FAQ

Counted Cross Stitch
Using a simple cross stitch on an even weave ground fabric, a design is stitched onto a blank piece of fabric with stranded cotton thread, working from a graph. Each thread colour is depicted on the graph with a different symbol.
Printed Counted Cross Stitch
The design is printed onto the fabric in full colour, and using a graph you stitch only selected areas of the design.
Stamped Cross Stitch
The design is marked with crosses on a light coloured fabric which is usually a polycotton blend. You stitch over the crosses with a simple cross stitch, using a graph to differentiate the colours.
Needlepoint/Tapestry
Needlepoint and Tapestry are one and the same, and the terms simply refer to embroidery on canvas. Our needlepoint kits generally involve only a few simple embroidery stitches worked on a canvas on which the design is printed in full colour. Occasionally a kit may not have pre-printed canvas and is counted from a graph. Needlepoint may be worked with wool, acrylic yarn or stranded cotton thread.
Long Stitch
This is a quick craft in which the design is printed in outline on canvas. Using long parallel stitches you fill in the spaces with wool or acrylic yarn.
Latch Hook
Worked on large mesh canvas (usually 3 to 5 holes to the inch) with a latch hook. In most kits the design is printed in colour on the cavans, but occasionally it is counted from a graph. Kits include pre-cut yarn, either acrylic or wool.

All counted needlework is worked on an evenweave fabric. An evenweave fabric has evenly spaced horizontal and vertical threads.

Aida Fabric is an evenweave ideal for counted cross stitch. This firm cotton fabric is woven to produce blocks of threads with holes between, and it is worked with one stitch over one square. Our kits usually use 14-, 16- or 18 count Aida.

Linen may have a weave that is either even or uneven, however, linens in our kits Will always be an evenweave. Like Aida they have evenly spaced threads, but these threads might not all be the same thickness. This natural fibre is softer than Aida and is harder to work with. The count is higher, usually between 18- and 36-count, and stitching is worked across two holes.

Evenweave Sometimes we may describe a fabric as “evenweave”. This describes a fabric that is much softer than Aida, and is often a blend of fibres. It is generally a higher count from 28-count, and like linens worked across two threads.

Here are some tips on caring for your needlework…
• Naturals oils in your skin will mark fabric, so always wash your hands before you start stitching and wash them regularly while you stitch.
• Do not bleach or dry clean your finished work.
• Handwash in lukewarm water with a mild dishwashing detergent. Do not use cleaners intended for fine washables or woollens.
• Wash the whole fabric, not just soiled areas.
• Don’t rub or twist the stitching.
• Rinse with clean, lukewarm water until the water runs clear
• Don’t wring out the fabric, but roll it in a dry towel to absorb the water
• Dry flat on a clean towel (preferably white)
• Iron face down on a towel with the iron on ‘cotton’ setting
• If the colour runs while you are washing your project, don’t let it dry. Rinse and soak it in cold water, and keep repeating the process until the bleeding has disappeared and the water rinses clear. This process may take a long time. • If you notice bleeding on a dry piece of needlework lay it in a sink and just cover it with cold water. Cover it with a layer of ice, and let it soak without scrubbing. Replace the water and ice as required, and be patient, as this process might takes days

Our kits come from many different manufacturers and threads may be prepared in various ways. Some kits have the thread already sorted onto cards, so most of the work is already done for you. Even in this instance though, we recommend you carefully match up you cards with your legend before you start, and make sure you are absolutely sure which thread relates to which symbol. If it isn’t already printed on the cards, we suggest you draw the symbol on yourself.

If your kit includes the thread in bundles, here’s how we recommend you approach sorting:
• Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before you begin.
• Don’t untie all the bundles at once. Sort one hank at a time.
• Extract the obvious threads first e.g. black and white
• Sort into groups of main colours i.e. find all the blues, all the greens, all the reds etc
• Within each colour group, sort from darkest to lightest. Then match them up with the colour descriptions. A process of elimination often works best.
• Look for clues on the legend. For instance, some manufacturers list how many lengths of each colour they have provided.
• When you have successfully identified a colour tie it on a thread card or wind it onto a bobbin and label it clearly.
• Don’t start stitching until you are satisfied your threads are properly sorted.
• Never despair. You can always call us for advice.

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