Anchor the design to the card
for pricking with 2 fine pins (or needles) - one placed top, bottom, through pricking design
holes - don't pin anywhere that doesn't show a
dot!!! Otherwise you will be left with extra
unused holes when the card is finished. Do your
pricking in good light - it's easy to prick off-sides if
you can't see well!
Check that you have pricked all the holes by holding the design and card
(gripped together) up to the light - the un-pricked holes will show up as
much darker. Our translucent pricking mats make this even easier.
The needle provided with kits is a Size 10 Crewel
- you may find it hard to thread, but this size was
chosen for a reason - it grips the thread gently, so the
thread is less likely to slip out. Nibble
the tip of the thread between your front teeth to
flatten it and you will find it goes through
easier. Don't pull the needle more than
3" onto the thread when using metallic threads, as the
spot where it bends will sometimes develop an exposed
section which shows when you use the last bit of thread.
When stitching
Spirals, enlarge the centre hole with a
slightly larger pin to allow for the extra number of
threads which will pass through the hole. Although
the instructions with the kits indicate one should
stitch from the centre to the outer edge, with metallics
one can lay them more neatly by coming out on the outer
edge and going back in at the centre.
The needle should come through on the outside of a
curve of Cross-over
Stitch to keep a neat look.
If you stitch through more than one hole before pulling the thread through, the threads start to twist as you work,
the double grip of the card on the thread tending
to force the thread to twist. So, It is best to pull the thread through
completely with each stitch.
Also, occasionally hold the card up and allow the thread and
needle to swing free - stroke gently down the
thread to help any twists to unravel.
To make it easier to thread a needle with metallic/combined thread that
frays out, cut a small square of masking tape, lay the thread on it, fold
and press it down then trim it to a point. Feed it through the needle,
the masking tape will pass through without any trouble.
If a pricked hole is badly off line and there is enough
room to prick a new hole without straying into the old
one, close up the old one by rubbing with the flat of
your nail on the WRONG side of the card.
If you should tear through a hole by mistake, remove the
thread, rub gently as above and place a tiny square of
masking tape over the back, then gently re-stitch, being
careful not to pull the thread too roughly.
NOTE: New customers receive a printout
of a collection of hints, tips and ideas and free motifs
from our past newsletters with the first order.
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