Expert: Angela - 8/8/2006

Question
Deat Angelina,

I have been looking for quit a while now for a suitable tableloth that I can stitch my own pattern onto for my in-laws christmas present.  I arent having a lot of luck finding the right size as they have a large dining  room table.  The ones I have found that match the size come pre-printed with a design.

Someone suggested that I buy a pre-finished plain white tablecloth and use waste canvas to put a design onto it, I know that the larger a design the harder it is to remove the canvas but I am sure I can work around this and make my design work.

I was worried about the back of the project, I have heard about interfacing and am a little confused as to if I will need it, I would be grateful for any help.

Michelle Pitter

Answer
Hello, Angelina :)

You CAN use waste canvas for your design.  For you particular pattern, I would suggest using a 14 count waste canvas as this would be about the same as if you were stitching the same design onto a piece of 14 count Aida.  Waste canvas is very easy to use, and the results would be wonderful. :)  To use it, just follow these steps:

1.  Cut a piece of canvas about 4 inches larger on all sides than your actual pattern size.

2.  Place the canvas on the spot where you'd like your design to be, pin it in place first, and then hand baste it to the fabric, all the while removing the pins as your stitching gets close to them.  Be sure to use a knot at the end of your thread.  You may want to also hand baste across the middle and down the middle of the canvas, too, and this will give you your center.

3.  Once you have finished hand basting your canvas to your tablecloth, you then begin your design as you normally would.

NOTE:  DO NOT STITCH BETWEEN THE THREADS OF THE WASTE CANVAS AS THIS WILL ENABLE THE WASTE CANVAS THREADS TO BE REMOVED AT THE END OF STITCHING.  MAKE SURE THAT THE THREADS OF THE FLOSS ARE IN THE HOLES.

4.  Once you have completed your design, get a damp wash cloth and gently press the cloth onto the design.  This will loosen the waste canvas so that you can pull the threads out.  You may want to wet your cloth just a bit more instead of having it damp.  I found this to be easier to remove the threads.

5.  Once the threads and project have been dampened, take a pair of tweezers (they DO work best), and start pulling the threads out one by one.  Be sure to pull the threads out slowly so that it won't ruin your project when you pull them.

6.  Allow to air dry.  If necessary, iron with a setting of 3 on the reverse of the project to remove any wrinkles.

Interfacing would help to stiffen you work, and won't hide the stitching.  If you need to cover the reverse of your work, I would use the same type of material that you have stitched on to do so.  You can use "Ok To Wash It" or similar fabric glue to adhere the piece of fabric onto the back of your tablecloth.  Just be sure to wash the tablecloth in cold water, or follow the fabric glue's manufacturer's instructions about fabric care.

I hope this helps. :)  Good luck, and happy stitching! :)

Sincerely,

Angela :)