Needle confusion
Q
I get totally confused
about the size of needle
I need for the fabric I’m
stitching on. Is there a simple
rule for choosing the needles?
Pauline Meadows, Cambridge.A
Fiona: The general rule
is that the higher the
count of the fabric, the
thinner the needle should be.
If you have mixed sizes and
you’re not sure which size to
choose, just make sure it passes
through the holes comfortably
without distorting the fabric.
The needles used most often
for cross stitch are 24 (for
14-count aida and
28-count evenweave)
and 26 (for 16-count
aida and 32-count
evenweave). They're
also available in
sizes 20, 22 and
28, with size 20 the
thickest and 28 the
thinnest. To buy a
John James pebble
(JJP19884, £1.70)
with six cross stitch
needles ranging from
18 to 24, go to http://www.
mariescrossstitch.co.uk.Easy rider!
Q
My grandson will be
taking his moped exam
in a couple of months.
The bike is already in my shed,
ready to go. I'd like to stitch him
a card for the day (and add a bit
of petrol money) – are there any
charts or kits featuring mopeds?
Jill Lewis, GuildfordA
Jo: If you go to our
website http://www.gathered.
how and click on 'Charts
and Patterns', you'll find lots of
free charts. This set of designs
by Jane Prutton includes a
fantastic moped card. They're
free to download when you
register and log in. You’ll
also find hints and tips,
competitions, and much
more – it’s a fab website
for all stitchers!I’m just a bit concerned that the
egg will show through the fabric
and I have no idea how to make
them smooth and neat-looking.
Gemma Parnell, Liverpool
A
Heather: You will need
to cut a piece of fabric
a good few centimetresbigger than half of the egg.
Choose an evenweave fabric
rather than aida, as it's more
flexible. Stitch a simple design
in the centre of the fabric – a
little chick, bunny or flower
would look good. You could do
the same for the other side of
the egg, or if time is short, just
use the same evenweave
unstitched. When you’ve
finished stitching, wash
and dry the fabric and
press on the wrong
side. To attach the
fabric to the egg,
stick rustproof pins
through the fabric
into the egg – you
will need to slightly
stretch the fabric in
place and also pleat
it a little. Do the same
on the other side,
and trim the excess
fabric. When you’re
happy that it’s nice and smooth,
spread a tiny amount of PVA
glue over the pin heads, but
don’t remove the pins. Leave to
dry, then attach ribbon or braid
all around the join with a tiny
bit more glue. Add a loop to the
top and a little bow, and they’re
ready for the Easter tree! For
readers who would like to try
this, you can buy polystyrene
eggs from http://www.amazon.co.uk
- there are lots of sizes, prices
and quantities to choose from.
Tighten up
Q
I have a roller frame and
I’m finding it difficult to
tighten the wing nuts.
I have to get my daughter to do
it and she’s not always around!
Should I give up and change to
a Q-Snap frame?
Joy Darling, Milton KeynesA
Fiona: First of all it would
be worth trying a tiny
bit of WD40. Make sure
the wing nuts are dry before
they go anywhere near your
fabric. They should be mucheasier to turn
when they are
clean and have a
little lubrication. If
this doesn’t work,
you could buy a
Twizzler, which
is a wooden
handle that fits
over the wing
nut and makes
it much easier to
turn. It’s suitable to use with all
rotating frames and stands and
is fantastic for a roller frame. To
buy the Twizzler for £2.85 go to
http://www.lovecrafts.com.Q
Where do I buy glasses
with little lights in? I
saw someone wearing
them on a TV programme and
thought they were so practical.
Do they fit prescription glasses
or are they clear glass?
Peggy Carr, KentA
Jo: They’re not
prescription or clear
glasses – they are
actually magnification glasses
with the added bonus of the
little LED lights each side
of the lenses. They are ideal
for wearing when you’re
stitching, as they provide
daylight-quality light which
is so handy for when we havegloomy evenings! There are
three different magnification
strengths to choose from and
four different colours – glitzy
pink, tortoiseshell, dusky
pink and black. To buy these
glasses for £14.99 a pair, go
to http://www.foresight-led.co.uk or
call free on 0800 228 9745.SHINE A LIGHT
Your questions answered
Polystyrene eggs can be
covered with Easter motifs to
make sweet decorations
Choose from four free bike-themed
cards at http://www.gathered.howAlways make sure your
cross stitch needles
are bluntOrder these glasses and
get free delivery!The Twizzler is
a must-have for
those stubborn
wing nuts