How to Cross Stitch on Linen
Special Linen (Single Weave Fabrics) Instructions
©Copyright Ginnie Thompson
YOU WILL LOVE WORKING ON LINEN! In the natural progression
of cross stitching, you may have begun on an evenweave cotton
fabric where one “square” on the cloth was equal to
one stitch. A first project may have been a tiny flower or heart.
Next, most stitchers experience a period in which sayings are
popular, each done with a particular person in mind. Then, we
go on to projects both useful and beautiful; pillows, clothing
accents, birth and wedding samplers, etc.
Then—LINEN! This is the stuff heirlooms are made of. Linen
is durable; it has a strength that will outlast cotton. It allows
greater flexibility of design. It launders and becomes more beautiful
each time. And it is the best; elegant and traditional.
Tips for Stitching on Linen
RAVELING
Use one strand of a light color to whip the edges of the fabric
to prevent raveling.
HOOPLESS STITCHING
Cross stitch on linen does not require an embroidery hoop. Instead,
the hand is held in a relaxed position with the thumb and forefinger
grasping the cloth and the little finger anchoring it. On a tiny
piece of fabric, it may be necessary to anchor with the ring finger.
However, do not sew with the fabric wrapped over one finger—this
may distort the stitches.
KNOTLESS WASTE KNOT
Start with a knotless waste knot. This means to leave the tail
of the thread on top of the fabric, up and out of the way. When
the thread is finished, work it under stitches on the back, either
in the direction of the stitches or vertically. Then rethread
the original tail and work it under stitches on the back in the
same way.
THE FIRST STITCH
The first stitch and all subsequent
regular stitches should begin at a VERTICAL thread. Why?
The vertical threads (shaded area on left) act as little goal
posts holding up the under-stitch. At the intersection where the
vertical thread lays on top of the horizontal thread, start at
the lower left hole.
Starting at a vertical thread acts as an early warning system, also. Should a regular stitch suddenly begin at a horizontal thread, it is a sign that threads have been counted incorrectly.
SEWING MOTION
A sewing stitch, one scooping movement
in and out, is used with linen. Stitches should be neither loose
and sloppy nor so tight that the spaces between the linen threads
are enlarged. If light can be seen across the top of a row of
stitches, the tension is too tight. Correct tension results in
flat stitches that do not distort the background weave.
Do the bottom stitches first, then cross back.
The reverse side will be vertical
lines.
180 DEGREES
It is very helpful sometimes to turn your work upside down (180
degrees), turning the chart as well, but never turn the work only
halfway around (90 degrees). This causes the direction of the
top stitch to change, disrupting the texture of the finished piece.
LAUNDERING
Launder your needlework only if it has become soiled. If it is
clean, lay it face down on a terry cloth towel on the ironing
board and wet it with a sprayer or a damp cloth, then iron dry.
This allows the linen to shrink slightly, making the stitches
stand up beautifully. If soap is required, hand wash with mild
soap in cold water. Rinse thoroughly, handling the fabric gently;
roll it in a towel and gently squeeze out excess moisture, then
iron dry face down on a terry cloth towel.
MOUNTING
Mount your finished needlework as you would mount cotton fabrics.
You’ll discover as you explore the world of linen stitching
that linen is extremely versatile and can be finished in a variety
of ways other than framing.
