#aprilaskthemaker

Stitching without a frame: I don’t do it very often - only when the piece of fabric is too small or I’ve packed in a rush and forgotten one! I hold the fabric tightly in my left hand, stretched between my thumb/4th finger and pointer/middle. . Warning: It can lead to hand cramps! . . . #aprilaskthemaker #fangirlstitches #handmade #crossstitch #howto #howtocrossstitch https://www.instagram.com/p/ByekRZXnYI4/?igshid=ls0ez4pyz0b

Today’s #AprilAskTheMaker comes from @hhack402 on Instagram: how do you stop the edges of your fabric from fraying? . Answer: there’s a couple of different techniques that people use. If I’m stitching a large piece, like to see around the edges of the fabric - overlock or running stitch it’s a sewing machine. I’ve also taped around the edges with masking tape or other fabric tape. . However on my smaller pieces I don’t usually do anything - mostly because I’m lazy! 😄 . I’m away in Melbourne this weekend so can’t take any photos, but I found a great photo blog at https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/edge-finishes-for-embroidery-fabrics-1177465 . Have a question? Ask away! . #fangirlstitches #handmade #askamaker #crossstitch #aida https://www.instagram.com/fangirlstitches/p/BweabGglXzy/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1usnbmznko4ds

#AprilAskTheMaker. This is a question I get asked a lot, particularly when talking to people about #threadcutters. “But what about needles?”. ... Answer: Yes, you can take tapestry needles on planes! I have flown domestically all around Australia, and internationally to (or gone through security in) New Zealand, UK, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Norway, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, Finland to name a few. I have never, ever been asked about my cross stitch needles. They’re not that different to a badge pin to be honest. ... I haven’t flown to the US, so can’t comment on that one, but haven’t heard that it is any different. ... The only thing I have ever had an issue with are my embroidery scissors. I’ve lost several airs because I have forgotten they were on my handbag or project bag. The solution to scissors are thread cutters (pic 3). I have one attached to my key ring now, so don’t need to carry embroidery scissors. We sell thread cutters on Etsy and at conventions if youMre looking for one. ... Knitting needles are a different story and I know people who have lost those. But I don’t knit so 🤷🏻‍♀️😉 ... #fangirlstitches #embroidery #needlework #handmade #travelling #sewinginflight #onboardentertainment ✈️ https://www.instagram.com/fangirlstitches/p/BwAm6nwlBtE/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=i3db2oh1n68g

Today’s #AprilAskTheMaker is brought to you by a 10 year old boy at our stall yesterday. ✂️ ... Answer: they’re scissors. They cut thread. They cut other things too, but specifically they’re designed to cut thread. ... 😂🤦🏻‍♀️😂 ... #thingskidssay #fangirlstitches #scissors #overheard #supernova https://www.instagram.com/fangirlstitches/p/Bv8HIvmlsXU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1l4gnoxt7wx6t

It’s #Supernova Saturday! Drop by our stall in #ArtistAlley for a free #HowToCrossStitch demonstration with @hipsterxstitch! . Lots of live #AprilAskTheMaker moments happening today too. 😄 ... #fangirlstitches #crossstitch #melbournesupanova #melbournenova #melbnova https://www.instagram.com/fangirlstitches/p/Bv5sRIWlGjD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2nc2v4d23p11

Day 6 of #AprilAskTheMaker where we answer your questions! @sarahplayshouse asked: “What does ‘parking’ mean?”: ... Answer: “Parking” refers to storing your threads to the side while stitching. If I’m stitching this way, I like to have each colour on its own needle so I’m not having to re-thread the needle too often! . Some people like to stitch each 10x10 grid square at a time, rather than colour by colour. It’a particularly useful if your pattern has a confetti look (lots of colour changes and shading). Since our patterns tend to be more block colours, it’s not as useful. But it’s a useful trick to know for when you are doing the larger intricate pieces - Heaven And Earth designs spring to mind. ... I’m having a lot of fun answering your questions - keep sending them through! 😀 ... #fangirlstitches #crossstitch #howtostitch #howto #learntocrossstitch #embroidery https://www.instagram.com/fangirlstitches/p/Bv5lu2Jltnv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=154wv25n3iq1k

#AprilAskTheMaker Day 5. In response to the loop start video, Carrissa on Facebook asked: “Dino you have some magic for finishing as well?” ... Answer: No magic, but I do have a couple of tips to help keep things looking neat: . 1. When you finished stitching, push you needle back under your previous stitches - at least 4 or 5, or he whole row if you can. . 2. Where possible, tuck it under stitches of the same colour. This will a) hep it to blend in and b) prevent it being seen from the front of your fabric - particularly important when stitching on white evenweave. If you can’t use similar coloured stitches (maybe there’s not enough of them), always try to tuck dark threads under dark threads. . 3. Snip your thread off close to the fabric. A pair of sharp nosed embroidery scissors works best (I’m sitting in the airport atm so no handy scissors). Snipping close to the fabric limits the chance of stray threads being caught up and making their way to the front of your stitching, as well as keeping the back looking neat and tidy. ... No Day 4 post from me - sleep was more important last night! If you have a question for one of the #FangirlStitches team, pop it in the comments below, tag us with @fangirlstitches, or use #AprilAskTheMaker. ... #crossstitch #crossstitchtips #howto #embroidery #learntostitch https://www.instagram.com/fangirlstitches/p/Bv3WNVJl4vQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=zoaxegorn6wj

Day 2 of #AprilAskTheMaker comes from Jackie on FB (who also suggested the new hashtag): “How do you work out how much thread to include in your kits? ... Answer: Maths!! I sat down one day and worked out how many stitches I could do with one 60cm length of thread (60cm because that was twice around a ruler). Then how much backstitch I could do with one length. I halved that number of stitches (rounded up slightly for easier maths) to make sure the amount of thread would be enough for every stitcher (knowing that my technique may be different to other people’s). ... #PCStitch, the design program we use, calculates the number of stitches for each colour. So using maths I divide and round up, erring on the side of more thread rather than less. ... This is my handy measuring stick. It’s a very scientific device, also know as “the stick with nails in it”. 😂 ... For the mini kits, I stitch them up, work out how much thread I used and double it. ... Thanks for the question Jackie 😀 If you have a question for us, comment below, leave a post on our FB page, or tag us using @fangirlstitches and #AprilAskTheMaker. ... #fangirlstitches #crossstitchkits #behindthescenes https://www.instagram.com/fangirlstitches/p/BvwzEiyAtKm/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=18geggnli1qzv