How should I anchor my floss at the beginning?

Though some people will tell you otherwise, never use knots in needlework. It tends to cause a bulge on the front of the fabric when the piece is mounted. To start, hold the end of the floss on the reverse side and stitch over it with the first couple stitches. To finish off a strand run the needle under a few stitches on the back. Avoid anchoring colored threads under white threads since the color tends to show through to the front. Trim the tails.

The technique I use is one that I learned from my aunt. Start by separating one long strand of floss and doubling it over on itself so it forms a loop at one end. Thread the two raw ends through the needle. Begin by taking your needle up through the fabric. Make your first stitch, and go down through the fabric. Take your needle through the loop. The thread is now anchored securely, and looks neater on the back.

I have finished a piece of cross-stitch work and now I cannot get the creases from the hoop out. I do not need to wash it how can I get them out?

You can damped it and iron it, BUT the floss colors might run beads might melt or the crease might not come out all together. Before trying this be sure to take some strands of floss and put them on a sample of the cloth and dampen them to see if the color runs. When you iron, use a cool iron on the back of the design, and put a towel on both sides, never put an iron directly on the stitches! Alternatively you could go to your dry cleaners and ask them if them could help with a light steam iron, but know if the colors can run.

The best way to get them out is to avoid getting them in the first place. I would suggest that you take the fabric out of the hoop every time you stop sewing, and move it to a slightly different place each time. Another option is to place a piece of plastic wrap between the top hoop and the fabric before stitching. Then all you just cut out a hole for stitching. This keeps the hoop from touching the fabric.

3. Can you tell me what is the best way to clean the finished product? Is it dry clean or hand wash? Or not clean at all?

You should always wash your finished piece because even if it doesn’t look dirty, it will have some dirt on it and the oils left by your hands will attract more. You should also never iron your needlework before it’s been cleans since, like a dryer, it will make the dirt and oils permanent.

I suggest washing with a gentle soap like ivory or baby shampoo, though I feel the best choice is Orvus quilt soap. It’s non-abrasive and free of harsh chemicals, which makes it perfect for needlework. I don’t suggest Woolite since it contains bleach. Use cool water and let your piece soak for 5-10 minutes, and then gently suds the piece. Rinse it by dipping it in cool clean water. If any of the colors begin to bleed, continue rinsing until the water remains clear. When it’s completely rinsed lay the piece flat on a towel and gently roll it up. This will blot up the extra moisture. NEVER wring or twist your needlework!!

The next step is ironing. First, place your needlework face down on a dry towel and place another thinner towel or press fabric on the other side. Putting a towel underneath helps keep the stitches from getting flattened. Be sure to use a dry iron that’s set on the appropriate fabric setting. Let the piece fully cool before moving.

After this first washing, the floss and fabric should be color fast and you shouldn’t have any other problems washing it.

I hope these hits help make your needlework projects even better!

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