Crafty Threads 'n' Yarns

sandrab · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 5:51 am Post subject: Help needed please

I'd really like to have a go at tapestry/cross stitch and fancy making a cushion. Have seen some really nice Vervaco geometric patterns and would like to have a go.

However, I've never done any tapestry or cross stitch and don't know where to start. Is there an online tutorial anywhere that would give me tips, ie how to get started, etc? I understand the basics of the cross stitch, but what do I do to start, how do I finish off a strand of wool, etc etc?

Ideally would like to have a good look at how to do it before I buy a kit as otherwise suspect I will be wasting my money and never get the thing finished Confused

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Sandra

chrissy · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 7:09 am Post subject:

All kits come with very good instructions, as for starting and finishing, for both you leave a longish tail at the start and weave it in the back and the same with finishing, just weave it along the back stitches, it is really easy, the thing with both is wether or not to go with counted or printed, I find that counted gives a better finish and a more accurate picture but it involves some concentration.

You may be aswell starting with something like a little card kit of something. they hardly cost anything and will help you decide if you want to do a bigger project or not
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craftybernie · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 7:35 am Post subject:

Bothy Threads is a great shop and I have purchased kits before. Any needlepoint kit is pricy but at least you get what you need in a pre-packed format. Once you get the hang of it you can invest in your own threads, pieces of Aida, and charts or books to create your own designs.

Perhaps you should start on a little card kit like Chrissy suggests - you will have everything you need for one project and that way your investment is minimal.

I think I've actually got some spare Aida and embroidery threads in my cross stitch box somewhere so I could probably put together a small project for you to try. If you're up for it let me know.

I'm probably re-inventing the wheel here so just ignore the following if you are already familiar with it:

ANCHOR THE THREAD

When it comes to cross stitch (embroidery), you want to keep the bulk at the back of your work to a minimum so knots are a no no.

My favourite method is to take a length of embroidery thread or floss and separate out one strand. Double the strand over and thread the needle. Poke the needle into your Aida (or Evenweave, Linen etc) from the back to the front and gently pull the thread through, leaving the loop and about 1cm at the back of the work.

Poke the needle into the front of the fabric, passing through to the back, and pass it through the loop of the doubled/folded thread. Pull gently to tighten and this will anchor your thread to the canvas without leaving a bulky knot at the back.

This is actually quite a useful way to start sewing with any thread, no matter what the sewing project, where you don't want a knot.

Bernie
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Auntie Noo · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 8:05 am Post subject:

Bernie that is clever. I bought a tiny little kit at the Sandown craft show in January. It was only about £5, had all the threads and basic instructions and a chart to follow. (didn't have good tips like Bernie's there, but I guess those are the things you learn along the way) it's another nice relaxing hobby, but I do find it needs a bit of conentration to follow the chart so it's not always a practical thing to do!
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Claire

RavelryID:~ Auntienoo

sandrab · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 8:07 am Post subject:

ClaireUK · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 9:20 am Post subject:

Sandra, when you get the little kit, if you want to pop over one evening I can sit with you while you get started etc and be on hand while you learn. I love tapestry, cross-stitch etc - its very addictive.

Claire UK
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Lord - please keep Your arm around my shoulders and Your hand over my mouth!!

Piglottie · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 10:40 am Post subject:

I use the same method as Bernie to anchor the threads. It works really well and provides a neat, tidy finish.

Sandra - if you need anything else, I have loads of cross stitch things that were kindly given to me by a lovely old lady who could no longer stitch due to her eyesight. If Bernie hasn't got what you need or you need anything else, pm me and I will see what I can find. Smile

You could also pic up a cross stitch magazine which usually have instructions printed in the back and have a lot of free charts, and sometimes free kits as well.
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craftybernie · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 11:48 am Post subject:

I tend to only work on small designs now as I find it all too small, my eyes get sore and ultimately I end up with a headache. Steven bought me a standing daylight lamp with magnifying glass a few years ago for Christmas, and it's fab - exceptI can't use the magnifying glass as it makes me feel sick! What a nuisance I am!!! Very Happy

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sandrab · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 5:44 pm Post subject:

Many many thanks to the lovely Bernie for the cross stitch kit she's sent me today. Can't wait to get started now - will post some piccies when I've finished Very Happy

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Sandra