When you are beginning a cross stitch project one of the first things you must do is prepare the fabric. Preparing the fabric helps to ensure the final product looks as good as possible. It helps to rid the fabric of any wrinkles or creases and generally ensures the fabric is clean and a good working canvas. Preparing cross stitch fabric is not difficult, but it may take a few times for you to be able to do it quickly.
Before preparing your fabric you should make sure your hands are clean. Dirty hands will ruin the fabric. In return ruined fabric will produce a less than desirable end product.
The first step is to cut off any selvage. Selvage is the edge of the fabric that has been prepared so the fabric will not unravel. It is easy to spot because it looks as if the fabric has been pressed or sealed somehow and looks quite different from the general fabric. Now where you have cut off the selvage, tape the fabric with masking tape to prevent unraveling. This may seem strange, but it is important to cut of the selvage because it keeps the fabric from moving freely. Using the masking tape instead keeps the fabric from unraveling but also allows it to move freely.
Now you can put your fabric in a hoop. You should make sure the hoop is clean. Wipe it down with alcohol first to ensure it is clean. A dirty hoop will leave a ring on your project.
Further care is also needed to ensure your fabric stay in good shape. Part of preparation is keeping your fabric stored and clean. You should store the fabric rolled not folded so you can avoid creases. If you need to wash your fabric either before or after you have completed a project you should always do it by hand and use a mild detergent. Avoid wringing or hang drying it as this can cause it to stretch and become misshaped.
Proper preperation of your cross stitch fabric will help you to produce the best quality finished product. Good looking fabric helps make a good looking project.
Before preparing your fabric you should make sure your hands are clean. Dirty hands will ruin the fabric. In return ruined fabric will produce a less than desirable end product.
The first step is to cut off any selvage. Selvage is the edge of the fabric that has been prepared so the fabric will not unravel. It is easy to spot because it looks as if the fabric has been pressed or sealed somehow and looks quite different from the general fabric. Now where you have cut off the selvage, tape the fabric with masking tape to prevent unraveling. This may seem strange, but it is important to cut of the selvage because it keeps the fabric from moving freely. Using the masking tape instead keeps the fabric from unraveling but also allows it to move freely.
Now you can put your fabric in a hoop. You should make sure the hoop is clean. Wipe it down with alcohol first to ensure it is clean. A dirty hoop will leave a ring on your project.
Further care is also needed to ensure your fabric stay in good shape. Part of preparation is keeping your fabric stored and clean. You should store the fabric rolled not folded so you can avoid creases. If you need to wash your fabric either before or after you have completed a project you should always do it by hand and use a mild detergent. Avoid wringing or hang drying it as this can cause it to stretch and become misshaped.
Proper preperation of your cross stitch fabric will help you to produce the best quality finished product. Good looking fabric helps make a good looking project.
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