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Part I: Tips & Techniques to Improve Your Stitching

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Jun 12, 2001

I love information! It's fun to learn about a new skill, then learn all the different ways to do that skill. Often, I get a grandiose headache in return for my newfound knowledge, but now and then I am clear-minded enough to try the new techniques out, then come up with my favorite methods. That is what I have done with stitching...I have chosen my favorite methods. Today I thought I would share some of them with you, so that you can try them. After reading this article, please share your favorite tips and techniques!

Thread/Floss Organization:There are many ways to store your floss/thread for a project. You can purchase plastic boxes and organizing bags of many types, or you can try my favorite at-home method: Buy small snack-size Ziploc baggies. Punch a hole in a top corner of each bag and label the floss numbers on the bags with a marker. Fill the bags with the appropriate floss color. Now attach the bags to a metal ring (available at crafts and discount stores). I attach my bags in the order that they are on the chart. Your ring can be hooked over your needlework frame while you stitch and you will enjoy being able to see all the floss colors that you will need to use. When you have leftover floss, just place it in the labeled bag. If you run out of floss, you will be able to easily see which number you need the next time you head to the needlework shop.

Preparing your fabric: After you have bought your linen or Aida, iron it if it is wrinkled, as it often is from the store's shelves or the packaging. Make a zigzag stitch with your sewing machine or by hand over the edges of the fabric so they don't fray, or use masking tape if you prefer. Personally, I like to zigzag the edges with my sewing machine so I can get to my stitching easily. The sewn edges are also less sticky and stiff than taped edges.

Threading your needle: There are several ways to thread that frustrating needle. One of them is to clip the ends of the thread, lick them, then try to get them into the eye of the needle. Another way is to buy a needle threader and use it. But if you don't have a needle threader handy, and you're tired of licking the thread, try this: Fold the floss ends about one inch over the needle's side, put your thumb and pointer finger tight against the floss and needle, then slip your fingers and the thread (still pinched) off of the needle. What you have ended up with is a tight pinch of floss which can more easily be inserted into the needle's eye.

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The copyright of the article Part I: Tips & Techniques to Improve Your Stitching in Needlework is owned by Lori Seaborg. Permission to republish Part I: Tips & Techniques to Improve Your Stitching in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.