Expert: Angela - 10/2/2002

Question
When using waste canvas on a relatively fine fabric (linen) do the stitches look "loose" after the canvas threads are pulled?  Also, is it possible to use waste canvas for a repeating design that would cover, for example, the entire front of a dress?  The project in question is a dalmatic to match a chasuble our priest brought back from Jerusalem that was stitched on evenweave linen.  I can't find a source to buy evenweave by the yard and am trying to find a way to get the job done some other way!  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hello, Marion. :)

First of all, I haven't tried doing a project using waste canvas on a fine fabric as I've only tried it on a little girl's t-shirt, which is a cotton material, and fairly stretchy.  I would imagine that as long as you keep your tension fairly taught and even, there shouldn't be any problems.

With regards to finding the evenweave fabric in bulk, you might want to look in either Michaels or Hobby Lobby as I know that they sell bolts of Aida cloth and evenweave (the last time I was at Hobby Lobby they did).  As long as your repeating project doesn't include quarter stitches, you shouldn't have a problem with stitching it.  Just remember when you're stitching the design to not get the needle stuck between the threads of the waste canvas otherwise when it comes to pulling out the waste canvas strands, you'll find that you won't be able to pull out a strand as it's "anchored" down with your project, which will result in a mess.

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

Sincerely,
Angela