Expert: Angela - 9/3/2009

Question
I am currently stitching a receiving blanket for my soon tobe here niece(Nov).  I would like to put a short border on at least 1 corner and put her name in the corner-  my question is how do I get it all centered from the corner without it being lop-sided.

HELP!!
thanks, Lisa

Answer
Hello, Lisa

I'm not sure if the material that you'll be stitching on is an Aida-type material, or what.  If you're stitching onto straight cotton (the kind that you would use a sewing machine for and make clothes out of), I would recomment using waste canvas, as that'll allow you to cross stitch onto anything, despite the material.

1.  Get a piece of waste canvas (this can be purchased at Hobby Lobby or Michaels), and place it where you want to begin your stitching.

2.  Next, secure it in place with pins, then baste it in place along the edges, but not close where the canvas may unravel.  Remove pins.

3.  On the waste canvas, you'll need to count up from the corner to where you want to begin.  For instance, when I stitch onto a breadcloth, I normally count from the exact corner, and go up diagonally about 6 spaces then begin my corner there.  NOTE:  BE SURE TO NOT STITCH THROUGH THE THREADS OF THE WASTE CANVAS AS IT'LL MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO REMOVE THE THREADS AFTER YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR STITCHING.

4.  Find the corner of the border of the design that you chose, and then begin stitching.

5.  Once complete, take a wet cloth (cold water), and then moisten the waste canvas (including the stitched area).  Once completely dampened, take a pair of tweezers, and then begin removing the waste canvas threads one by one.  You will need to hold down the canvas in order to pull the thread through.

6. Once all of the threads have been removed, simply iron the project on the wrong (back) side.  Allow to air dry.

I hope that helps.  Good luck, and happy stitching!

Sincerely,

Angela :)