I've been cross stitching since the fall. I've worked on two projects. However, I've managed to "pull" both of them slanting to the right; that is, instead of being rectangular, they're more of a parallelogram.
What am I doing do cause this?
More warp zone
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Wolfix
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Re: More warp zone
Do you use a frame or a hoop to stitch? It may just be the way you are holding the pieces while stitching or it could be, if you're using a frame, that you're stitching or securing the fabric onto the frame unevenly... I have experienced this with my frame but I'm not too worried as long as the stitches are in the right place and not too tight.
Nevertheless, any skewiff pieces should stretch out into a better shape after washing. Remember that if you're using aida and normal floss it's all just cotton and can be manipulated just like any cotton garment.
Hope this helps! Anyone have anything else to add?
Nevertheless, any skewiff pieces should stretch out into a better shape after washing. Remember that if you're using aida and normal floss it's all just cotton and can be manipulated just like any cotton garment.
Hope this helps! Anyone have anything else to add?
Fish, fish, my only wish!
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residentgeek
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Re: More warp zone
My pieces tend to warp when I pull the stitches too tight. Especially if I'm not using a hoop or frame to hold the fabric tight while I stitch. I'm working on a set of towels right now and have to be very conscious of not pulling the stitches tight so that the fabric won't bunch or pull.
You might try making your stitches more loose and see if that helps. Or post a pic of something that's warped and I'm sure someone can tell you what's going on.
You might try making your stitches more loose and see if that helps. Or post a pic of something that's warped and I'm sure someone can tell you what's going on.
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cyrusthethird
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Re: More warp zone
My first project I stitched in the hand. My current project I have in a frame, but I've had difficulties making it actually tight, so it's closer to being in the hand.
Here are pictures from my first project. The first picture is from when it was completed. The second picture, which I include because of its better quality, is just before I stuffed it to become a pillow. (Thankfully, its warped-ness was less noticeable once pillowized.)
Here are pictures from my first project. The first picture is from when it was completed. The second picture, which I include because of its better quality, is just before I stuffed it to become a pillow. (Thankfully, its warped-ness was less noticeable once pillowized.)
Spoiler
Spoiler
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Wolfix
- Rank 3 - Star Mario
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Re: More warp zone
Well, that's a tough one! I guess you're using a lot of excess fabric if you're turning it under into a pillow... This could cause problems when trying to use a frame, but the scroll-type frames can cope with excess fabric by rolling it up at either end (just not top and bottom). Maybe it's worth making your pillows another way like using applique to attach the cross stitch once it's complete.
I would recommend the scrolling lap frames to keep your work straight - machine stitch the aida on as straight as possible and you won't get any warp... I don't know enough about fabric to know why it warps like that but perhaps your stitches are a bit tight and this is puckering the fabric. If you always stitch in the same direction that tension may just be warping the fabric over time. For this reason you might try stitching from the centre out to both sides with the fabric the same way up so that the tension is evenly pulled outwards.
Good luck!
I would recommend the scrolling lap frames to keep your work straight - machine stitch the aida on as straight as possible and you won't get any warp... I don't know enough about fabric to know why it warps like that but perhaps your stitches are a bit tight and this is puckering the fabric. If you always stitch in the same direction that tension may just be warping the fabric over time. For this reason you might try stitching from the centre out to both sides with the fabric the same way up so that the tension is evenly pulled outwards.
Good luck!
Fish, fish, my only wish!
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johloh
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Re: More warp zone
I dont think its the frame...I've used both frame and no frame and never had warping.
my guess is youre pulling too hard on each stitch, and if you look at how you pull (to the left or right) youll probably see that its warping it in that direction.
you really only need the gentlest tug on each stitch, it doesnt need to be "tight" at all.
my guess is youre pulling too hard on each stitch, and if you look at how you pull (to the left or right) youll probably see that its warping it in that direction.
you really only need the gentlest tug on each stitch, it doesnt need to be "tight" at all.
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Toiya55
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Re: More warp zone
I personally use a Q-Snap frame and just take extra care that the cloth is lined up right on all four sides. It is really nice because it keeps it taut in all directions instead of top and bottom like a scroll frame (Not dissing scroll frames! I have a few of those too 
) I had an issue with the stitches being warped like that on a project I just finished and I just got some sticky board from the craft store to mount the work on and stretched it to be squared up again before pressing it completely down on the board. I'm not sure what to do with the pillow one though except to just make sure you aren't pulling tight (which I admit I tend to do toward the edges of the fabric since it gets looser).
Just had a random brainstorm while typing this, and please anyone correct me if it is just silly
but for a project that has a full background like this (so the entire stitched area is "squared" if that makes sense) would doing the outside border first and working in possibly help with the warping? Especially one that has more of a solid color background like this one? It may only sound feasible because it is 3:30 a.m. and I'm already half asleep lol. 
) I had an issue with the stitches being warped like that on a project I just finished and I just got some sticky board from the craft store to mount the work on and stretched it to be squared up again before pressing it completely down on the board. I'm not sure what to do with the pillow one though except to just make sure you aren't pulling tight (which I admit I tend to do toward the edges of the fabric since it gets looser).Just had a random brainstorm while typing this, and please anyone correct me if it is just silly
but for a project that has a full background like this (so the entire stitched area is "squared" if that makes sense) would doing the outside border first and working in possibly help with the warping? Especially one that has more of a solid color background like this one? It may only sound feasible because it is 3:30 a.m. and I'm already half asleep lol.