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Cross Stitch/Preparing Aida

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Expert: Angela - 1/30/2002


Question
How do I prepare rough-cut Aida cloth for cross-stitching? The edges are not straight and I intend to use blanket stitches to create a border. Should I start stitching first and trim the excess cloth off the edges later? Thank you for your help!

Answer
Hello, Jean. :)

You can even out the edges of the Aida cloth if you wanted to.  Typically, I don't because all of my finished pieces are framed.  However, since you'll be using blanket stitches the edges will need to be evened out first.  Once you've done, that I would use a fine coating of Fray Check or Stop Fray along the very edges so that your edges don't fray.  Since I've never used blanket stitches on any of my projects, I'm not sure how well those stitches will cover the Stop Fray.  Please allow the Stop Fray to completely dry before stitching.

I hope this has helped you. :)  Good luck and happy stitching. :)

Sincerely,
Angela :)

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Angela

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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. :)

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