Reminder to Self!

I've just unpicked a cross stitch owl on my current project. I followed the pattern accurately and used the recommended colours but I just didn't like the finished result! You'd think I'd have learnt by now! 

It got me thinking about some rules to ensure that I don't waste any more time unpicking my stitching. No stitching effort should ever be wasted! 

Rule 1: Choose the pattern carefully

There is nothing worse than spending hours stitching something to find out that you dislike the result. If you have doubts about a pattern or a colour scheme - don't sew it! Go with your gut! 

The chances are that if you have doubts going in, you won't like the end result.

Rule 2: Choose the right material 

You've chosen the pattern and accepted (or tweaked the colour scheme to your liking). How do you choose the right material? 

Consider what are you making and your ability level. Are you going to sew on paper, plastic, aida, linen or other? Which do you prefer? What does the designer recommend? What 'look' are you after? 

Many cross stitch books helpfully show the same pattern on linen and aida, making the choice much easier. 

If you are trying a material for the first time, choose a small design!

Rule 3: Count everything at least twice!

Most patterns mark the centre so that you can easily count out from the middle to the end of the stitching.  

Find the centre of the material. The easiest way to do this, unless you are using paper, is to fold the material in half and then into quarters. Finger press the folds and then when you unfold the material you'll see the centre. 

Count once, insert pin to mark the last stitch in the pattern in all directions. Then, count again!

Make sure that the pattern comfortably fits on your material - don't forget to leave enough fabric around the pattern to permit edging and finishing. 

Rule 4: Preparation is everything

Stop the edges of linen and aida from fraying by blanket stitching. It is a bit of a chore but it ensures a good strong edge that can withstand handling and washing. 

I always use a cotton that is the same colour as the fabric  and blanket stitch over two squares rather than one. It is almost invisible when done. 

Make sure that you have the coloured threads that you need and the right size needle. Get your threads organised and ready on numbered bobbins or a thread organiser. This is especially important if you are using a number of similar shades or creating colours by using different coloured threads together. 

One of the easiest and quickest ways to create a thread organiser is to take a strip of card and make holes in the card, one hole for each colour. Put the thread through the hole and draw the symbol for that colour next to the hole. Errors are now much less likely! 

If, like me, you prefer to use a frame, attach your material to your frame.

Start from the centre and work outwards. 

Don't start your sewing with a knot. Master the loop start. There are plenty of great video tutorials out there!  

Rule 5: Don't allow stitching to become a chore

The moment that you begin to make more errors than correct stitches or you find yourself getting annoyed with threads that keep knotting, take a break! 

Stitching should be enjoyable and not a chore!