Advice on alternative to waste canvas?

[Sheepish]

First off, hi everyone, new gal here! I've been a long time lurker, and finally decided to join in order to pick your collective brain.

I'm contemplating embarking on an ENORMOUS project in the hopefully not-so-distant future, specifically: I want to cross stitch a very ambitious pattern onto a blanket (sort of a quilt) using waste canvas. The issue is that it will have to be at least 28ct if not smaller, or the thing will be ridiculously huge (like it isn't already). I've heard of people using linen instead of waste canvas. Does anyone have experience with this? Also, I'm wondering what the best fabric is to stitch onto?

Don't want to reveal my scheme until it's well underway, in case the whole thing doesn't work out. But any and all advice would be appreciated.

Edit: 31 views and no opinions?

[Laialda]

*whistles* 28 count on fabric? That is ambitious.

The only recommendation I have is to stitch straight onto the fabric like you're doing stamped cross stitch. It will involve a lot more prep work since you'll have to put the 'x' marks on yourself, but I think it would pay off in the end. If the image is one large chunk, I'd lay the 28 count over it and use a felt tip marker to mark the corners on to the fabric, and then use a ruler to connect them all. Make sure the marker you use is washable though so the 'x' marks come out. The stamped cross-stitch method is what I was using for a quilt, but I bought the kit that way. Still, the results were nice so I know the theory is sound. ^_^

Hope this helps!

[Sheepish]

*whistles* 28 count on fabric? That is ambitious.

The only recommendation I have is to stitch straight onto the fabric like you're doing stamped cross stitch. It will involve a lot more prep work since you'll have to put the 'x' marks on yourself, but I think it would pay off in the end. If the image is one large chunk, I'd lay the 28 count over it and use a felt tip marker to mark the corners on to the fabric, and then use a ruler to connect them all. Make sure the marker you use is washable though so the 'x' marks come out. The stamped cross-stitch method is what I was using for a quilt, but I bought the kit that way. Still, the results were nice so I know the theory is sound. ^_^

Hope this helps!

Thanks so much! I hadn't even thought of stitching directly onto the fabric, but I think that ultimately, the prep work would be much easier than trying to remove so much waste canvas after the fact.

[Laialda]

Oh definitely. How many stitches is the piece you're looking to make? Or is it a surprise? ^_~

If you have any questions or need help feel free to pm me. I check this site if not once a day, then at least 2-3 times a week, and I'd be happy to share any advice I may have.

[Ellentje]

Another option could be using the soluble canvas that I know DMC sells. You just attach it on your fabric and stitch through them both. Then when you're done you put the whole thing in water for a while and the canvas dissolves, leaving you with just the stitching on the fabric.
The only problem is that I don't think they have it in 28-count..

[Sheepish]

Oh definitely. How many stitches is the piece you're looking to make? Or is it a surprise? ^_~

If you have any questions or need help feel free to pm me. I check this site if not once a day, then at least 2-3 times a week, and I'd be happy to share any advice I may have.

I'm not actually sure how many stitches total. 1621 x 2026, but it isn't one big solid square. Thanks so much!

BTW, I've never stitched onto regular fabric before. What works/holds up best?

[Laialda]

BTW, I've never stitched onto regular fabric before. What works/holds up best?

As in what type of fabric? The quilt I was working on was just regular cotton, but as long as it's got a decent thread count just about any everyday one should be fine. If you're looking to work with something a little more fragile (say satin) you'll just want to be careful when you stretch it tight to work with so you don't get a run in the fabric is all.

Since your piece sounds like it'll be a big one, I recommend working with a scroll frame if possible. A hoop one can distort your stitches when you move it, though ideally you'd use a quilting frame (and I know that's not the right word for it). It's basically a square frame with adjustable sides with fabric attached to it so you can first set the size, and then pin the piece you're working with in place to the frame. Except for the hazard of poking yourself with a needle often, it works great. ^_^