TIPS & TRICKS

Let us know if you run into any problems that haven’t been addressed on our site. We’d love to help you through them!

  • As you stitch, the thread will twist itself. Every once in a while, let your needle and thread hang freely to let it unwind.
  • Try not to pull on the fabric or stretch it as you go. You may end up with a warped piece of fabic at the end. Even pressure is ideal.
  • If you want the look to be uber consistent, though try to always have the top stitch be the same stroke (either / or \). This will reflect light consistently on the finished piece and be especially pleasing to the eye.
  • Keep your stitch just shy of taut, gentle tension is best. Ideally, nothing looks loose, but also does not tighten your fabric. A tight stitch can shrink your fabric. We’ve built in a extra row. If your stitch is tight as you learn, you’ll still have enough fabric to fill out your frame.

  • When untying a knot, choose which string to pull on wisely. Like getting out of a pickle in life, it's easy to make it worse before you make it better. Work gently and make it a habit to start your untangling by sticking your needle in the loop and pulling it gently in each direction. If one movement or the other shows give, you’ll be able to untangle quickly.
  • If you cannot get a knot out, do your best to hide it in the back of the canvas and don’t show anybody.

    • *If you pay attention to your knots and mistakes you'll see patterns and ways to make them happen less and less. I've tried to describe the things I've learned, but you'll likely make some of your own knots in new ways. Don't get frustrated, try to learn from them. Or do get frustrated, but still try to enjoy what you learn.