Expert: Angela - 8/24/2007

Question
I am sort of a new cross-stitcher and I have taken on a complicated 11"x18" piece. I am using one of the wooden square mechanisms with the screws to hold my fabric. As I have neared the right edge, I have begun to notice that the stitches are veering off to the right. Somehow, my fabric on the bottom was stretched more than at the top and I now have a sloping pattern instead of a straight edge. Is there anyway to fix this (possible pulling the crooked stitches out) or do I just need to pull it straight when I go to frame it? I have been working on this project for over a year and would hate to start over unless I absolutely have to. HELP!!!!!

Answer
Hello, Maggie :)

First of all, congratulations on getting into cross stitching. :)

It sounds like that you've stretched the material too tightly while you were moving your wooden hoop around for the next position on the project.  I would highly recommend that you use a Q-Snap (square) hoop as this will keep the fabric in better shape, and it won't leave marks on the fabric like the wooden ones do.  Q-Snaps come in various sizes, and they come in 5 pieces (4 pieces go on top of the fabric, and attach to the frame of the hoop).

Try putting your project in some cool water, with a tiny bit of mild detergent, and allow it to soak for about 15 minutes.  Sometimes, washing fabrics can bring them back into shape.

Rinse under cool water to remove the soap, and roll into a towel, pressing gently.  Iron on wrong side with a setting of 3 (cotton), and either hang dry or dry flat.

Also, to prevent your edges from fraying, try using either Fray Check or Stop Fray.  Apply with a thin line along the edge of the fabric.  This will help prevent the fabric from fraying as you're stitching.

Once the fabric has completely dried, continue on with your stitching.  Be sure to NOT pull the fabric too tightly.  It should still have some give to it as you're stitching.

If cleaning the fabric as I've suggested above doesn't work, then I don't know what else to suggest.

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

Sincerely,

Angela :)