When I first started stitching, I had problems with ...
Getting off on a pattern and having to remove stitching.
To Solve / Change This I ...
I learned how to grid off my material in 10 x 10 squares.
First I used a marker designed to wash out of the material, eventually, when I clean the piece.
But that gets expensive...markers cost a little over 2.00 and they only last so long.
So I started gridding off my material by hand with needle and thread.
But that takes a long time.....
So I have gridded off my material on the project I'm doing at this time, on the sewing machine.
Set my stitch length as long as possible to match the holes on the Aida material. Go slow and grid off 10 x 10 squares staying "in line" as much as possible.
I reccommend doing this on a scrap piece of Aida first and see how you do with it and if you like it.
You might prefer the washable marker or the needle and thread by hand methods over the sewing machine.
Whichever method you choose, it should help in keeping you in place on your pattern. I lose my place alot and am always having to pull out stitching.
Tips and Tricks
- While stitching keep your sharp scissors handy and when you get to a line that you have basted into the material, either by machine or hand, just clip it and pull it out. If it's machine basting you'll have to clip the threads above and below the piece.
- Be careful with your scissors and don't get into the material itself.
- I don't think this would work well on linen.
