Stitching with Waste Canvas

[stephaniem]

OK so I have been inspired by all the great cross stitch waste canvas projects I've seen on here and I've ordered some to start working with after I finish my current WIP.

I've been reading as many tutorials online as possible on using waste canvas, but am hoping those of you that have used it in projects before could offer me some tips and tricks? Any how-tos, what to avoid, etc. very welcome!!

[DMLC]

Someone has done up a cross stitch tutorial for clothing here.
http://lugiaspal.deviantart.com/art/X-S ... -117598871

I have only done a small death note L --- some miss stitches... so I'm still learning too!!

[stephaniem]

Thanks so much! Yeah I'm a bit nervous but always up for a challenge!

[Aelys]

I find waste canvas to be really easy to use. Cut the right size, tack it on your t-shirt or whatever you're stitching, and start stitching. When you're done, soak it in water for a few minutes and then start pulling thread by thread with a good pair of tweezers. Keep the waste canvas moist all the time, otherwise the threads will break. In case it happens, start pulling the same thread from the other end and be extra careful. I would recommend starting with small patterns and then moving on to bigger ones. I can't think of anything else right now...

[stephaniem]

I find waste canvas to be really easy to use. Cut the right size, tack it on your t-shirt or whatever you're stitching, and start stitching. When you're done, soak it in water for a few minutes and then start pulling thread by thread with a good pair of tweezers. Keep the waste canvas moist all the time, otherwise the threads will break. In case it happens, start pulling the same thread from the other end and be extra careful. I would recommend starting with small patterns and then moving on to bigger ones. I can't think of anything else right now...

That's really helpful, thanks!

With regards to the thread pulling - do I pull it in the direction of the thread? (i.e. horizontal or vertical axis)

[Turqoizyoshi]

Completly off-topic here, but why call it waste canvas?

[riotpatch]

Completly off-topic here, but why call it waste canvas?

Because you literally throw it out afterwards. =]

[stephaniem]

Completly off-topic here, but why call it waste canvas?

Because you literally throw it out afterwards. =]

Yeah waste canvas is a material you can use as a grid to cross-stitch onto other material surfaces, then you can moisten it and remove the threads afterwards to leave your design on it.

[Aelys]

With regards to the thread pulling - do I pull it in the direction of the thread? (i.e. horizontal or vertical axis)

You'll have to pull both the horizontal and the vertical threads. I would suggest starting from whatever direction has the shortest thread, then moving on to the thread in the other direction. I bet you can find more information on the internet, but it's really intuitive once you're doing it. Plus, I think waste canvas comes with its own directions, unless you buy it in bulk (which I've never heard of). Good luck and post the results!

[stephaniem]

With regards to the thread pulling - do I pull it in the direction of the thread? (i.e. horizontal or vertical axis)

You'll have to pull both the horizontal and the vertical threads. I would suggest starting from whatever direction has the shortest thread, then moving on to the thread in the other direction. I bet you can find more information on the internet, but it's really intuitive once you're doing it. Plus, I think waste canvas comes with its own directions, unless you buy it in bulk (which I've never heard of). Good luck and post the results!

Thanks very much for the help! will do. haven't decided what to stitch on yet!