Best Tips for Storing Your Stitching Projects
Best Tips for Storing Your Stitching Projects
Do you have a number of projects on the go at a time? I know I do. I have a several projects ‘on hold’ while I complete some Christmas cards and tree ornaments. There are some disadvantages of putting away your long term projects, however – not least being that the momentum of my work is lost, and it takes a lot of willpower to get back into the swing of my former projects. Is it the same for you?
There are a number of tips for storing your projects to enable them to remain in the best condition, ready for when you can return to your project with fresh determination:
1. Between your stitching sessions, store your project flat, or better still, rolled up - with your stitching facing outwards. This will prevent your stitches from being crushed or distorted.
2. Keep your project away from direct sunlight. Store it in a pillowcase or large zip-lock bag to keep dust-free. A dry, sealed container will prevent visits from moths.
3. If you use an embroidery hoop, remove your project from the hoop between stitching sessions. If you use a tapestry frame, then either loosen its side bars or remove the bars completely. You can roll your stitching around the rollers during storage. Never fold your project. This may leave creases that are difficult to remove.
4. Never leave a steel needle in your work. Any moisture will cause the needle to rust, and this will stain the fabric. Either use gold-plated needles, or park your needles at the edge of your stitching.
5. Store every item you need for your project in one place. Keeping threads separately - or the chart (pattern) - in a separate drawer may result in confusion or loss.
If you store your project well, then it will be a delight to return to.
Happy Stitching!
Iona
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Katriel Costello 01.13.09 at 2:25 pm
Hello Iona,
I hope you don’t mind me getting in touch, I’ve been reading your fabulous blog.
Would you be interested in giving your opinion for a feature we’re running in Cross Stitch Gold magazine? We would just need a nice quote and a hi-res image of yourself. Our subject is:
What is THE essential cross stitch tool, in your opinion? Chart markers? Scissors for unpicking? Or something more unusual? What can’t you live without?
It would be great to hear from you,
Best wishes,
Katriel
carmie 04.01.09 at 7:57 am
Great ideas!
Miracle- 07.11.09 at 8:49 am
hi cuomtuor,
i want learn to website for cross stitches did want love did learm more for more better
Loretta 07.14.09 at 1:07 am
My dad is a plumber and years ago, he gave me a piece of PVC pipe with two caps on it that I roll larger pieces to store them. I have two velcro straps that hold it in the corner of the closet, out of the way.
I keep the supplies for projects in those zippered bags that linens come in when you buy them and they all go in a big square basket.
It would be great to actually finish a long-term project, though!
Loretta 08.30.09 at 9:15 pm
I’m a project roller upper person, I roll it up in a tissue paper, then put that in the acid free project bags…. well for longer term storage. For short term on the go I throw all the stuff in the acid free project bag and throw that in my tote bag and off I go!
image stitching 10.23.09 at 9:57 am
Great tips!! Thanks!!