 | To prevent fabric from fraying when stitching is completed - use iron on interfacing before cutting to final size and mounting into fridge magnets, coasters, bookmarks etc. |
| Storing - Save large peices getting dirty, wind fabric around the empty tube centre from foil/cling film then store back in the original foil/cling film box (Do remove the serrated edge from the box!) |
| Before cutting out to begin your project, steam press fabric to remove any creases. Stubborn creases are nigh on impossible to remove once they have been stitched over. |
| If using coloured fabric, wash and press it BEFORE stitching to test for colour fastness. |
| When stitching on bold coloured fabric, improve coverage/appearance by using one extra strand of thread for stitching then recommended. |
| If stitching a lot of small projects for cards and fundraising items, stitch them all onto one large piece of fabric to reduce fabric wastage. (You will need to spend some time working out the best way to fit them all in, allowing enough space between each one for mounting and making up; then simply divide up each area with lines of tacking stitches) |
| Cut fabric economically to avoid wastage. |
| Fabrics which fray easily should have the edges overcast |
| Other methods of binding edges - zigzag stitch, oversewing and masking tape. |
| Never leave your needle in your fabric between stitching sessions. Even the best quality needles could rust in time and mark work permanently |
| Always buy the best quality fabric you can afford |
| Changing the colour of the fabric will alter the way thread colours blend together - hold the threads next to the fabric in good daylight to ensure they work together before you begin your work! |
| Use coloured fabrics as a background for your design ie use green for garden designs, blue for sea/sky designs. |
| Use a hoop - gives an even tension and speeds up stitching |
| Stitch on evenweave if your chart has a number of fractional stitches - makes them easier to stitch |
| To help keep your place and avoid miscounting, mark fabric into 10x10 squares with either tacking stitches or a water soluble pen and ruler. |
| Dark fabric? - lay a white towel across your lap, this will show through the holes as you stitch. |
| Leftovers? - Make into coasters, keyrings, fridge magnets, gift tags |