Expert: Angela - 7/14/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi! I design and stitch my own alphabet patterns for use as blocks in quilted baby blankets.  My mother used to do this also.  I found a sample of hers in the attic a few days ago and the cloth is what I want mine to be.  I use Aida - have tried many different brands.  I have used linen and have thought about switching to waste cloth and stitching onto a square of blanket fabric.  I don't mind the look of Aida even in something lower like 16, but the quality is what I'm having problems with.  Sometimes the cloth seems over-starched, sometimes sections are not true but you can't tell until you've stitched up a crooked piece.  Mostly, the cloth feels terrible. Plus, I have trouble making stitches lie flat well and have to choose between the "holes" left by using only 2 strands of a dark floss or the "bumps" left by 3 strands.  Ultimately, I use 2 because I can add to cover white "holes" but the bumps look so unprofessional to me - I use standard DMC floss so the sheen makes them stand out.  The cloth my mother used is not linen (we're pretty sure)- it is basically 2.5-3 times as thick as the Aida I have today. Because it's so thick it didn't need to be stabilized by chemicals for stitching.  It wasn't starched at all and my mother remembers that she never stitched on starched cloth.  She only remembers buying Aida - in fact it was the only term from cross stitching that she knew.  I don't know if this is just a modern quality/cost issue like paper used for books today which is so much thinner and less glossy than in her day or if I'm not looking for the right thing.  I'm willing to pay and with the internet I'm sure I could buy it but I don't know what to call it.  Hoping you can help me.  Also, if you have tips for keeping my floss strands flat and even, please share them.  I'm not a great cross stitcher and I do no other work with it than my alphabet blocks.  I try to keep the thread untwisted and use lengths that will not roll on themselves. I've tried using double-eyed needles. I've asked some people at my local stores about using something on the floss -like the way I use beeswax for quilting but no one had any suggestions for flattening. I'm sure its my technique so anything you can tell me about that or the cloth is MUCH appreciated.  Thanks for taking the time to read this (and to be on here at all).  It's so nice to be able to put these questions out and get advice on anything you need.  Thanks again. Mena

ANSWER: Hello, Mena :)

First of all, as far as fabric goes, have you tried buy a yard of Aida from a bolt, or do you typically buy them in the packages already precut?  There is a softer Aida, and I THINK you can get them by the yard or meter, or however much you want.

I've worked with both soft and starched Aida, and even with the starched Aida, it'll soften.  I've never done anything like you have, though, as I'm the type that prefers a large or small piece for a picture.

I'm not sure if waste canvas would work for what you're doing, however, you can always experiment with it and see how it turns out.  I've used waste canvas before mainly for stitching on to wearable items (ie. t-shirts and sweatshirts).

As far as the thread is concerned, try separating the strands, and then putting 2 or 3 of them together again.  That may help in keeping the stitches laying more uniform.  I've also heard of using bees wax to get them to lay flat, but have never tried that technique. :)  I also prefer, and use DMC floss, as well.

I hope that I've given you some insight as to your fabric and thread concerns.

Feel free to contact me again in the future if you have any other questions. :)  Good luck, and happy stitching!

Sincerely,

Angela

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your insight. I usually separate the strands like you mentioned, but I also tend to keep most on small floss cards.  Do you hang your floss with weights in the shower room before using?  I do this for all my knitting but never thought of doing it for floss.  Perhaps I should keep floss in a different itemizer?

Yet, another question:
If I can't find the softer, thicker cloth I'm looking for, what is your recommendation for cleaning the typical starched aida? I haven't worried about cleaning in the past - I prewash the blanket material but not anything in the stitched alphabet blocks. I was always producing these for friends who I knew were going to wall hang the blankets and use them only for rare occasions like baptisms.  Now I'm offering these blankets for sale professionally so even though I think they'll be used in the same way, I'd like to provide accurate cleaning instructions.  Do you think I can offer anything more than "spot clean only"?  If not, do you recommend a particular product for spot cleaning?  

Again, I REALLY appreciate your help. It's part of what makes it possible for me to take the leap into a business setting.
Mena

Answer
Hello, Mena :)

I don't use weights at all, and don't hang my thread.  The only thing I do is while I'm stitching, I allow the needle to drop and untwist the thread on occasion.

As far as cleaning the fabric is concerned, here's what I do:

1. In a clean sink, fill it about 1/3 to ½ of the way with cool water; add a small amount of dishwashing liquid.

2. Place project into the water, and gently swish it around to loosen any soiling.  Allow to sit for about 15 minutes.  After 15 minutes, gently swish around again.  If soiling remains, use a clean, brand new tooth brush and gently scrub the soiled areas clean.

3. Rinse the project under cool water until water runs clear.

4. Place project onto a clean, dry towel, and roll project into the towel.  Gently squeeze project to remove any excess water.

5. With an iron preset to 3 (cotton), with steam, place project onto ironing board, and iron on the wrong side to remove the wrinkles.

6. Either lay flat, or hang to dry.

I hope that helps.  Good luck with your business venture. :)

Sincerely,

Angela