Embroidery
1
One square on the chart on
page 63 represents one cross
stitch. The accompanying colour
key indicates which thread is
represented by the coloured
squares in the graph.2
Use two strands of cotton for
working the cross stitches;
stitch over one Aida fabric
square. Use three strands of
cotton for the French knots.3
To begin and end a thread,
don’t use a knot as this may
leave a ridge in the fabric.
Begin by bringing the needle up
through the fabric and leaving
a tail approximately 2cm (^33 ⁄ 4 in)
long at the back of the fabric.
Stitch over the tail with your
fi rst few stitches to secure it.
To end a thread, pass the needle
and thread under a few stitches
on the back of the work and
clip the ends closely.4
To avoid distorting your
stitches, use a ‘stick and
stab’ method of stitching. Push
the needle up from the back of
the fabric and pull the thread
straight up. Then push the
needle down through the fabric
and pull the thread straight
down, maintaining an eventension. Working with the
fabric in an embroidery hoop
or frame will help keep the
tension even. Remove your
work from the hoop when you’re
not working on it to avoid
creating creases that may
be diffi cult to remove.5
Don’t carry threads across
the back of your work when
moving from one area to another
as they may show through
on the front once your piece
is fi nished.6
It’s a good idea to wash
the project when you’ve
completed the stitching to
remove any dirty marks and
skin oils. Use lukewarm water
and pure soap and swish the
fabric through the sudsy water
without rubbing it. Rinse it
thoroughly in cold water and roll
it up gently in a clean towel to
remove most of the water.7
Place the work wrong side
down on a fl uffy white towel.
Place another towel over the
top of the embroidery and with
the iron switched to a warm
setting, press the embroidery
lightly so as not to fl atten the
stitches. Allow it to fi nish
drying naturally.Step 1164 Homespun