Fabric
EMBROIDERY FABRIC
It has become increasingly difficult to source a good quality fabric for use in surface embroidery. This type of embroidery requires a very close weave fabric to allow placement of the needle. The fabric should have a smooth feel, and should not be confused with the linen used for counted thread work that has a count of 30 – 60 threads per inch, which are produced specifically for counted thread work and are not suitable for needle painting. These fabrics have been researched and sourced from Overseas suppliers and are the only fabrics I can recommend at present.
LINEN FABRIC
Premium quality 100% linen fabric manufactured in Germany on the old style looms is the only linen I can recommend for both needlepainting and whitework embroidery. The cloth feels superb in the hand and the flax fibres are particularly resilient, springing back into place as the needle glides through. The warp and weft threads are evenly spaced which allows for precise stitching and It is sturdy enough to support your stitching without a backing fabric.
The fabric is available for sale in my Etsy shop.
WASHING YOUR LINEN
If you have purchased your linen without a pre-printed outline on it follow these washing instructions:
- Hand wash in fairly hot water with a mild soap powder.
- Rinse in clean hot water at least twice to remove all soap residue.
- Roll up in a clean fluffy towel to remove excess moisture
- Place face down on a towel and iron till dry.
Linen with print. If you have purchsed your linen in a kit with a pre-printed outline some shrinkage may occur so it is not recommended that you wash it as it will distort the printed outline. You can press the linen with a medium iron to remove creases. If you need to wash it after stitching follow the instructions for blocking your embroidery.
CARING FOR YOUR LINEN FABRIC. Click on the picture below to access PDF file.
COTTON MUSLIN FABRIC
Finest quality Southern Belle 100% cotton muslin fabric. This is a fine quality, cream coloured cotton muslin fabric with a 200 thread count and a lovely smooth feel. The warp and weft thread are evenly spaced and closely woven which allows for exact placing of the needle – this is ideal when stitching miniatures where precise stitching is required. The weight is firm enough to use on its own without a backing fabric but could also be used with a backing fabric for heavier stitching.
WASHING YOUR MUSLIN
If you have purchased your muslin without a pre-printed outline on it follow these washing instructions:
- Hand wash in fairly hot water with a mild soap powder.
- Rinse in clean hot water at least twice to remove all soap residue.
- Roll up in a clean fluffy towel to remove excess moisture
- Place face down on a towel and iron till dry.
Muslin with print. If you have purchased your muslin in a kit with a pre-printed outline some shrinkage may occur so it is not recommended that you wash it as it will distort the printed outline. You can iron the muslin with a steam iron to remove creases.
The fabric is available for sale in my Etsy shop.
BLOCKING YOUR EMBROIDERY
There may be times when your embroidery is complete that it needs cleaning, has marks on or has a stubborn hoop mark and you will need to wash it and then block it to restore it to its original shape.
1. Soak your embroidery in tepid water and a mild detergent for about 15 mins.
2. Rinse thoroughly in cold water.
3. Roll the wet piece of fabric in a fluffy towel to remove excess moisture.
4. To block your embroidery:
a) Place your damp fabric on a surface such as cork/foam board – make sure it has a straight edge.
b) Line your embroidery up on the straight edge on one side and place pins all along this edge.
c) Do the same thing on the bottom edge and then both side edges.
d) Leave till it is completely dry.
e) When it is dry remove pins and if necessary press with a medium iron on the wrong side.
5. If your embroidery is dry you can spray it with water when blocking.
THIS IS ONLY RECOMMENDED FOR COLOURFAST THREADS .
