AboutAngela Expertise I have 22+ years of cross stitching experience, which includes stitching on Aida, evenweave linen, vinyl canvas, and have stitched a design on a cotton t-shirt using waste canvas. I have also worked with beads and blending filament in quite a few projects. I have made many projects which include cross stitched mugs, a keychain, pictures, magnets, and the cotton t-shirt.
I can answer questions pertaining to preparing and cleaning fabric,
preparing clothing for stitching, how many threads to be used on which Aida
cloth, and will try to help you to the best of my ability with other
questions you may have. I am prompt in my responses and usually answer
within 24 hours from when you ask your question. I look forward to helping you. :)
Question Hi my name is Amanda and I've been cross stitching for about 6 years. I found a pattern that I love, but it is a pattern for a center section of an afghan. The actual pattern is the Sweet Dreams (PM60) Precious Moments pattern. I would like to stitch it for an 8x10 or 11x13 framed piece for a Christmas gift for someone. Do you know of any tricks to shrink a pattern to fit on something smaller? Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated! I love this pattern and this is practically a crisis!! Thank you!
Amanda
Answer Hello, Amanda :)
You can stitch the pattern onto a smaller fabric size. For instance, you can try stitching it onto 18 count Aida, instead of 14 count. It'll make the stitches just a bit smaller, and hopefully it'll fit into that size of frame that you are thinking about.
In order to do this BEFORE you stitch the design, I would suggest marking the exact design size square on the 18 count Aida with pins, and then place the frame minus the mat overtop of the pins, and make sure that the edges are even in the frame's opening. You can also try that with 14 count Aida, too, and see if it too will fit within the frame opening.
IF it works on the 18 count, then proceed with stitching the design. :)
I hope that helps, and makes sense to you. :) Good luck, and happy stitching!
