that's out there. I was hoping that one of you guys could recommend a magazine or something?

**This blog MY Aunt's Attic has a lot of patterns that can easily be used for table cloths etc. http://myauntsattic.web-log.nl/myauntsattic/" target="_blank

**These are older patterns that the author found hand written in her aunt's attic and had them digitized and put on the web under a creative commons license. Many of the charts will easily lend themselves to linens by simply repeating the pattern for the length of the table linen.

**Hershnerr's also has some patterns.

(2) Prefinished cloth - how do I find it? Again, all I've been able to find so far is pre-stamped.


**I get a catalog from herrschners and they always have fabrics, prefinished, for table cloths, pillow cases, bread cloths, napkins etc. as well as patterns. Check out their site they may have what you are looking for. http://www.herrschners.com/depts/id-1081.html" target="_blank

**You can possibly find premade breadcloths and such from Charlescraft http://www.charlescraft.com/shoppingcar ... tegories=7" target="_blank , Wichelt Importers http://www.wichelt.com/" target="_blank

(3) Do you put something over the back when you finish it?

**That is personal preference but you do not have to. It was reccomended to me to use a bargello type stitch to tie the threads off to make them real secure for a piece that is to be washed and handled often, and to use the loop method to start each color if possible for the same reason.

(4) How difficult/time consuming is it to pick up? I consider myself a moderately experienced stitcher, but all I've ever done is to be put in a frame, not for practical use. It sems different to me somehow.

**I would have to say that it depends on how complicated a design you do, and how large the linens are. I've done some pillow case edges, napkins, place mats, bibs, and towels. It is a little different because the fabric feels different. But otherwise the stitching is the same.

Any other advice/experiences? Thanks everybody!!!

**The only thing I can think of is to be careful how you start and finish threads to ensure they will be tied down well. Sliding the end of the thread under one or two stitches won't be enough. Usually what I do is slide it under a few stitches in one row, then slide it under a few more in the next row going in the opposite direction to ensure the thread is well anchored. On a piece that is going to be handled a lot and washed, anchoring the thread becomes more important.

Raven

[AnimaValida]

Thank you Raven! Loads of help!

[Busy_B]

Amanda,
Here's the promised pics of the patterns I have. I'm sorry if the pics aren't the best. Just let me know if you want either one of them or both!

This one is a Snowflake Bread Cover pattern. It is done in 3 colors of blue plus gold, but it would look wonderful in any color. There are french knots (quite a few). The instructions say that the design works in 2 or 4 corners and you can use either prefinged breadcover or 18" x 18" fabric.


This one is actually a Christmas placemat pattern, but I can see where parts of it can be taken off to do bread cloths or table runners. Even if you just wanted to use either the snowflakes or candy canes for your design. The full design on this one is 9" x 13" on 14 ct aida.


I've had these patterns for years and have never really considered using them. Our craft stores used to have free patterns sitting out all the time so I always picked them up whether I thought I'd do them or not. Let me know if you're interested at all. If not, that's fine too! I hope you find what you're looking for.

Barb

[Rose]

I see a Snowman how very cute!!!!!!!!

[Serinde]

[sammy_v]

[Busy_B]

Amanda,

Have you found a pattern that will work for your projects yet? I just wanted to check since I hadn't heard whether or not you were interested in the ones I have.

Barb

[AnimaValida]

I'm so sorry! I thought I had responded - things are really slipping through this week.

Anyways, I can't do a french knot for anything, so I ordered a booklet from Leisure Arts for holiday Bread Covers. We'll see how it goes! I'm kinda counting on these to be my holiday presents and I dont have a plan B so wish me luck!

Right now I'm trying to find someone that has a sewing machine and knows how to sew so I can have backings put on when I'm done. Hey, anyone want to make some easy cash for the holidays?

[Krissy]

Good luck with them!!

I would do it for you for nothing BUT, my mom didn't give me the cords and instruction booklet when she gave me my sewing machine and there's also the fact that I'm not very good at it. I'm going to have her do my stockings.

[AnimaValida]

I need a mother with a sewing machine! Although my mom has the uniquely awesome craft of basket weaving... how cool is that? But it still leaves me without a sewing machine... ugh.

[Busy_B]

I'm so sorry! I thought I had responded - things are really slipping through this week.

Anyways, I can't do a french knot for anything, so I ordered a booklet from Leisure Arts for holiday Bread Covers. We'll see how it goes! I'm kinda counting on these to be my holiday presents and I dont have a plan B so wish me luck!

Right now I'm trying to find someone that has a sewing machine and knows how to sew so I can have backings put on when I'm done. Hey, anyone want to make some easy cash for the holidays?

Don't worry about it! I had kind of forgotten about it until I was putting a new pattern in my binder and saw them. Sorry they won't work for you! Hope the book works out well!! I'm sure you'll figure something out!