AboutHenry Babcock Expertise I learned needlepoint from my grandmother over 30 years ago. I can answer most questions on the subject. I know about producing needlepoint as well as cleaning, repairing and restoring.
Question I recently purchased 5 small needlepoint alphabet canvases which spell out my granddaughter's name. I would like to link them together to make a long "bolster type" pillow for her bed. There is plenty of blank canvas on the side. How do I go about connecting them? Thanks
Answer Karen,
There are two ways you can go about joining the canvases together.
1. Over lay raw edges by placing one piece upon another, matching 5-8 threads. Baste together with large Cross Stitches of sewing thread. Stitch the needlepoint threads through both layers as if they were one. This makes a good, strong junction, but if you are working Continental or Basketweave in a light color, the join will be subtly visible. Use a textured stitch or a medium to dark color and the join will be less visible.
2. Splice the raw edges. Unravel 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch on the double or mono-floating canvas to be attached. Use a crochet hook, or large needle, to pull each fringed thread through its corresponding hole in the other canvas. Weave threads through the back of completed stitching or, if none is nearby, leave them on back to be caught by subsequent stitching (this can be a bit confusing). Baste both canvas layers together, matching meshes wherever possible. Stitch needlepoint threads through both layers as if they were one. Spliced joins are smoother and less conspicuous than overlays and are just as strong. However, they are time consuming.
