From the article: Tips About Stitching on Dark Cross Stitch Fabric
Have you stitched on dark fabric? Got any great secrets for success with dark blue and black Aida and linen fabric? Add your tips for stitching on dark fabric below. Share Your Tips / Tricks
Backlight
- I use a backlight for stitching on dark fabric. I have a desk dedicated to needlework, and I place a little lamp under the table. It illuminates the fabric from behind and all the holes are visible. Light from the front did not work so well, and I fidget a lot. This method lets me fidget all I want, haha
- —Guest Shal
Stitching on Dark Fabric
- Don't do it! is my only bit of advice. I stitched "Max's Moon" many, many years ago. It was the first and last time I stitched on dark fabric.
- —Guest xstitch2832
Working with Dark fabric
- Working on dark fabric using the white pillow case with pillow in it, is great.. But, I also get up and down. so I put a 8x10 piece of printer paper between my pinky and ring finger.
- —Guest Shirley Tener
Stitching on Black Aida
- Some of you probably know that I love to stitch on dark fabric. I use a lamp over each shoulder (I stitch with both hands so need two to block out shadows regardless of which hand I use) and usually stitch in the evening. If I stitch on a sunny day I close the blinds as the light from the windows is coming from in front of me and makes the squares very hard to see against the bright windows. Kind of like when you try to watch TV while facing into the sun or try to see someone's face when they are sitting in front of a brightly lit window.I see that several people mentioned using something light colored in their lap when they stitch. I've tried it but it didn't really help. First of all I can't sit still enough to keep anything on my lap and secondly the holes in the fabric are usually too small to see through to what is behind it anyway. Maybe a lap light box would be more helpful. Of course mine would be on the floor when I wiggled too much!
- —7greenbean
Stitchin on Dark Fabric
- I put my white pillowcased bed pillow on my lap and find it much easier to see the holes. Also a nice place to rest my work and arms as I stitch.
- —Guest Annie
White Light
- I have a Verilux floor lamp that provides a more natural, daylight type-light than typical reading lamps. That makes it easier for me.
- —Guest Judy
Daisy's Black Fabric Tip
- I always use a white piece of paper on my lap with my overhead lamp, I can see the holes and don't have any problems. Hope this helps.
- —Guest Karen Barnwell
Stitching on Black Fabric
- I stitched a colorful pastel pillow top on black Aida, and it certainly is more difficult to see with the dark background. It's perhaps even more difficult when you need reading glasses for close work, as I do. What worked best for me was to stitch in fairly bright natural light and take my time. I didn't rush through the project, but worked on it steadily under I was finally done. With other craft projects I've done, I have noticed that a strong natural light seems to work better for me than working under artificial light, but I probably didn't have the proper artificial lighting.
- —Guest Eva
I LOVE The Look!
- I actually do what you recommend, so I don't have any other tips on actually doing the stitching, but I have to say that I LOVE the look of bright colors on dark blue fabric. I tend to choose the brightest yellows, oranges,and reds I can find (with a few other colors as accents) and the effect is stunning. Thanks for offering us all help with creating this amazing look!
- —Guest Elizabeth
Stitch in Natural Sunlight
- I think it's easiest to see the weave when I stitch in natural light. In the summertime, it's really pleasant to sit outside with my cross stitch. In the winter, I try to sit by the window when I'm working with difficult-to-see fabric.
- —Guest Sandra
Head Torch
- I use a head torch - admittedly it gives family and friends no end of amusement seeing me sat there looking like a miner - however it works really well for me! The bright light and the angle really helps me pick up hard to find stitches!
- —Rubber_Stamping
