The Best Way to Prepare Your Cross Stitch Fabric for Stitching
Posted by Tracey Kramer on 22nd Sep 2021
Protecting
the Edges : When I began stitching many years ago,
I used to use masking tape to place around the edges to prevent
fraying. This was quick and easy; however, when the time came to
remove the tape, it ended up creating a sticky residue and even
gentle tugging of the tape caused the fabric to fray and pull
apart. I no longer use that method and simply get my sewing
machine out, set it for zig-zag, and stitch around all edges.
This is a full proof way that not only prevents fraying, but you
do not have to remove the stitching when the time comes to frame
your finished work. This method can be used whether you are
stitching on Aida cloth https://amzn.to/39zbpko or even weave
cloth https://www.herrschners.com/
Is
Prewashing Necessary ?: As far as prewashing, I
don’t think that’s necessary unless you have gotten the fabric
visibly dirty prior to stitching.
Finding
the Center Mark : After you’ve finished your
zig-zag stitching around the edges, if you’re stitching from a
large pattern that is a one-piece sheet instead of a page by
page pattern, you can find the center of the cloth by folding
the cloth in half, and then fold again in half again to form a
quarter piece. Now pinch the corner at the fold hard and then
open the cloth completely. The exact center of the cloth is
now revealed where you pinched it and is the exact center mark
where you would begin stitching. If you would like to see this
technique on video and you would prefer to start stitching
from the center of your fabric like described above, I have a
video I made just for those who like to stitch this way
instead of page by page at
https://www.sunrayscreations.